Some abandoned Japanese buildings, like the recently posted images of an enka singer’s old house, hold snippets of information about their past occupants, and yet at the same time, tantalisingly don’t tell the whole tale. Others, however, have stories that have been relatively well documented, and the clues left behind invariably appear to confirm them — like this long-deserted kimono shop for example.
Unfortunately, the sales area itself is now in a very sorry state indeed, with only hints of the colours and fabrics that must have once filled it.
But thankfully, upstairs is totally different, as it contains an absolute plethora of possessions that once belonged to the past occupants.
Poignant reminders of distinctly happier days.
Plus dolls.
And a positively dizzying array of other stuff.
All appearing to confirm the online consensus that the mother and daughter who once lived in the building did a midnight run. The latter, Masami Hoshino, who, according to a certificate passed a sports test in 1984 when she was an elementary school student, even left behind her presumably once dear,
and Disney-related playthings.
Along with her room’s cute but now never closed curtains.
Elsewhere, the kitchen too suggests a very hasty departure, with cupboards still full.
Dishes that dried a long long time ago.
And documents still patiently waiting to be dealt with on the refrigerator.
All of which point to a really rather sad ending, and although the exact reason why they left is a mystery, it’s probably safe to assume it was for financial reasons. Along with the equally safe bet that a stiff drink would have been called for to settle any frayed nerves before that fateful late-night move more than a decade and a half ago was finally set in motion.
Eugene says
Dude this is creepy. I live in tateyama chiba and there are so many buildings like this. I would not have the nerve to go in :s.
Simon says
Eugene, you still around. I thought you left!
Lee says
Tateyama eh? Sounds like a trip is in order.
To be honest, some places are a little unsettling. And not knowing what’s on the other side of doors can be a worry. But the chance of coming across a snap shot of personal history — a time capsule of sorts — is more than enough to dispel any concerns I may sometimes have before entering a place.
Persy says
I can’t understand how people could just leave their lives behind like that.
Lee says
I know. In this case it’s slightly easier to understand as they basically did a runner. But as it happens in so many other places, in very different circumstances, it’s a tough one to comprehend for sure.
Vincent says
Fascinating as always. Can’t believe how many things got left behind. Just weird….
Lee says
Thanks Vincent!
TigrouMeow says
A while ago, I saw pictures of this same place, taken by somebody else. The place was looking odd, dull, with no charm at all, not the kind of place you’d like to go and take nice shots. But you went, you did it and it looks awesome ! Now, I feel like going there… or maybe I should just appreciate your pictures, it’s probably better this way.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. That’s really encouraging.
The place is pretty grim actually. And maneuvering around it wasn’t very nice, as there was stuff everywhere. A lot of it damp and pretty unpleasant. There was a fair bit of damage too.
But my main interest is never really the building, but the possessions left behind, and in that sense I had plenty of stuff to work with.
andra says
I can’t believe how people could just up and go, and disappear like that, leaving all their history behind, all those memories. I mean, I understand you have financial problems, but just quitting everything like your existence was either a mistake or a dream…
And it amazes me how nobody seems to plunder these abandoned places that you go to. They are almost intact, as they left them that night when they ran away. Why? Nobody goes in to steal. It’s like people instinctively respect these abandoned buildings like tombs of lives that, most likely, did not have a happy story to tell.
It’s slightly beyond belief. And sad.
Lee says
Yes, it is sad andra. There was lots more stuff in there. Their whole lives really.
The shop part itself had obviously been plundered. Either that or they had cleared everything worthwhile beforehand. And yeah, the living area, whilst a bit of a mess, seemed pretty intact. That’s not always the case though. It often seems to depend where the buildings are. Quite a few I’ve been to have been very badly smashed up. This one, and the last couple have been on busy roads in populated areas, so I guess people are less likely to go in full stop. Let alone to go and smash the place up or steal stuff.
Fulco says
I once did a bit of research on this kind of thing for an article I was writing. The fact that the shop was plundered tells tales. Likely yakuza loan sharks were after the owners of the shop. They really know how to scare the shit out of people, giving them living hell every day, and leaving them no choice but to make a run in the midst of the night, abandoning all their worldly possessions.
gunmagirl says
I hope they got away, and I hope they were able to start a new life.
Lizzy says
Wow. That is a lot of stuff!! I’m surprised the place hasn’t been ransacked. Or, at the very least, the former occupents didn’t chance a trip back to gather some of it up.
Lee says
Yes. And especially so as rumour has it that they settled down again not too far away…
ameiji says
Looking trough your pictures I tried to imagine what kind of memories those people kept about their home. One the best haikyo stories, for sure. And that curtain and pooh are going to stuck in my mind for a while.
Lee says
Cheers ameiji. It’s certainly one of the more poignant haikyo that’s for sure. Must admit, the curtain shot was something of an afterthought, but when I went through my photos, it turned out to be my favourite.
tamh says
Wow, those pictures are really something. Like ameiji said, yes, those two shots, the girly dolls and curtain are special. I only can imagine how and when did they run, and how those memories are still in their minds in their new place.
Something unique as always, congrats Lee! Keep bringing those haikyo to the light.
Lee says
Thanks tamh.
All the why, what, how and if questions are a large part of what I find so interesting about haikyo, so I’m happy to hear that the photos give you similar feelings. And fingers crossed Ill be able to find many more of these places.
Peta says
Another great find!!!! Great stuff. 🙂
Lee says
Thanks a lot Peta!
Kikinawak says
Ho ho…
I came many times here without saying anything, but now…Seems your passion for haikyo is going too far. I don’t think burglary is a kind of haikyo’s cool spirit. What did you look for in your ex girlfriend’s place?
Kiki, his mum doesn’t want him to play in the ruins.
