Japan may not have its own version of the NSA or GCHQ, but we are still being watched. And watched very carefully, too.
An urban art eye watching over Tokyo
1970s-style Japanese salaryman: A portrait
After his business went bang at the end of the bubble, this fella has become what countless millions of other Japanese men are — a salaryman. But, while he now takes orders and dons the de rigueur suit and tie, the glasses betray the far more free-spirited person within.
Tokyo Alien vs Demon
A hint of old Tokyo under the tracks in Ueno
Tokyo’s Ueno district has its fair share of modern buildings and neon lights, but on the whole it has a wonderfully gritty, even grubby feel to it. A worn, somewhat frayed round the edges look that is often reflected in the people who spend time there.
But under the tracks a real hint of old Tokyo is added to the rough and ready mix. A link to the past that the shadows and yakitori smoke only add to.
A Japanese dad, his baby and a very bad idea
Countless Japanese kids are whisked around Tokyo on seat-equipped bicycles. An efficient custom that is often quicker than using a car. Far more environmentally friendly, too.
The only problem is that many parent’s neglect to put helmets on their passengers — the possible repercussions of which don’t even bear thinking about. And yet even that practice is positively sensible compared to what this father deems acceptable.
