Photographs from a small group of islands
Perched on the corner of a traditional, slightly ornate roof, it would be nice to think that this cat was sat practicing its gargoyle mimicry routine. Much more likely, however, is that it was merely the best spot to keep tabs on the furtively approaching, and far more gargoyle-like, foreigner.
We all like smiles. This fella even more than most. But at a time when he clearly needed one, there wasn’t a single one to be seen.
When I lifted the camera he didn’t alter his stare. The same was true when I lowered it and offered a tentative smile too. A look that may have been at, or indeed beyond me, but either way it seemed like the right time to walk away.
Just like so many other small bars/eateries in Japan, the lantern outside indicates the basic but almost always decent food that awaits within — not to mention the refreshing taste of modestly-priced and equally unpretentious alcohol.
And this one, specialising in yakitori, has been around since 1985, with its 73-year-old owner spending most of his many working hours here, patiently grilling skewered chicken.
While his wife of 43 years happily waits on.
And the cat, not so happily, just watches.
