When travelling in Japan, my aim, just like in Tokyo, is to try and capture the older parts of each place I visit. Lost in time locations that hark back to a different era, as well as holding the lives and local stories of numerous generations.
With that in mind then, here are some recent photos from the Shikoku city of Takamatsu. A variety of sights and scenery that also included time in a small bar with its nearly 99 year old owner. An evening that was especially memorable, and in many ways, it seemed to encapsulate these kinds of areas. The building is way past its natural lifespan, and the owner is sadly approaching hers, meaning dereliction or demolition is all the future holds.
That said, until such times, these remain parts of Japan to seek out, explore, and perhaps more importantly, simply appreciate.
YesterdaysHero says
There is a lot of poignancy in these photographs. Great work as always Lee.
Lee says
Thank you very much. Really good to hear as definitely something I felt.
cdilla says
I see Mrs. Doyle is alive and well and serving coffee in Japan! What’s ” Go on go on” in Japanese 🙂
I like to try (and fail completely) to imagine the cloud of life that infused bars like these. Kind of like a long exposure shot left running throughout the decades. Thank you as ever for pinning down moments like these and sharing them.
Lee says
Haha, had to look that up, but good point.
You are very welcome, and thanks, a long exposure shot over decades is a lovely description
Richard says
Great photos again, thanks. The 99 year old woman is terrific. I am still hoping that you do a book of portraits. Sign me up if/when you do!!
Lee says
Thank you, and very much my pleasure. That was a memorable evening to say the least.
That really would be lovely. Hopefully one day.
Denise says
#2 & #9 are so beautiful! 🙂
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Very happy I got to take those photos.
Paul says
Thank you very much Lee.
I decided I want to live in the 4th picture.
The last one is fantastic too.
Lee says
You are very welcome. And yeah, that 4th scene was lovely to find. So much to like about it. Cheers. Very happy with how that last one came out. Felt very apt after what we’d seen.