Photographs from a small group of islands
Japan’s economic outlook is far from rosy. Plus certainties of the past such as a job for life are long gone. But on graduation day at least, it’s a time for former students to embrace such uncertainty, and hope that the future will be just as colourful as their ceremonial hakama.
This year’s cherry blossom season may well have arrived almost freakishly early, but the couples, colours and contrasts remain an almost comforting constant.
Tokyo, and the completely silent, insular world of modern communication.
There is certainly no shortage of simple, rough and ready bars in Tokyo. Places where there’s no fuss or falseness whatsoever. Just unpretentious sustenance and surroundings.
Thankfully one doesn’t have to go far to find them either. In fact they can even be found on unlit, shuttered-up streets in the suburbs. Beacons of sorts in the dreary darkness.
This one was even more special too, as during its 23 year existence — it had been a tonkatsu restaurant before its current form — we were the very first western foreigners to walk through the door. A door that led, like so many others, into a tiny, antiquated establishment.
Where the dirty and dated surroundings only add to the experience.
Creating an ambience that’s just as nourishing as the wonderfully no-frills food and drink.
Oh, and a rather snazzy little jacket too.
