There’s no shortage of old shop and restaurant fronts on Tokyo Times. For starters there are so many of them, and for me at least they are endlessly fascinating as they are fully intertwined with the lives of their owners — both past and present. Stories we will never know, but at the same that doesn’t stop us wondering what they may be. On top of that there’s also the very real danger that what is here one day, won’t be the next, so photographing them always feels like a must.
So with that said, here is a set of recent finds. Some in Tokyo, and others further afield. Most are still in use, but clearly one or two aren’t. All of them, however, offered something, or indeed someone, of interest.
YesterdaysHero says
These are great Lee. I like the addition of some people. They add so much. Thanks as always.
Lee says
Thanks a lot and you are very welcome. Totally agree about the people too. Always good to be able to include them.
Sean says
That Kodak sign. Wow!
Lee says
I know eh? In such good condition too. Can’t be many left like that.
cdilla says
You really show us the scale of what lies beneath the glass and lights in Tokyo and Japan in general; both the positive and negative.
That corner second hand/repair shop is wonderful. What a place to walk past as a kid. Pure magic. My translator had several attempts at the signs and my favourite was “Smiley and Smiley second hand and repairs” 🙂 🙂
Lee says
Thank you. It’s the side that interests me the most, so always nice when other people get something out of the photos too.
Yeah, that place is something else, and considering how jolly the owner always seems to be, that’s the perfect name.
Jen in NZ says
The co;our composition in the first one is just wow. The fanta and coke signs are fascinating – what was the difference in the white paint (?) that the coke sign faded so much more, I wonder?
And the fourth one, amazing. I bet he sells every bolt, nut, pin, and staple known to man. The hand-painted sign alone was worth capturing. Marvellous post, thank you so much.
Jen
Lee says
You are very welcome. Great to hear you got so much out of them.
The barber and 4th one really are special. And yeah, that’s a very good point. Hadn’t really thought about it, but it is odd, especially as it seems right to assume the signs went up at the same time..