Photographs from a small group of islands
In the past I’ve posted numerous daytime photos from Ueno on these pages, as at the right time of year, the light is absolutely lovely. Night scenery, on the other hand, has been much rarer, so for a different take on a favourite area, here is a small series shot during a walk that way a week or so ago.
Old stores run by elderly owners aren’t unusual in Tokyo, with one of my most memorable visits in recent times being a lovely looking little sweet shop managed by a 94 year old. A business that’s even more amazing considering he opened it when only 20 years of age.
In a very different way, this one is also incredibly special. I’ve photographed it before, but on this occasion I finally got to speak to the proprietor and take his portrait. He’s 85 and has been running the shop for half a century. A place that sort of sells everything, but at the same time absolutely nothing. And yet despite all those decades and the decidedly ramshackle surroundings, he shows no sign of giving up any time soon.
Of late I’ve quite enjoyed putting together small series from long and meandering photowalks. Some of the photos only really work as part of a set, whereas others could possibly stand alone as single images. Put together, however, my hope is they give a feel of sorts for a certain part of Tokyo. Or failing that, at least a sense of a day out and its varied discoveries.
In recent months I’ve been documenting old school Tokyo barber shops when out and about on photowalks. They are wonderfully dated establishments, with their colours, plants and signage making them an absolute joy to behold. There’s also the ever present barber’s pole too, which can seem like an archaic legal requirement, as pretty much every single exterior boasts one of some description.
Unsurprisingly a couple of those featured are quite clearly no longer in business, but the rest are still very much going concerns. Shops that will likely continue for as long as their aging owners can manage, which will hopefully mean many more years to come.
The sight of this century old house was always a pleasing one. The patterned glass and ornate door were arguably the highlights, but then there was the addition of the roof, sometimes flowers, and even the colours of the containers outside.
Seeing the owner one time was a lovely treat as well. He was the one who told me the age of the place. An extra detail that made it even more special in an area heavily bombed during the war. But while it survived those aerial raids, not to mention countless earthquakes and typhoons, it ultimately couldn’t evade the ever encroaching demolition crew.
