There’s documentation on Tokyo Times of homes, bars and favourite old structures left empty and unceremoniously demolished. Scenes that are difficult to look at sometimes, but ultimately it’s the way Tokyo has, does, and likely always will go about reinventing itself.
Below though is something on a different scale altogether. A truly huge number of houses and buildings that are being torn down to make way for a 50 floor apartment complex. A development that is merely the latest in the area, meaning nearby little streets like this one are more than likely living on borrowed time.
Time for this location, however, has been and gone. Well, gone except for one man who still hangs on in the home he was born in 74 years ago. A last stand that he knows is coming to an end, but until then he continues to water his plants as usual. The simple, mundane sight of which was strangely reassuring as well as terribly sad.
Denise says
This makes me sad. It must be so difficult for him to leave………. :(.
Lee says
Yeah, it was a real shock to see him there surrounded by empty houses and the noise of demolition. He was resigned to leaving, but clearly not just yet.
Ben says
Don’t really feel sad to be fair. I think you summed it up nicely “ ultimately it’s the way Tokyo has, does, and likely always will go about reinventing itself”.
Weirdly beautiful photos. Appreciate you taking them and making it accessible for us.
Lee says
Yeah, it’s definitely true. It’s easy to romanticise such places, and certainly something I’m prone to, but those who live there don’t always feel the same way. In fact change is very often welcomed with open arms.
Thanks a lot, and you are very welcome. Simply glad I got the chance.
Richard says
Thanks for being in the right place at the right time. On the one hand, this is Tokyo’s way. On the other, there is something bitter sweet about the fact that these were homes in which people lived for many years.
Lee says
Cheers. It was certainly fortuitous timing, but very glad we got the chance for a last look round.
Yes, I couldn’t agree more. Not long ago there was a lot of life in those houses. Lots of lives been lived out in them too. But nothing lasts forever…
cdilla says
What a stark and poignant photographic record of the changes in the area.
It seems harsher somehow than to have the old houses razed and new ones put up in the same plot.
Lee says
Thank you. It was a strange area to walk round for sure…
Yes, it really does. And even more so as it’s on such a huge scale.