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Mar 03 2011 28 Comments

Kimono contemplation

As much as I love walking around Tokyo, it’s not, in most parts at least, the prettiest city in the world. But, with so many people milling about, there are always going to be moments — even if they are very brief — of beauty.

Like this young woman for example.

girl in a kimono

Quietly contemplating.

girl in a kimono

On a bridge.

girl in a kimono

In a kimono.

girl in a kimono

Categorized: Culture, Fashion, Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Colegialagirl says

    3/3/2011 at 2:58 pm

    I love Japanese girls wearing Kimono. I envy you guys

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/3/2011 at 7:44 pm

      They do make for a nice sight that’s for sure.

      Reply
  2. [Gm] says

    3/3/2011 at 3:01 pm

    Oooohhh… I love this set, Lee. These are excellent shots! …
    I hope she wasn’t thinking of committing suicide by jumping off the bridge there…

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/3/2011 at 7:45 pm

      Cheers! I must admit that thought crossed my mind too when I first saw her, but I think she was just waiting for someone. I certainly hope so anyway.

      Reply
  3. Taipei Times says

    3/3/2011 at 3:04 pm

    Beautiful! This one is really going under my skin.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/3/2011 at 7:46 pm

      Thanks! Glad you like them.

      Reply
  4. Chris B says

    3/3/2011 at 3:25 pm

    Nice mix of old and new (Kimono/ipad)

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/3/2011 at 7:47 pm

      Yeah, I saw an old lady the other day dressed in a kimono with those distinctive white ear buds in!

      Reply
    • Lizzy says

      3/4/2011 at 5:39 am

      My thoughts exactly. It’s a nice blend.

      Reply
  5. katrina kay says

    3/3/2011 at 3:45 pm

    this is pretty! i wonder if she saw you taking pictures of her from all sorts of angles though, haha

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/3/2011 at 7:48 pm

      Nah, not at all. She was completely in her own little world. An old fella saw me taking pictures and joined in too, and luckily she was still oblivious.

      Reply
  6. El-Branden says

    3/3/2011 at 6:55 pm

    Very nice contrasts!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/3/2011 at 7:48 pm

      Thanks Branden!

      Reply
  7. BiggerInJapan says

    3/3/2011 at 7:14 pm

    I usually don’t get too excited any more by the standard “pretty girl in kimono”-stuff, but I must say this is a good exception. Great timing, beautiful shot.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/3/2011 at 7:50 pm

      Cheers! Yes, it was great timing. I just came around the corner and there she was. There were a few other people there at first, but they luckily they moved on giving me the chance to get some shots.

      Reply
  8. sleestakk says

    3/4/2011 at 2:14 am

    Many of my favorite random scenes on my visits to Japan have been those that mix old and new as exhibited here. Fun seeing kimono clad women busy texting on their mobile phones (or rocking tunes on their mp3 player). Wonderful photos as always! Really captures a moment.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/4/2011 at 7:57 am

      Thanks! Yes, even though those sights aren’t uncommon anymore, with almost everyone having a phone or mp3 player, they are still great to see.

      Reply
  9. Jeffrey says

    3/4/2011 at 4:43 am

    As I’ve posted here once before: the Diet needs to pass a law requiring that all women must wear kimono once a month. I don’t think there is anything more elegant in women’s dress than the kimono.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/4/2011 at 8:04 am

      As Japan is still very much a man’s world Jeffrey, you never know!

      Reply
  10. Mauro says

    3/4/2011 at 4:47 am

    How can you take those kinds shots without people noticing your presence? xD
    You captured that moment of beauty in different angles, always keeping the girl’s passive atitude in all pics. It makes me wonder ^^. (Of course, I’m a complete ignorant on photography)

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/4/2011 at 8:09 am

      Haha! Yes, I suppose it does look a bit set up, but no, she had no idea I was there. Or if she did, she didn’t let on. I even went back to get the second photo because I wasn’t happy with what I had, as there were too many people in the background.

      My guess is she was too preoccupied with her music, and even more so her phone. Plus, as it was near a park and a few hotels, there were plenty of people wandering around taking pictures, making me stand out less so than normal.

      Reply
  11. pal says

    3/4/2011 at 5:26 am

    this so reminds me of this episode of samurai champloo. it is episode 11 in case you are interested.
    and these shots are really *wow*. thanks Lee!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/4/2011 at 8:10 am

      Cheers pal! I’m not familiar with that at all. I’ll try and find it and have a watch.

      Reply
  12. Joel says

    3/4/2011 at 9:07 am

    This photo can certainly represent what Japan is: Tecnology and traditions, united living as one.
    The fisrt picture is amazing, beautiful, that all I can say! One of your best ones Lee!!!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/4/2011 at 4:53 pm

      Thanks Joel. She was certainly a lovely sight as I turned the corner that’s for sure.

      Reply
  13. Riccardo says

    3/4/2011 at 5:25 pm

    Beautiful shots… Really I liked them.. They have an intense expression of calm..

    Reply
  14. St John says

    3/9/2011 at 4:35 am

    Wonderful photos. As has been stated before they really encapsulate the mixture of ancient and modern that is Japan.

    Reply
  15. Rex Dgrey says

    3/16/2011 at 7:04 am

    I like her,

    Reply

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