Photographs from a small group of islands
Tokyo has no shortage at all of glitzy shopping centres; busy and bustling emporiums where big brands and carefully crafted elegance are commonplace. But actually, far more common are those of a less refined nature — regularly even verging on the ramshackle. Places where plenty of people still shop. Particularly for food and the like. And where those who perhaps don’t still have to pass on their way to and from those aforementioned areas.
Towards the end of last week, the necessary evening blackouts meant a mass exodus from the city’s entertainment districts, as those living in the suburbs caught trains out of central Tokyo while they still could. In the afternoons, however, it was basically business as usual. And in Shibuya, that meant the standard fare of faux-tans.
And fancy fashion.
But a far less common sight, both in Shibuya and the city itself, was the large number of volunteers out and about collecting for people in need — the horrible plight of those caught up in the earthquake and tsunami even resulting in the unusual spectacle of transexual beauty queen, Haruna Ai, offering photos for donated funds.
Along with plenty of others requesting, in more conventional form, for a simple contribution.
All of which was an especially heart-warming sight considering the looming plume of radiation that was supposedly set to engulf the capital. And even more so when combined with the genuine passion and urgency of all those involved.
Seeing as they aren’t 70s-styled, 3 stripe sporting, sneakers, these aren’t the kind of things I’d happily put on to pop downtown in.
But, found in an old farmhouse, in fading light, they were really quite fetching.
As much as I love walking around Tokyo, it’s not, in most parts at least, the prettiest city in the world. But, with so many people milling about, there are always going to be moments — even if they are very brief — of beauty.
Like this young woman for example.
Quietly contemplating.
On a bridge.
In a kimono.
With its exquisite patterns and incredibly feminine form, the kimono is always eye-catching, and, considering that it’s a relatively uncommon sight that’s saved for special occasions, such as the recent Coming of Age Day celebrations, seeing one is always a bit special.
But, as striking as the two ladies below looked as they walked towards me, once they had passed, their hugely tricky to tie obi were possibly even more appealing.
