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Apr 11 2023 7 Comments

Tokyo past and present payphone colours

This particular little spot is at the station I often use when heading back home to Tokyo’s western suburbs. An old school enclave that I can never resist a look at even when it’s not the most convenient entrance. That said, most of the time it’s a disappointment. In fact almost every single time would be more accurate. But now and again there’s someone there who briefly makes the countless detours feel worthwhile.

Sadly there hasn’t been anyone of note for the longest time, so the first photo is from a fun setup on a Tokyo photowalk — the result and colours of which I really quite like. It also gives me another chance to show some of those aforementioned candid moments I’ve captured over the years, as well as the slowly evolving line up of phones. The last of which remains my out and out favourite.

Tokyo payphone colours

Tokyo payphone colours

Tokyo payphone colours

Tokyo payphone colours

Tokyo payphone colours

Tokyo payphone colours

Categorized: Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sean says

    4/11/2023 at 11:49 am

    The last one is so cool. It looks like it’s from a movie.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      4/12/2023 at 7:54 pm

      Thanks a lot. It was a very special moment to see him stood there that’s for sure.

      Reply
  2. Richard says

    4/11/2023 at 7:50 pm

    With a hat on the last one DOES look like it could be in a movie. Was the guy in the 4th photo was kicking his leg out?

    Very interesting how the phones change. Thanks

    Reply
    • Lee says

      4/12/2023 at 7:57 pm

      Yeah, I couldn’t have asked for someone better dressed. And yes, he was. For some reason he’d chosen that very public spot for some really quite vigorous leg exercises.

      You are welcome. Definitely a nice added little extra.

      Reply
  3. john says

    4/14/2023 at 1:18 am

    A setup in #1? I hope that this doesn’t mean that your photo walkers will be dressed in beige from now on.
    I’m impressed the way that pink camera (with yellow strap) is almost disguised.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      4/15/2023 at 11:30 am

      Yes, a very rare setup. But nah, definitely won’t be enforcing any kind of dress/colour code!

      Reply
  4. cdilla says

    4/18/2023 at 7:28 pm

    Having very recently garnered an almost complete collection of those wonderful gachapon replicas of Japanese public phones from a surprise find vending machine in Mitsoshikamae station I am particularly pleased to see you post this anthology of photographs. The will make a fine reference set for a diorama I have in mind. All except the first one – marvellous as the outfit is, the repainting of the walls white is just inexplicable!

    Reply

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