Photographs from a small group of islands
Back in the summer, with the sun and his seat, this Simpsons-loving scarecrow looked surprisingly content with his lot (quite literally) in life. But now, with the greenery gone, and only the cold for company, he looks almost unsettlingly sombre.
Due to plenty of coverage surrounding so-called herbivore men, and Japan’s apparent aversion to sexual activities — none of which seem to take into account the buoyant state of the nation’s love hotel business — it would be easy to see the Japanese as a decidedly cold, introverted race. And it’s a conclusion that the much frowned upon showing of affection in public could further corroborate.
However, as this couple clearly show without being overly tactile, healthy and happy relationships have far from had it. The only possible bone of contention being that I’m not entirely convinced they are Japanese.
The distribution of leaflets and tissues, or the simple system of simply shouting, are tried and trusted techniques in Tokyo when it comes to promoting new businesses and big sales; both of which, considering how common they are, must result in at least some success.
Gauging the merits of a traditional campaign by a chindonya troupe, on the other hand, is probably much harder, but considering that there are only 30 or so groups still operating in and around Tokyo, it’s probably fair to say that they don’t draw in the customers like they once did back in the day.
Yet regardless of results, with their cheerful demeanor as well as drums, they do at least make for a very welcome change indeed.
His work clothing may be rather cumbersome, and the required haircut could well be seen as a bit extreme by some, but it still seems fairly clear that this fella is utterly content with his calling.
Apart from coming across possessions that can piece together at least something about the life of the person who once owned them, the other truly fascinating aspect of exploring abandoned buildings/haikyo is the sight of nature slowly taking back the structure; an open door or broken window allowing the weather and plant life to slowly but surely impose their presence.
But there again, the latter is something that can also be seen, albeit to a lesser extent, in suburbia too. And this house, which no longer appears to be lived in, was almost completely covered in vines — something similar to this one. A state that, along with an old-style post box that I have a peculiar penchant for, made, at least through my eyes, for a strangely appealing picture.
