Recently I was asked to produce a series of photographs for a commercial display that would depict Harajuku. Not though its frequently snapped visitors and fashion extremes, but buildings, signs etc. Images that would still be identifiable as Harajuku, but together would hopefully create a slightly different view of the area.
Unfortunately, however, the idea was pulled at the last minute due to branding issues, leaving me with a small set of test shots. Photographs of the kind I very rarely take, so it seemed like a good idea to post them here for a bit of variety.
ELEMENT URBAIN says
Nice post ! i like the pictures
Lee says
Thanks! Good to hear.
winnie says
I love all the pictures!
The skull with the word”what” previously had left a deep impression. I tried to find “him” but all in vain. I want to take picture with “him”. 🙂
Lee says
Thanks, Winnie.
Here you go. This is where the skull is. Not far at all from Harajuku station: http://goo.gl/wrxi5
winnie says
Yay!! Thank you very much, Lee.
I have bookmark the location in my phone. 🙂
Lee says
You are very welcome.
winnie says
I just found the place but the skull graffiti was painted over. 🙁
Lee says
Ah, no way. That’s such a shame. It has been there for years too. Covered over with other graffiti, or just painted over?
winnie says
🙁
Painted over like a brand new wall.
I went this evening…
zoglog says
I remember a “no smorking” sign from some years back in harajuku. I assume it’s no longer there 🙁
Lee says
Don’t recall seeing that, but no, probably no more.
There was the statue of Elvis too, but that’s gone as well.
Benjamin says
That’s interesting, a pinyin name under the skull. Chinese artist?
Lee says
I can’t say for certain, but it certainly seems that way. Not what you’d expect, is it?
Willy says
Ahh.. harajuku.. I first went there in the 80’s and last time a couple of years ago. It was madder in the 80’s.. or maybe I was just younger and it seemed that way…
Lee says
No, I agree. It does seem rather tame these days. I remember when I first came here the path running along the side of Yoyogi Park would be lined with bands and entertainers, but that’s all gone. A real shame.
Willy says
Yeh I loved that too.. and when i first saw it, it was well inhabited by dancing elvis-esque troops (I think they used to call them “yankees” in Japan) with great big coif type hairdos … very strange…
Lee says
They are actually still there. Every Sunday near the entrance of the park. Some of their quiffs are looking decidedly thin these days though…
Lizzy M says
How interesting!
Lee says
Thanks!
Matt says
Is that a genuine piece of Invader work?
Lee says
Yeah, there’s quite a few in Tokyo. I’ve found 4 I think. A couple more have sadly gone/been painted over.