A few weeks ago I did my first official Osaka photowalks. Three days of exploring and photographing the city’s older, grittier neighbourhoods — all of which are a very different world from the busy streets and bright lights of Dotonbori and the Glico man.
Below I’ve pasted the review of those walks, and the photos that follow are a taste of what we saw. Quieter scenes where time seems to have stood still. All shot in areas that have no fancy modern shops or restaurants, and aside from the occasional convenience store, no famous chains either. In fact, in these instances at least, there aren’t even any smartphones. Just life as it once was, and for now at least, still is.
Review:
We have engaged Lee for full day Tokyo photowalk tours on several previous occasions, and this time were pleased to have the opportunity to enjoy a three day tour with him in Osaka.
Lee’s 20+ years of living the culture and back street life of Japan, plus his easy-going friendly personality, provided the osmotic catalyst that allowed us to leave our tourist bubble and truly see the life and people in the less trodden neighbourhoods. As always the tour was tailored to us, and we got to see, taste, hear and learn about the Japan that is mostly hidden from us.
Lee sought out many genuine scenes that could have been from any time right back to the sixties. The likes of now vanishingly rare vending machines, plus shopkeepers from another era who were often happy to engage with a bit of chat giving us a precious glimpse into their long histories.
Lee also has the natural ability to take a random encounter and produce unique impromptu experiences. Such as a look around the inside of a small town theatre after a chat with a local, and, after passing an unusual doorway, seeing an amazing portrait exhibition of local day labourers taken over a ten year period.
There is never a moment that Lee doesn’t have some information or story to tell as we walk around, so every day was entertaining, educational, and full of photographic opportunities.
Of all the wonderful things we brought back from our visit to Japan, the memories of this tour are the most valuable.
Mark & Deborah, November 2024
YesterdaysHero says
These really are timeless, Lee. So good as always.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. That’s very kind. It’s a genuinely special place to photograph. Always feels like a privilege to be there.
Linda says
I have been thinking that maybe I should spend some time in Osaka on my next trip, I think now you’ve sold me on it.
Lee says
You really should. I can’t recommend it highly enough. I could happily spend months there. Each visit never feels anywhere near long enough.
Damien says
Great review, and love these local scenes. The gent dressed in the chic tracksuit, white loafers and porkpie hat next to his bicycle – priceless. He has clones all over the country equally proud of their dress sense. I bet he sports a gold Rolex too. The photo exhibition the reviewer references sounds intriguing.
cdilla says
A little more detail on the photo exhibition: At the end of the evening, walking home along a busy main road we caught just a glimpse of something odd through a small open doorway between bars, eateries a laundry and a coin-locker premises.
https://www.rainbowsharpsleep.com/Rabbit.png
We were so pleased Lee was happy to step inside and after a quick discussion had us invited through the back and up a tight spiral staircase to a small room full of wonderful portraits the photographer had taken of the many local homeless over a period of a decade.
https://www.rainbowsharpsleep.com/Gallery.png
The totally unexpected experience added yet more depth to what we learned of life in that area.
Damien says
Thanks for the additional detail about the exhibition cdilla.
Lee says
@Damien Thanks a lot and totally agree about the fella in the tracksuit. Quite the look.
And yes, it really is a lovely review. It was very nice indeed to receive that.
@cdilla Thanks for adding those details, and of course the lovely review. That exhibition really was, something, wasn’t it? Just a shame they didn’t have any books available.
Paul says
That’s how I think we should visit countries.
Thank you Lee.