Photography

Halloween is an increasingly popular event in Japan, and along with an ever-varying array of merchandise, parades and parties have also been added to the mix, with the latter two generally involving fancy dress of some form or other. But giving the parties in particular a uniquely Japanese twist, many of the outfits are related to the likes of animation and game characters. Or in this case, something with a distinctly aquatic feel. A decision that the mother seemed very happy with. The young lad somewhat less so.

Perched on the corner of a traditional, slightly ornate roof, it would be nice to think that this cat was sat practicing its gargoyle mimicry routine. Much more likely, however, is that it was merely the best spot to keep tabs on the furtively approaching, and far more gargoyle-like, foreigner.

We all like smiles. This fella even more than most. But at a time when he clearly needed one, there wasn’t a single one to be seen.

When I lifted the camera he didn’t alter his stare. The same was true when I lowered it and offered a tentative smile too. A look that may have been at, or indeed beyond me, but either way it seemed like the right time to walk away.