• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

  • Photowalks
  • Portfolio
  • Book and Prints
  • Newsletter
  • About/Contact
  • Follow
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • RSS

Mar 07 2025 8 Comments

The demolition of a traditional old Tokyo housing block

Tucked away near a dated shopping street, this small block of houses was a traditional oasis of colour and old school charm. There was also its narrow, stone paved pathway, which was an incredibly appealing little extra.

However, just like so many other spots, its time was always limited, and as more of the properties emptied, the more likely demolition became. And when it did eventually happen, the end was swift and stark, leaving behind an empty plot with no lasting remnants of the lives lived there whatsoever.

The demolition of a traditional old Tokyo housing block

The demolition of a traditional old Tokyo housing block

The demolition of a traditional old Tokyo housing block

The demolition of a traditional old Tokyo housing block

The demolition of a traditional old Tokyo housing block

Categorized: Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Denise says

    3/7/2025 at 11:12 am

    So sad………… 🙁

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/8/2025 at 9:39 am

      Yeah, this one came as quite a shock.

      Reply
  2. Linda says

    3/7/2025 at 12:11 pm

    Oh no. You took me here. It was magical.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/8/2025 at 9:40 am

      It really was. There was so much to like and enjoy.

      Reply
  3. Richard says

    3/7/2025 at 7:48 pm

    All of the potted plants made it feel very homey. Then suddenly it is gone….as if these people, their homes, and their lives never existed. Very sad to me.

    I hope they have family members who remember and honor them. Thank you for these photos!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/8/2025 at 9:43 am

      You are very welcome. Glad I got the chance to enjoy and photograph it. But yeah, to see it gone without trace is really quite shocking.

      Reply
  4. cdilla says

    3/9/2025 at 7:26 pm

    It is a beautiful thing to have recorded such moments before and after like this. Like Greg Girard you provide us with a lasting memory of times past. Valuable beyond words.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/10/2025 at 10:01 am

      To. be honest I’m simply glad I got to photograph and enjoy these places before they disappeared. And to be mentioned in the same context as Greg Girard is a huge compliment. Thanks ever so much.

      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Footer

Copyright © 2026 · Tokyo Times