Osaka is a city I have an increasingly strong attachment to, with each and every visit proving rewarding — both personally and photographically. I simply feel at home there in the old and dated areas I frequent. Locations where the residents are, on the whole, lacking in pretence. A trait that publicly at least is often much harder to find in Tokyo.
These then are just a small selection of the photos I took on a recent visit. Brief, generally unguarded scenes, that hopefully highlight more individual moments in a region populated by many millions.
Sean says
Raw and real. Great work my man!
Lee says
Thank you very much. Those words pretty much sum up the area.
Tim says
The grittiness of Osaka makes it so much better than Tokyo. Love Osaka.
Lee says
Yeah, Osaka is a fabulous place. If circumstances were different I could very happily live there.
Arno says
Love the fact you are showing the charming but also gritty side of Japanese cities. Kinda funny to see the grafitti. There was a major Youtube fittie going on between two major Japan-content makers. One kinda stating that due to “the rise” of grafitti on the walls, it was a sign that Japan was going down the drain … *sic*.
john says
A graffiti fittie indeed! It’s due to the graffiti of the current situation.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. I try and show what I see and what feels like everyday life.
Ah yeah, I saw a bit of that bust up. There has been graffiti here for years, so hardly something new. The only new thing I suppose is people making a big deal out of it!
Linda says
From what I’ve been reading about Osaka lately, I’m afraid that it’s good that you’re on the case documenting it before everything interesting disappears 🙁
Lee says
There are changes for sure. A lot more tourists in and around those areas too due to an increase in places to stay. But happy to say those changes aren’t anywhere near as massive as what’s happening in Tokyo.
john says
“Osaka Awnings here! We’ve got some special offers on. One with flowers and one with fried eggs. There both equally nice!”
I like the various reactions to your presence.
There is something nice about the last image; the lighting, the shirt co-ordination and the crown. Maybe it’s that big softbox in the background that is affecting the lighting.
Lee says
Haha, good call about the fried eggs. I hadn’t picked up on that!
Cheers. That last shot I’m very happy with. Worked out really well, especially as he looked over as I pressed the shutter. And yeah, the lighting was really nice.