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Jul 23 2018 12 Comments

Tokyo’s most forlorn looking tobacconist?

Despite the almost absurd number of convenience stores in Tokyo, small, independently run tobacconists are still a surprisingly common sight. That said, I’ve yet to find one that’s quite as forlorn looking as the one below. An utterly dismal attempt at appealing to passing trade that is perfectly matched by the apathetic appearance of the proprietor.

an old and forlorn Tokyo tobacconist

Categorized: Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jenn says

    7/23/2018 at 1:22 pm

    Are you sure it’s even open? Maybe just some random guy asleep there?! 😉

    Reply
    • Lee says

      7/23/2018 at 8:17 pm

      Haha, it doesn’t look very open, does it? But yes, it’s a going concern. Even saw a customer in there once.

      Reply
  2. GenjiG says

    7/23/2018 at 1:47 pm

    Could you give this guy a hug from me next time you see him? I would guess he needs it…

    Reply
    • Lee says

      7/23/2018 at 8:20 pm

      Haha, not sure how he’d react to me waltzing in and giving him a hug, but I should perhaps go in and buy some cigarettes. I could always give them to someone afterwards.

      Reply
  3. Steve says

    7/23/2018 at 7:49 pm

    Forlorn-looking is an excellent expression to describe him and some of your other subjects.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      7/23/2018 at 8:21 pm

      It really is, isn’t it? It’s a word I really like, and this seemed like the perfect time to use it.

      Reply
  4. Harry says

    7/24/2018 at 3:03 pm

    Gotta say that’s one sad looking store and owner! 😮

    Reply
    • Lee says

      7/25/2018 at 2:40 am

      It really is. Always fascinated me, but seeing the owner asleep like this nicely emphasised the forlorn nature of it.

      Reply
  5. Matt Talbot says

    7/25/2018 at 3:07 am

    I believe the Japanese word for a ‘comb over’ translates as ‘barcode’. If so, that’s a perfect example.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      7/25/2018 at 4:56 pm

      Yeah, that’s right. I’ve always thought it was a wonderfully descriptive word. Way better than combover. And yes, this is a perfect example.

      Reply
  6. cdilla says

    7/25/2018 at 4:52 pm

    I love the detail you have caught in this photograph. His choice of colour scheme is good as those blues tend to be all that’s left of full colour prints when they have been left in the sun too long.
    I feel sorry for the guy with your timing. People seldom look their best when asleep.
    Here’s another, much brighter, photograph of him with a big smile and hidden barcode.

    https://leechapman.photos/the-old-school/qfjhw09cdiqebtqoxu6jmujqlzkgh9

    Reply
    • Lee says

      7/25/2018 at 5:05 pm

      Cheers. Lots to take in. But yeah, not the most flattering of shots.

      I’ve always wanted to get a shot of the shop that properly shows its dilapidated state, but the fella isn’t keen on someone taking photos. In that other shot he was actually telling me not to, so this was the only way really. Not ideal, but I suspect it won’t be there for much longer, so had to take the chance.

      Reply

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