There are numerous series from faded Japanese towns and cities on these pages. Settlements that were once thriving and filled with dreams, but now, after decades of decline, are quiet, ramshackle and presumably long past the tipping point of ever being resuscitated.
Also, away from Japan’s big cities, such places are far from rare, which means it’s impossible not to wonder what the country will be like in the years to come. That though remains to be seen, so for now, these are photos from a few southern towns. Scenes of the present made up from elements of a far more expectant past.
July’s newsletter, Zen and the demise of old-school Japanese restaurants, covers similar themes, along with my thoughts on accepting the inevitable disappearance of such places. You can subscribe, or simply have a read here.
Denise says
So beautifully sad……
Lee says
There is definitely a melancholy nature about these places, but yes, a certain sense of beauty too.
Richard says
Poignant for me!
Lee says
Yeah, poignancy is a real feature of such places. All those past dreams and lives…
cdilla says
The worlds highest women’s average life expectancy and a population decreasing at 0.5% a year are two contrasting Japanese stats I have seen this week.
Seeing so many photographs like this makes quite the impact. A glimpse of a possible future for the world.
Lee says
Cheers. a series of photos can tell so much more of a story. And yeah, definitely not just a Japan thing, although the country does seem to be much further down the road of population decline than most nations.
AF says
A shop called “bitch” made me laugh:
https://m2y8i8f9.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/quiet-decay-of-southern-japan-towns7-1200×794.jpg
Lee says
Me too, which meant I couldn’t resist including it.
AndyK says
Oh man there’s some really beautiful ones in this set, the b**ch one had me laughing and the one after with the car is a perfect follow-up.
Been following for years and man there’s some true treasures here