When it comes to helping overseas visitors, Tokyo has definitely made an effort over the years. Signs and announcements in foreign languages are now way more common than they once were, and similarly helpful menus can be found in an increasing number of restaurants. And yet at the same time, how much the capital really wants to be the international city it supposedly strives to be is difficult to say, as below a very fragile surface, Tokyo is arguably just as traditional as before.
For better or worse, however, some things are difficult to maintain, and when outsiders start perfectly replicating the behavior once dominated by inebriated Japanese salarymen, there’s probably no turning back.
John says
Jospeph and his coat of many national flags.
Lee says
Haha, yes, that’s a pretty good description.
Olivier says
Where’s the second shoe?
Lee says
Oddly it was behind his head. Tucked away safely in the corner of the seat.
cdilla says
A great photograph of fierce indifference and contrast.
With his fist firmly planted he looks aggressive even in torpor. On the other hand, the removal of his shoes shows consideration.
The Kansas and Missouri tattoo would suggest he’s American, the skateboard(is it) element and unscuffed attire perhaps a currently inactive interest of his, and the initials… His name? An interest in rallying? A statement of “Who Really Cares?”.
I see what you mean about the internationalization of Tokyo. I certainly appreciated the English transport announcements and signage, but at the same time have to agree it alters the feel – especially for locals.
I’m not sure about the drunk salaryman comparison as this guy doesn’t look like the incapacity is due to relentless long hours in a harsh besuited work environment.
Lee says
Cheers. I liked the contrast and indifference too, along with the matching hair colour of the drunk and the fella sat next to him.
The fist planted on the ground does hint at aggressiveness, doesn’t it? Although of course as he was fast asleep, it’s probably much better to give him the benefit of doubt.
As for everything else, it’s pure speculation I’m afraid. I was only the train for a little while, so this photo is pretty much everything I saw. Well, apart from the shoe behind his head!
Oh, and in regards salarymen, I just meant his drunken behaviour was similar to that of a salaryman in the same passed out state. Something they have almost become oddly famous for!
reverb says
…the climax of these nonsense activities will be in 2020.
I lived in Japan for a few months and I never acted that way; I bet that the locals there hated that conduct.
More in a occidental.
By the way to the poster that says: “American”, I live in America BUT NOT in USA. America is a continent not a country dumb fella.