Photographs from a small group of islands
Tokyo is often commended for its cleanliness; a compliment that on the whole is very much warranted. But, perhaps inevitably, certain spots are as grubby and thoroughly unwelcoming as those found in most of the world’s big cities.
Tokyo’s past, present and future all in one photo?
Tokyo’s hot and humid summer creates a myriad of natural colours. The grass is super green, and flowers brighten the parks and riverbanks. Yet as wonderfully vivid as they are, arguably none of them can hold a torch to the patterns of a traditional yukata.
Tokyo offers so many surprises that it’s sometimes tough to be taken aback. But, a salesman, sporting a horse’s head, plainly shocks some people.
Japan’s prolonged economic stagnation has resulted in a so-called lost generation; a group of young adults for whom the concepts of life-long employment and financial security are as alien as the opposite was true for their parents/grandparents.
However, that’s not to say many aren’t downsizing and taking advantage of the extra free time instead of giving their life and soul to an uncaring company. Also, it’s encouraging to see that others are ready to publicly question what awaits them, as well as the world around them. Although at the same time, it’s equally refreshing to see that some youthful passions are pretty much the same whatever the circumstances.
