Finding and photographing new areas is always rewarding, but at the same time, so is returning again and again to previously visited locations. The latter being something I do a lot of, particularly in the older parts of Tokyo. A practice that allows me to gradually document the changes those neighbourhoods are going through. Also, going back to a familiar place is still a unique experience, as even if the urban scenery is the same, the people aren’t. A factor that for me at least makes each and every visit feel worthwhile.
All of which brings me to the series shown here. A set of images from a small warren of interconnected Shinjuku alleyways that I’ve been photographing for a decade. And on a wander there last week, I took the opening photo. A shot I’ve long been hoping for, and the moment I pressed the shutter, it felt like the collection was complete. Or at least as complete as such a series can be. So for now at least, this is what I have. A little bit of Shinjuku from 2016 to 2026.
YesterdaysHero says
Truly great work, Lee. Thank you. Persistence is one thing but with your skill it makes for some fascinating documentary work.
Lee says
Thank you very much. That’s really kind of you. The chance to regularly visit such places is a real gift, so it’s great to hear the results reflect that.
Marco says
I love the stickers, graffiti and street art walls in background… we need a japan street art gallery. From big graffitis to sticker and tag walls.
Lee says
There’s definitely a fair amount of graffiti. Absolutely loads of stickers too. So no shortage of subject matter.
Linda says
Whenever I look at your photos from these alleys my first thought is “I sure wish I could fall asleep as easily in any position as the people of Shinjuku” but then I remember it’s probably the drink, so maybe not.
Eastern Branch says
Around half of these read as alcoholism (or folks well on the way to it) to me. Not passing – really in no position to pass – judgement, but disheartening viewing for me personally.
Lee says
@Linda Yes, lots of drink involved. Many of these were taken on Saturday afternoons, after what were clearly some very long Friday nights.
@Eastern Branch Certainly a lot of drink had been consumed. They were mostly taken at the weekend though, so for some at least it could well have been just a very big night out rather than regular behaviour.
john says
#1. Ah! that Butoh moment … or checking for the comatose from the previous night.
#2 That is not my bag.
#3 The flowers, the beer sticker and the bicycle; there must be a story.
#6 Tales of a pet budgie.
#12 Foot massage, but whose foot?
Lee says
Yes, lots of unanswered questions. Especially so #3.
I like the Butoh reference a lot. Hadn’t thought of that.
cdilla says
Another great collection from your archive. It may just be me but number 12 looks like Gary Oldman.
So nice to have a double page spread of the final photograph in this series in the Tokyo Street Photography book
Lee says
Thanks a lot. It was nice to finally put all these together.
Cheers. I still haven’t received my copy yet. And not in Japan til the end of the month.
Sean says
Oh man these are all so good individually, but together they are something else. Awesome work as always!
Lee says
Thanks ever so much. That’s really kind of you. Very pleased with how all these finally came together as one set.
Curtis says
They aren’t as averse to the photography in this alley compared to the nearby golden gai?
Lee says
Yeah, no signs up at all asking people not to take photos.
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