Photographs from a small group of islands
It’s now almost a year since Tepco lost control of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, and in that time many Japanese citizens have not only lost faith in the company, but in nuclear power itself. A suspicion and fear that’s most visible during demonstrations and marches, but also on the streets of Tokyo in the form of art.
The point of which is perfectly clear.
There’s a real grittiness to many parts of east Tokyo; areas that often feel a world away from the capital’s more glitzy districts. And Ueno, with its old shopping streets and very visible homeless population, in many ways epitomises this more unforgiving side of the city.
But while some people understandably look down or round about them, others appear to be much more interested in what may be beyond.
Due to the city’s size, and the sheer number of tracks that cross it, Tokyo’s trains carry all walks of life — from the regular salaryman, to the odd Hollywood pirate. And yet that said, this was definitely the first time I’ve ever seen someone who popped out dressed as Pikachu.
Shibuya crossing is one of Tokyo’s most iconic images. As is the fashion the city is famous for. But this lady offered a very noticeable contrast to that. A dissimilarity in fact that for me at least made her all the more interesting. And the crossing itself, much less so.
In some cases, urban art can justifiably be labeled as vandalism, but French practitioner Invader’s mosaics are firmly in the art camp. Or if not, they are certainly more fun.
He ‘invaded’ Tokyo around a decade ago, leaving behind what appears to be a large number of his creations dotted around the city. Some of which have obviously disappeared. While others have been painted over. But a few have thankfully survived. A measly three of which I’ve managed to photograph.
Pieces that are sometimes fairly obvious.
At other times not.
But are always a pleasure to see.
