Photographs from a small group of islands
A few weeks ago I posted a series of photos from Tokyo’s far west. An area that looks and feels like a different world due to its natural landscapes and sparse population.
Such greenery, however, isn’t restricted to just the capital’s western extremities, as these far more urban photos amply prove. Sightings that are surprisingly common too, as these were are all taken in the last few weeks or so. Natural elements that add so much colour and life to generally mundane, manmade scenes.
This half-century old bookshop in the far west of Tokyo has been a favourite of mine ever since the first photograph taken in 2018. It happened to be closed then, but that didn’t matter in slightest. It’s stunning sign with the added natural backdrop was absolutely everything.
A few years later in the spring of 2022 I took another shot. It was open then and somewhat surprisingly sporting a new awning. There was also an updated phone number which did ever so slightly diminish the sign, but honestly, it still looked incredible.
Returning the other week though I was presented with a very different sight. There wasn’t even a shop, let alone a slightly altered sign. Speaking to the proprietor of the dry cleaning shop opposite, I was told the owner had died 2 1/2 years ago, and due to the building’s age and decidedly ramshackle nature, the decision had been made to demolish it. She also provided me with a very different perspective, adding that while the owner’s death was a sad loss, the shop’s removal had opened up a lovely, wholly unobscured view of the mountain. One she enjoyed seeing every single day. A change then that meant a real and meaningful gain for her, which made for an interesting counterpoint to my no less real, but far less life affecting disappointment.
It’s always nice to have a person in the frame no matter how interesting the surroundings might be. Arguably better still though is to include someone in their natural environment — a location where they live, work or spend a good amount of their time.
These then are some such moments, along with a few that may not quite match the description but still work nicely anyway.
On overcast days in particular, Tokyo’s seemingly never ending urban sprawl can often appear as grey as it is gargantuan. Head out to the city’s far west, however, and things are different — both in looks and atmosphere. So different in fact that it can be hard to fully grasp that such a green and sparsely populated area is still part of the capital.
These then are photos from a recent walk there. A long walk for sure, but one that started and ended with the ease and convenience of Tokyo’s public transportation network.
A friend and I first visited this wonderful old bar in 2019. Even then it was clear the area was changing. There were numerous gaps where old businesses once stood, and other plots already boasted brand new apartment buildings.
We went back again towards the end of 2023, and the little establishment was one of the last original structures remaining. Also, with its neighbours no more, the nearby train station was clearly visible. A thoroughly apt view, as its close proximity is what presumably made the land so sought after.
The end then was sadly imminent. Merely a matter of time before the demolition notice was delivered, calling last orders on 52 years of its lovely proprietors serving up drinks, food and good humour.
Except for once it wasn’t.
The bar was indeed pulled down not long after, but the owners carefully saved the counter, along with most of what made the interior so distinctive. All of which they moved into a slightly newer building not that far away, making for a reassuring and very rare case of renewal. A new spot that once we sat down felt just like the old one. Like a home from home.
For something else new, I’ve started a monthly newsletter. A way to talk a little more about certain images, Japan and photography in general, plus other stuff that tends not to work here or on social media. This first offering includes details about a couple of recent shots and some just about saved film photos. Oh, and print sales too.
If that sounds of interest, you can access it on the web here, and this is the subscribe form for future updates: