Photographs from a small group of islands
When leaving home the other day, the weather forecast predicted the rain would have stopped by the time I got off the train. The forecast, however, was out by quite a margin, meaning the first few hours of my walk were considerably wetter than expected. Those conditions, however, helped create a few scenes that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise, so here then are photos of some older, lesser seen sides of Tokyo in the rain.
In the past I’ve posted numerous daytime photos from Ueno on these pages, as at the right time of year, the light is absolutely lovely. Night scenery, on the other hand, has been much rarer, so for a different take on a favourite area, here is a small series shot during a walk that way a week or so ago.
Old stores run by elderly owners aren’t unusual in Tokyo, with one of my most memorable visits in recent times being a lovely looking little sweet shop managed by a 94 year old. A business that’s even more amazing considering he opened it when only 20 years of age.
In a very different way, this one is also incredibly special. I’ve photographed it before, but on this occasion I finally got to speak to the proprietor and take his portrait. He’s 85 and has been running the shop for half a century. A place that sort of sells everything, but at the same time absolutely nothing. And yet despite all those decades and the decidedly ramshackle surroundings, he shows no sign of giving up any time soon.
Of late I’ve quite enjoyed putting together small series from long and meandering photowalks. Some of the photos only really work as part of a set, whereas others could possibly stand alone as single images. Put together, however, my hope is they give a feel of sorts for a certain part of Tokyo. Or failing that, at least a sense of a day out and its varied discoveries.
There are no shortage of tiny old restaurants in Tokyo, and yet despite such competition, this place still stands out. In business for half a century, with the current owner having taken over from his father, its clutter and grime speak of each and every year it has been open. A true step back in time along with the added inclusion of a bit of baseball memorabilia. The latter I know nothing about, but what I do know is that the food is absolutely top notch, and the atmosphere always relaxed. Like a home from home in many ways, albeit one with a decidedly carefree attitude to cleanliness.
