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Apr 28 2011 16 Comments

A kimono-clad commute

A good few years ago, this kimono-clad old lady would have simply blended into the crowd; her clothing and age making her just like many other people. Now, however, on a platform surrounded by less traditionally dressed travellers, she not only stands out, but somehow looks completely lost. Or, at the very least, lost in time.

Japanese woman in a kimono

Categorized: Culture, Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kat says

    4/28/2011 at 7:07 pm

    What I love about Japan is that it’s still accepted to wear traditional clothes like that. In my country if you go out wearing traditional clothes, you’d get stared and even laughed at.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      4/28/2011 at 10:55 pm

      Yes, it is good that the kimono is still worn. And perhaps even more importantly, appreciated.

      Reply
  2. Andrew J says

    4/28/2011 at 7:30 pm

    Love this photo, especially the contrast between the lady and the young girl in the background.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      4/28/2011 at 10:58 pm

      Thanks Andrew. Must admit, I really like it myself. There is/was something about her, there, on that platform.

      Reply
  3. Jeffrey says

    4/29/2011 at 12:36 am

    The “goggles” and gloves are a great combination, and the cane make her almost Chaplinesque.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      4/30/2011 at 9:52 am

      Yes, it’s an interesting mix, isn’t it?

      Reply
  4. James says

    4/29/2011 at 1:34 pm

    i’m glad her hair isn’t purple as well…

    Reply
  5. Harvey says

    4/30/2011 at 9:00 am

    It blew my mind how much traditional clothes are still worn in India, it’s even more than Japan. You see ladies dressed in Saris -everywhere-. Love it.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      4/30/2011 at 9:54 am

      I can speak for India, but I’m the same with the kimono here. They never fail to fascinate.

      Reply
      • AV says

        5/2/2011 at 4:05 am

        India… japan… traditional clothes…. accepted in both places if deployed by vastly different head-counts, but Japan alone makes a bewildering point: it also has a substantial hand in very, very current fashion. Not that India doesn’t, but it isn’t quite the same. I used to think that the two don’t mix, overlooking the evidence right under everyone’s noses [including mine, of course]! Not that I know how it’s done; ‘guess one needs to have a good ear and be in the right place… [or read the right blog, as it were]

        Reply
  6. Peter Kane says

    4/30/2011 at 9:21 am

    One thing I love about Japan is how the old and the new, east and west are so intertwined. This photo is a perfect example.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      4/30/2011 at 9:55 am

      Yes, it’s an engaging mix, isn’t it? One that seems totally natural too.

      Reply
  7. imjackhandy says

    5/7/2011 at 2:34 am

    I love the expression on her face. I can’t tell if she disapproves of you taking her picture or she’s posing for you.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      5/7/2011 at 10:56 am

      I actually have a photo of her just before this one, when she was looking away, but it doesn’t work as well. When she did see me though, thankfully she didn’t seem to mind at all.

      Reply
  8. Troy Worman says

    5/20/2011 at 4:01 am

    Fabulous!

    Reply
  9. mimi says

    5/29/2011 at 9:56 am

    I love this photo. Really shows how Japan is a nice blend of traditional and modern lifestyle..

    Reply

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