This half-century old bookshop in the far west of Tokyo has been a favourite of mine ever since the first photograph taken in 2018. It happened to be closed then, but that didn’t matter in slightest. It’s stunning sign with the added natural backdrop was absolutely everything.
A few years later in the spring of 2022 I took another shot. It was open then and somewhat surprisingly sporting a new awning. There was also an updated phone number which did ever so slightly diminish the sign, but honestly, it still looked incredible.
Returning the other week though I was presented with a very different sight. There wasn’t even a shop, let alone a slightly altered sign. Speaking to the proprietor of the dry cleaning shop opposite, I was told the owner had died 2 1/2 years ago, and due to the building’s age and decidedly ramshackle nature, the decision had been made to demolish it. She also provided me with a very different perspective, adding that while the owner’s death was a sad loss, the shop’s removal had opened up a lovely, wholly unobscured view of the mountain. One she enjoyed seeing every single day. A change then that meant a real and meaningful gain for her, which made for an interesting counterpoint to my no less real, but far less life affecting disappointment.
Denise says
The view is beautiful yet still so sad the old store has gone…. 🙁
Lee says
It is. Very nice to look out onto everyday. But yeah, the bookshop was special. You don’t see many like that.
cdilla says
Wow, what was it built upon? You sure it’s not still there waiting for the hydraulic stilts to be repaired? 🙂
It’s not often you can see a silver lining to losses like this, but taking the time to talk to locals gave us the chance to appreciate the change through their eyes.
Lee says
Haha, if only. But yeah, not sure what it was built on.
Yes, it was interesting to hear a different perspective. And no denying the beauty of the new view.
YesterdaysHero says
Thanks for ‘saving’ this Lee. The store lives on in your photographs.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. That’s very kind. And you are very welcome. Very glad I got the chance.
Richard says
The view in the last photo offers a fascinating counterpoint to the first two photos!
Lee says
I know eh? Seeing a car park where a building once was is always a stark contrast, but this provides a very different new view.