Lee

The image of Tokyo as a wealthy city where possibilities abound is certainly a popular one. It’s a perception not devoid of truth either. But at the same time, the idea that it’s some kind of Utopia where the streets are paved with gold is sadly very much an illusion.

He stood out at the tram window, just as I did when walking past.

The far west of Tokyo is a very different world from the capital’s more central districts. Rather than crowds and concrete, there are mountains and trees, along with bonus extras such as abandoned cable cars and bar owners in their 90s who once rode on them.

On top of that the area is also home to Ogochi Dam, which was completed in 1957. And presumably once the dam was in operation, the 6.7km railroad that connected it to the nearest town would have been closed, as its sole purpose was the transportation of building materials and machinery. Yet despite almost 60 years of complete neglect, practically all of the line is still walkable, with only a few deteriorating bridges and once formidable barriers to deal with. The latter put in place to block the line’s numerous tunnels. A few of which are really quite long. Offering up the option to try something different photographically.

Along with the chance to simply do something very different from what one normally does on a day out in Tokyo.

His method of protest may well be unusual, but this man’s hat-based declaration to not accept the policies of Prime Minister Abe is to be applauded.