Lee says
Hold on a minute. I’m well aware that haikyo isn’t for everybody, but you should really get your facts right before you start making accusations like that.
Now, unless my dictionary is wrong, walking into an abandoned building through a wide open door with the intent to take only photos is not, by any stretch of the imagination, burglary. Instead, it’s exactly what haikyo/urban exploration is all about; namely, ‘Leave only footprints, take only pictures.’
Kikinawak says
Hold on a minute. I was not aware that my poor sense of humour couldn t cross the seas and the language barrier. So, far from me the idea to make accusation on you.
The amazing 5th picture just made me remember a burglary scene like in an old movies.
Kiki, unless his way to use his english dictionary is wrong, everyone could understand him (<-that's my signature)
Lee says
Ah, ok. A bit of miscommunication there. No worries. I understand what you meant now, especially in regards that particular picture.
gunmagirl says
I was just about to ask how you got in there, and here you’ve included that and your creed. Thanks for sharing these visual stories with the rest of us.
Joel says
This week I also left my department that fast too. My gradmother passed away and I returned to my parents house as fast as I could. I returned yesterday, and I left so quickly that I left dishes and all things waiting, thinking…
Well the different part here is that I returned, and they didn’t. And well I have now I have to clean a bit a set things in order. Great as always, Lee!
Lee says
Thanks Joel. And really sorry to hear about your Grandmother. My thoughts go out to you and your family.
Joel says
Thank you, Lee
Jens says
I really enjoy seeing your photos of the abandoned buildings…but its makes me wonder, how can property owners leave these buildings ‘as is’ for decades? I know nothing about rules for maintaining property in Japan–but what about public health and safety? Wouldn’t owners be paying taxes on these properties? Perhaps they pay less property taxes because buildings are so derelict? Makes me curious. I always think these thoughts when viewing your haikyo posts. I find it interesting to imagine the stories behind the forgotten artifacts and what happened to the people who once called these places home.
Lee says
That’s a very good question Jens, and I have no idea what the answer is. I suppose if the owner has gone bankrupt, or disappeared which seems to have been the case here, it may be difficult to get any required tax money, but in other situations, I really don’t know. It all adds to the mystery I guess.
Mark says
Hey, it’s my first time here and I gotta tell you, your photos are great. I have always been interested in Haikyo and abandoned structures and your photos are very interesting. Seems like there’s a story for every Haikyo and trying to figure that out is what makes it interesting to look at. Anyhow I wanted to ask you, are you getting approval for entering these facilities? Cause I know of some abandoned structures here in Japan but I have not tried to enter them without authorization. Being a GAIJIN here I cannot afford to get in any kind of trouble… Let me know alright. Later.
Lee says
Thanks Mark!
Yes, with these kind of haikyo in particular it’s fascinating to try and piece together what happened, and also get a feel for the people who once lived there.
And as for asking for permission, no, I just go in. I understand what you mean, and there may well be issues of trespassing, but in most cases there would be no one to ask anyway. I did actually got caught by some kind of security patrol at one haikyo, but once they realised I was only there taking photos, they were fine about it. I’d say don’t worry about. As long as it’s definitely abandoned, then you should be fine.
Meg says
Thank you so much for posting these pics, they’re absolutely beautiful. There’s something about an abandoned kimono shop that’s strangely fascinating. I just wanted to ask though–where is this?
Lee says
Glad to hear you like them Meg. And I agree, an old kimono shop was a very interesting find. Oh, and it’s in Ibaraki.
DarknessMatterS says
that’s amazing. . and creepy 🙂
i like it
Jhunas Tillero says
I saw this place featured in National Geographic once.
And I think it showcases how wonderful and rich Japan’s heritage is.
I haven’t been to Japan but would surely want to visit the place someday.
Anelir says
I love the shots you do like this. Do you ever save any of the books or more meaningful nick-nacks? I hate to see book like that (that look like they are still in such good shape) go to waste.
Lee says
Cheers!
Nah, I just leave everything. Both for the next person, and because I’d feel wrong taking anything. Even something minor.
Anelir says
True, it is a shame that Japan doesn’t have someone from one of their historical museums come in and at least ‘rescue’ some of the more valuable, in a historical way, items. I think those would probably be the only people I would trust to take only the meaningful things without disturbing everything else. It looks like some things stay pretty well preserved but who knows how long that will be.
I am hoping, crosses fingers, that I can come to Japan as soon as possible. Although, looking at hotel prices, that isn’t going to happen any time soon. You have really inspired me to look into the smaller towns there, although those appeal to me more than the big cities. I really want to thank you for putting these up. It is so hard to connect to Japanese culture where I live.
Lee says
Not at all Anelir, it’s something I really enjoy doing.
Yeah, hotels here can be expensive. Business hotels can often be very reasonable though. Sometimes include a basic breakfast too. Worth looking into.
Good luck with your searches. I hope you find a few abandoned places worth exploring/photographing.
Jhun TJL says
For sure there are lots of memories with those pictures, I wonder why they just left it all behind.
Lee says
As they by apparently left very quickly due to financial problems, I guess just getting out was the main priority. Presumably they just took the essentials.
Leina says
I’ve read your last comment and I wonder if they were able to grab their most prized possessions before running away, even if it means that they had to leave most of the things. The abandoned plushies and dolls haunt me. My sister and I had to leave all our toys and our personal items behind us at some point in our life, and everytime I’m seeing toys or small belongings like boxes and trinkets in abandoned houses, it resonates in me.
I’m also curious about those mangas… Shôjos or shônens ?
When I watch the pictures, I often imagine that I go there and gather as much stuff as possible and put it in storage in a safe place, for it to be given to the owners, if by chance they were to be found somewhere…