Photographs from a small group of islands
Their English emblazoned sweatshirts may well be very modern, but these two cheeky young lads live in a distinctly old part of Osaka. An area of narrow streets, rickety homes and friendly locals. The latter of which has most definitely made its mark.
Well, sort of…
For a country obsessed with rules, regulations and infuriatingly convoluted ways of doing unimportant things, Japan is oddly lax when it comes to the likes of food hygiene. Small eateries that’d be shutdown in a heartbeat in other regions, or old places with cooking appliances that haven’t experienced a good scrub in decades, are oddly commonplace. In fact they thrive, with the grime arguably adding to the gourmet experience.
And the same goes for slightly larger concerns. The clutter, cramped conditions and relative uncleanliness are just accepted. Or if not accepted, then at least ignored.
Corrugated iron covered homes are surprisingly common in Tokyo, particularly so in the city’s older neighbourhoods. Far from huge but hugely dangerous balconies, on the other hand, are mercifully much more unusual.
It goes without saying that there is violent crime in Japan. Some of it pretty horrific too. But generally, and particularly so when compared to many other countries, it is incredibly safe. No-go areas simply don’t exist, and women can happily walk home alone. Although at least as far as the latter goes, some places are certainly more reassuring than others.
