Photographs from a small group of islands
It’s not in any way unusual for dogs in Japan to be treated like kids, all the way from the wearing of kimonos, to being carted or even carried about.
But arguably all of that pales into insignificance when these two studious looking canines are taken into consideration.
Their meticulously made school uniforms, along with head and eye wear, making them a real marvel.
And surely, although I shouldn’t really say it, unsurpassable.
Or should that be feline fashion? Maybe even foxy?
The septuagenarian aspect is merely speculation, although it’s almost certain that she’s somewhere around that age, but however old the lady is, it seems that she’s always shining shoes in the same spot, as, whenever I’m in Asakusa, I always look out for her.
And yet as strangely reassuring as the sight of her is, it’s a scene that also makes me rather sad. So much so in fact that I always have the urge to sit down beside her and see how she is. How long she’s been there. And how long she hopes to stay.
But for countless reasons I can’t; no matter how much I wish I could.
When one’s most common sight is often that of zoned-out and sombre commuters, there’s arguably nothing quite like the pleasing image of somebody really enjoying a pastime that they have a genuine passion for.
Well, not just up north, but in many places outside of Japan’s big cities, where the old are increasing, the young have mostly left, and a staggering number of shops are now shuttered.
