The full, unrestricted return over the weekend of one of Tokyo’s biggest festivals was a real sign that the capital is now well on the way to being how it was before the pandemic. A mostly maskless affair that was lovely to see for its many sights, inked skin and quieter moments on the sidelines.
Below then are a small selection of photos from Asakusa’s Sanja Matsuri. Scenes that are a little bit different from the usual stuff I focus on, but in some ways they also feel quite familiar.
Sean says
#1 is just wow. Awesome shot!
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Fortunately they were more than willing to have their photo taken.
cdilla says
Nice to see normality returning. I like the old lady at the window photograph; the tiles over each window, the apparent thatch beneath, and the red and white signs which my translation app variously translates as I’m drinking, It’s a sunny day, and , sark sake liquor. All of which I’m happy with for the scene 🙂
Lee says
Cheers. Very happy with how that one came out. Probably my favourite of the afternoon.
And yes, really good to see things finally returning to normal. Been a while to say the least…
scruffy says
I, too like #1, especially the designs on the gentleman on the left.
We should try coming up with captions for #6, the group of ladies carrying something, probably a shrine? They look like they’re just barely keeping whatever it is aloft.
Lee says
Cheers. Yeah, some very impressive work he has there.
Yes, it was a portable shrine. The weight of those things must be incredible, hence the often very pained expressions. Thankfully never seen one fall.
john says
Expressionist photography here, judging by some of those expressions!
That guy with the orange sash seems to be keeping tabis on you.
Lee says
Haha, there’s definitely that element about them, and yes, he most certainly was!