Away from the city’s main entertainment and business hubs, old and long-closed shops are surprisingly common sights in Tokyo. A feature of the capital — and Japan in general — that I’ve been documenting for a while now on both my portfolio site, and Instagram account.
Looks, however, can clearly be deceptive, as over the years I’ve passed this wonderfully faded tofu shop on numerous occasions; each and every time marvelling at its ramshackle nature and wondering how long it had stood abandoned. But, while it remains incredibly ramshackle, it isn’t actually closed.
Or at least it isn’t any more, as strolling by recently, the lights were on and the day’s work was once again winding down.
Harry says
Oh man this is perfect. This is totally my kinda place. I really want to see this for myself! 🙂
Lee says
It’s a bit special, isn’t it? Long been a favourite of mine, so it was a genuinely lovely moment to see it actually open.
Jordy Meow says
Amazing, I was just there yesterday! When I passed in front, the same guy was working there. However, he closed the door as soon as he saw me and my camera 😉 Have a look, this is my photo: http://photos.meow.fr/Japan-Cities/Tokyo/i-XR6WtV9/A. I went back to this area to check a few old buildings/houses and most were being demolished or demolished already.
Lee says
No way. It was Tuesday when I took these.
Yeah, lots of similar places disappearing. Expected this one to go the same way, but as it’s open (again?) it’ll hopefully last a good while longer.
Denton says
Very cool! Great framing as always. I really like the inclusion of the vending machine! 🙂
Lee says
Thanks! Wasn’t sure about the vending machine at first, but thought the contrast worked well. Good to hear you think the same.
cdilla says
A very nice rediscovery. I much prefer this dimmer lit version. In the older photograph the surfaces almost look clean 🙂
Few if any right angles, no surface with less than several decades of weathering, and still a functioning establishment.
I saw a documentary piece recently which featured a tofu shop. The proprieter was up at some very early hour and had sold out by about 11am. Just made enough for local customers. Maybe this is similar. You can’t imagine that left unattended for long the business would be worth re-establishing. Fascinating.
Lee says
Cheers. If push came to shove I’d have to say this version too, but those curtains in the older photo are a bit special to say the least.
Yeah, it really is an incredible place, even more so considering it presumably has been re-established. Very likely by the same old fella who was running it before as well. Clearly no early finish though, as it was going dark and he was only just clearing up — some last bits of tofu are just visible in the second photo. But perhaps that’s because he has only just got back into the swing of things? An aspect that makes the whole thing even more interesting.
YTSL says
Is the tofu made for shops or individual customers? If the latter, maybe you could try some and give us your verdict… ;b
Lee says
Good question. No idea to be honest. He was cleaning up when I took this shot.
I’ll definitely try and pass by again soon, as after seeing it closed for so long, I’m intrigued to know if it’s back to regular opening. So when I do I’ll try some of his tofu if I can. Really like the stuff, so more than happy to try some out!