Or should that be feline fashion? Maybe even foxy?
Furry Shibuya fashion
Photography
Asakusa’s septuagenarian shoeshiner
The septuagenarian aspect is merely speculation, although it’s almost certain that she’s somewhere around that age, but however old the lady is, it seems that she’s always shining shoes in the same spot, as, whenever I’m in Asakusa, I always look out for her.
And yet as strangely reassuring as the sight of her is, it’s a scene that also makes me rather sad. So much so in fact that I always have the urge to sit down beside her and see how she is. How long she’s been there. And how long she hopes to stay.
But for countless reasons I can’t; no matter how much I wish I could.
A picture paints a thousand words
When one’s most common sight is often that of zoned-out and sombre commuters, there’s arguably nothing quite like the pleasing image of somebody really enjoying a pastime that they have a genuine passion for.
It’s grim up north
Well, not just up north, but in many places outside of Japan’s big cities, where the old are increasing, the young have mostly left, and a staggering number of shops are now shuttered.
Coming of Age Day kimonos
A lot of Japanese traditions contain real beauty, but the kimono takes some beating, and on Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi), when the nation’s 20-year-olds are bequeathed the dubious accolade of adulthood, this stunning piece of clothing can be seen all over the capital.
Brightening otherwise rather drab bits of the city.
Such as the humble post office.
And the usually far from flattering photo booth.
The latter in fact being quite appropriate, as the day involves more than a few photographs for family and friends.
Along with an incredibly large contingent of camera-clutching spectators.
But most of all it seems like a day of fun. And one filled with lots of laughter.
