Wow, the blank background really gives this photo an extra dimension by throwing all the focus on the contrast between the Uniqlo signs and the monk. Love it!
This monk looks more the part than the one with a bowl. The worn material on his scarf(?) particularly caught my eye. You have a talent for spotting, and capturing, contrasts – like the girls and graffiti from a few weeks ago.
The image immediately raised a smile with me as a UNIQLO store on the west side of Shinjuku station was the first place we bought stuff in Tokyo, having discovered our luggage had gone on a different vacation to us – leaving us with only the clothes we were wearing (and had been wearing for 20 hours). What I suspect would be a stressfull situation in most countries was a nice first encounter with the boundless courtesy and genuine helpfulness of the Japanese. Whilst our contact at British Airways just shrugged and suggested we call the next day, the Japanese airport staff quickly found someone who could speak english and who sorted everything out without further input from us. A lady at the Hotel Concierge printed out a map and marked three stores close to where the hotel courtesy bus stopped where she thought we’d find outfits suitable for the four of us.
The luggage appeared in our hotel rooms the following day.
Thanks. Fortunately Tokyo — and Japan in general — has a knack of throwing up such scenes. Just a matter of getting out there and trying to capture them.
Glad to hear you were sorted out so competently. There can be a lot of frustrations in Japan, but some things really are done so very well, aren’t they?
Hans ter Horst says
Wow, the blank background really gives this photo an extra dimension by throwing all the focus on the contrast between the Uniqlo signs and the monk. Love it!
Lee says
Thank you!
All happened very fast. Looked round and he was there, giving me just enough time to raise the camera. But pleased the way it came out.
cdilla says
This monk looks more the part than the one with a bowl. The worn material on his scarf(?) particularly caught my eye. You have a talent for spotting, and capturing, contrasts – like the girls and graffiti from a few weeks ago.
The image immediately raised a smile with me as a UNIQLO store on the west side of Shinjuku station was the first place we bought stuff in Tokyo, having discovered our luggage had gone on a different vacation to us – leaving us with only the clothes we were wearing (and had been wearing for 20 hours). What I suspect would be a stressfull situation in most countries was a nice first encounter with the boundless courtesy and genuine helpfulness of the Japanese. Whilst our contact at British Airways just shrugged and suggested we call the next day, the Japanese airport staff quickly found someone who could speak english and who sorted everything out without further input from us. A lady at the Hotel Concierge printed out a map and marked three stores close to where the hotel courtesy bus stopped where she thought we’d find outfits suitable for the four of us.
The luggage appeared in our hotel rooms the following day.
Lee says
Thanks. Fortunately Tokyo — and Japan in general — has a knack of throwing up such scenes. Just a matter of getting out there and trying to capture them.
Glad to hear you were sorted out so competently. There can be a lot of frustrations in Japan, but some things really are done so very well, aren’t they?