Photography

Jan 26 2011 7 Comments

Shopping in Tokyo’s shotengai

With its opulent department stores and mass of shopping malls, Tokyo is undoubtedly a shoppers’ paradise, and the visiting of such sites is a very popular pastime indeed.

But despite the predominance of these modern emporiums, some parts of the capital still retain their old, character-filled and often covered shotengai.

Small enclaves that may not boast the brands of their bigger and brasher cousins, but at the same time still offer enough choice to keep a variety of regular customers coming back.

People of all walks of life.

And of all ages.

But mostly, especially in this neighbourhood, the elderly.

Jan 25 2011 13 Comments

A lovely old lady and her cuddly little companion

When taking pictures on Tokyo’s streets, my main aim is to do so discreetly, with the hope of capturing a true moment, and not one interrupted by a camera-wielding intruder. An ideal that’s sadly not always doable, resulting in what could sometimes be deemed the odd dirty look.

And yet now and again, actually getting caught can produce a scene that’s a little bit special, and something that simply wouldn’t have occurred otherwise. Although to be fair, the lady’s contentment is somewhat countered by her dog’s apparent discontent.

Jan 24 2011 3 Comments

No country for old men?

Tokyo Times has had a few photos of late featuring the capital’s growing legion of old ladies, but, while they may be in the majority, the city still has a massive number of old men.

Many of whom seem just as doddery, and yet equally determined, as their wives and sisters.

Jan 21 2011 6 Comments

Beautiful kimono obi

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.

Jan 19 2011 15 Comments

Dogs in Ginza wearing school uniforms and glasses

It’s not in any way unusual for dogs in Japan to be treated like kids, all the way from the wearing of kimonos, to being carted or even carried about.

But arguably all of that pales into insignificance when these two studious looking canines are taken into consideration.