Nothing fancy or unfathomable here. Just simple food served with a similarly uncomplicated stare.
A small and atmospheric Tokyo bar
Back in February, I took two photos of the little bar below. The first shot I preferred in its natural hues, and the second one in more simple black and white. Both of them appealed, but an aversion to mixing monochrome and colour meant I didn’t want to post both, so after a fair bit of dithering the latter eventually won out. It’s here if you’d like to see it.
Searching for a different photo the other day, however, I came across the shots again, and as sightings of slightly sinister looking men in trilbies aren’t an everyday occurrence, it seemed a shame to leave that shadowy look left unseen.
A colourful and imaginatively pierced motorised unicycle rider
For a country and culture known for its strict adherence to social norms and uniformity, Japan thankfully has a good number of people who clearly never read the rule book. Eccentrics and nonconformists who, whether intentionally or otherwise, brighten up the daily lives of those around them. Some of whom I’ve had the pleasure of photographing, allowing me to create a small series of sorts which can be seen here. A set that for an awfully long time didn’t contain a colourful and imaginatively pierced motorised unicycle rider — but it does now.
Yakitori filth and fascination
When it comes to chicken on a stick, there’s generally a direct correlation between a lack of cleanliness and taste, meaning the grubbier the place, the better the food. And while it still has a good way to go, this little street-side hole-in-the-wall is well on the way to becoming a worthwhile stop.
A salary man drunk and asleep on the street
Japan is currently making the most of its Golden Week holiday period — a bunch of national holidays that’s neither golden nor a week. This year’s offering started last Sunday, and finishes on Saturday, with Tuesday and Wednesday wedged in as regular work days.
But, time off is still time off, and for those not stuck in traffic or enjoying jam-packed tourist spots, it allows them the chance to go absolutely bonkers with the booze and wake up on the street without having to worry about work the same day.
