When the sun was out and the sky clear, Ueno, and even more so its Ameyoko market street, were once almost embarrassingly regular destinations for me and my camera. “Where did you go today?” my wife would ask, but before I could even answer, my decidedly sheepish look would have already given the game away, and with mock, wide-eyed surprise, she’d exclaim, “Ueno, again!”
Despite managing to trick her into guessing wrong every now and then, it invariably was Ueno, again, but with its gifts of lovely light and fascinating people, how could I not give in when the conditions were ideal?
I thought about this the other day when I went back after a fairly long break. It had been a similarly long while before that as well. The sky was blue, and timing wise the light was just right, but with Tokyo still in a quasi-state of emergency, and masks very much the norm, it was a stark reminder of why I’ve become something of a stranger. It’s just not the same. Eyes are the window to the soul and all that, but uncovered faces are infinitely more interesting. Sights that will hopefully return in the not too distant future, but until then, here are some people from Ueno of the past.
ellen says
I love these! So many interesting people! 🙂
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Yeah, it’s a great area to see lots of different, and often very interesting people.
cdilla says
Every one is a an absolute gem. So mandy characters, so much character in each face.
Still top of the list is number four, the salaryman with the tie and buttoned jacket. Such a strong look.
But I love the the look of the bag guy, hand over his mouth in a manner that suugests he know exactly the scene he has presented us with and is impishly shocked at the temerity of his own mischief. (though I’m sure he didn’t really).
Lee says
Thank you. It was nice to go back to these. Like seeing old friends again.
Haha, I do like the idea of him cheekily chuckling to himself while holding the sign up. Let’s just pretend that was actually the case. So much better that way.
Richard says
Ah, ‘the good old days’ before everyone wore masks! My fav is the first one: the hair style reminds me of a young Elvis Presley in 1955. The others are also great.
Thanks for a walk down memory lane. Will those days ever return?!?
Lee says
Yes. Not that long ago, but it already feels like a different era. Just hope we can go back to it. Soon too as it’s already getting warm here…
Cheers. Yes, he was so immaculately turned out as well. Goodness knows how long it takes him to get ready in the morning.
Richard says
Ha ha ha….had not thought about his early am preps!! Can you imagine what his hair looks like when he first gets up?!?
Thanks again!
Lee says
You know what, it’s probably almost perfect when he wakes up as well!
cdilla says
Maybe he uses the same methods as Maiko do and lie face up with a log for a pillow.
Lee says
That wouldn’t surprise me one little bit.
john says
Maybe it was just too difficult to explain that you’d seen the light?
It is amusing to think that the letters of Ueno go a good way to describing the part of the expressions that masks conceal, although the man on the bike is more of an ō as in Taitō.
Lee says
And what beautiful light!
Haha, that’s so true. I think he might have uttered rather more than an elongated o as well…
Sean says
These are really strong images. Awesome work!
Lee says
Thank you very much. That’s really good to hear, as a few of these I’m genuinely happy with.
scruffy says
That’s some grade A #1 top quality people watching there! 2nd from the bottom is one of my all time favorites. And #1 looks like he is en route to a Brian Setzer show. I’ve watched a couple videos of his performances in Japan-quite enthusiastic fans.
Thanks for these, Lee.
Lee says
You are welcome. It was nice going back to them. Some of them after quite some time. I have a real soft spot for both of those, so very glad to hear it. The next to last one was especially gratifying to get, as I was going to leave but opted to walk up the street one last time. So glad I did.