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Photography

Apr 12 2011 15 Comments

An old and traditional rice cracker shop

Tokyo’s busy, neon lit areas, are without a doubt fascinating places to wander around, but arguably, their older, less congested cousins, are even more interesting — or at the very least have more character.

Places where the old and new sit comfortably side by side, and tradition is never far away. Like this old rice cracker shop.

old Tokyo rice cracker (senbei) shop

A building that undoubtedly shows its age.

old Tokyo rice cracker (senbei) shop

As does the work that goes on in its dark interior. The continued practice of tried and trusted techniques that, possibly just like the business itself, have been passed down the generations.

old Tokyo rice cracker (senbei) shop

All of which, needless to say, is wonderfully present in the product.

old Tokyo rice cracker (senbei) shop

Categorized: Culture, Food and Drink, Photography

Apr 11 2011 19 Comments

Happy hanami!

The celebrations may well have been a little subdued this year, but with the cherry blossoms pretty much at their beautiful best, and the weather pleasantly warm, huge numbers of people were out and about in Tokyo’s parks and public places on Sunday.

And, along with the usual picnics, there were photos aplenty.

Tokyo hanami

The odd heartfelt, and possibly blossom-related, ballad.

Tokyo hanami

Plus, most significantly of all, lots and lots of laughter.

Tokyo hanami

Categorized: Culture, Photography

Apr 08 2011 8 Comments

A baby seat, as a baby treat?

Not that he’s aware of it, but if he were, the little lad below would be well advised to make the most of this occasion, as conceivably it could be his last sit down on a weekday train ’til he’s donning diapers again as a silver-haired senior citizen.

Japanese baby on a train

Categorized: Photography

Apr 07 2011 5 Comments

Mesmerising Tokyo monk

Seeing Buddhist monks praying on Tokyo’s streets never fails to fascinate, as they look so far removed from the reality around them, that they somehow seem to fit in — sort of.

Yet this man struck me — and clearly others — more than most. Not, however, due to his presence on a busy corner. Or indeed the soothing sound of his bell. But instead, his strangely unsettling stare.

Tokyo Buddhist monk

Categorized: Photography, Religion

Apr 06 2011 14 Comments

Half-arsed hanami

Despite the unnecessary demands of Tokyo’s (hopefully outgoing) governor, Shintaro Ishihara, many people have already been out and about under the cherry blossoms this week. All of whom have, as expected, been enjoying themselves in a manner befitting recent events.

But, however people celebrate hanami, one constant is the military-like precision that goes into organising it. Not only do a time, place, and numbers need to be finalised and finely tuned, but the actual spot itself can often resemble a small, well equipped village; the likes of protective sheeting, furniture, and phenomenal amounts food and drink feasibly allowing those present to stay there for months.

Of course, there’s nothing at all wrong with that, but at the same time, it was nice to see a group of fellas with some cans from the convenience store just potter over. Put down some newspapers. And happily settle down for a few hours.

hanami

Categorized: Culture, Photography

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