Of late I’ve been posting photos of old and dilapidated markets from other regions of Japan. Locations that in some respects are quite shocking in their semi-dereliction, and yet at the same time, the combination of a shrinking population and urbanisation makes such sights wholly understandable. In fact, it’s probably fair to say that away from the country’s main cities and tourist spots, such scenery is increasingly becoming the norm.
Far more unexpected, on the other hand, is to see similar scenes in Tokyo, and while certainly a lot rarer, they aren’t all that uncommon either. The mostly shuttered shopping centre below being one such example.
Recently I mentioned that a key aspect of my photography is returning to places I like to try and build up a series of photos. In that way I can try and tell some kind of story, or at the very least produce a more representative set of images. Something I’ve tried to do in this area, with the most recent visit being last week, and the first back in 2020.
Needless to say there have been some changes over the years. The shutters were painted a while ago to try and brighten things up a bit, and perhaps not surprisingly, one or two more businesses have closed down. Also, the government housing buildings that are a part of the shopping complex, and completely surround it, are, just like the stores, becoming increasingly unoccupied. A sort of vicious circle that will presumably see the whole area demolished at some point. For now though, it remains the kind of urban landscape almost never associated with the capital.
Sean says
Oh man that is one bleak housing project. 🙁
Lee says
It is definitely long past its best. And yeah, a bleakness to it as well, especially on overcast days. But it also has a certain charm.
tony whalan says
Fantastic stuff that is always appreciated Lee.
Lee says
Thanks a lot and you are very welcome. Always interesting to visit this area.
Tagomago says
Beautiful in its own way. I like how everything seems to keep their dignity, once again. Thanks for sharing, Lee.
Lee says
My pleasure. I always like visiting. And yes, it really is. It has a charm all its own.
YesterdaysHero says
Great series Lee. Your Tokyo is very different from what I see elsewhere and I appreciate the window you provide.
Lee says
Thank you very much, that’s really good to hear. And you are welcome. This side of Tokyo never fails to fascinate me.
cdilla says
That area is, to quote Chrissie Hynde, “So special”, to us after you took us there on a photowalk. Lovely to see the toy shop owner in view. I have the vinyl Lupin figure from that shop, and vending machine UCC Milk Coffee can (long drunk, and now resin filled), on the shelf to my right to remind me of that day.
Even now, with the rust and decay, in the sunlight it’s not hard to imagine the throngs of people who would have found everything they need at the dozens of stores there were in its heyday.
Lee says
That was a fun and varied day eh? I remember us visiting the toy shop, but I’d forgotten about the retro coffee can. Lovely design that.
And yeah, not hard at all. Must have been quite the busting spot back then. With the park next to it full of kids as well, the toy shop must have done a roaring trade.
Ted T says
Reminds me of something more common in Southeast Asia. One can sense the vitality it would have had in the ’60s and ’70s. I wonder if it ever appeared in any films from the era.
Lee says
Yeah, it must have been full of life. So many apartments there, and most would have housed young families.
That’s a good question. It’d be absolutely fascinating to see footage of it back then.