There are lots of tedious jobs in Tokyo. Perhaps none more so than the holding up of placards promoting the likes of pachinko or new properties. And for this fella, in contrast to his rather jaunty hat, the toad work, to paraphrase Philip Larkin, seems to be well and truly squatting on his life.
winnie says
Holding of Placard is quite tedious especially under a hot sun or in the cold. 🙁
The poetry really seem to illustrate his situation .
Lee says
Yeah, it’s hard to think of anything more tedious, isn’t it?
It’s a poem I’ve been a big fan of for years, and as such it always springs to mind when I see people doing jobs like that. Or indeed the stressed and worn out salarymen that populate Tokyo.
Linette says
Awww. That’s one of the most depressing photos you have shown. More dogs dressed as humans please. (kidding)
Lee says
Yeah, pretty grim, isn’t it? I really like it as an image, but at the same time it is horribly sad. I do hope he doesn’t have to do that everyday…
Hans ter Horst says
Love the detail of the white gloves; he’s really dressed up nicely compared to the old suits businessmen of his generation usually wear.
Lee says
That’s what drew me to him. People holding up placards are nothing out of the ordinary. But doing doing so dressed like that is. He just seemed so unsuited to the job.
dochimichi1 says
I don’t think it’s a depressing photo at all! I find it quite comical. The wistful face expression, and that hat… The more I look at it, the more it makes me smile. Great photo ))
Lee says
Cheers! Interesting to hear a totally different take on the image. It always fascinates me how people see very different things in the same image.
JIM! says
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mui4CM2SKWM
Lee says
The perfect soundtrack!
Lawrence Burry says
I really like the photo. The photographer captured an expression that brings different emotions to the viewer. Well done.