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Sep 14 2016 8 Comments

Tough Tokyo street shogi

Times change, but tough times, and the attempted diversions from them, sadly don’t.

tough tokyo street shogi

Categorized: Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. John says

    9/14/2016 at 4:17 pm

    Yep, that’s tough. They have friends. So a positive, I guess……….?

    Reply
    • Lee says

      9/14/2016 at 7:46 pm

      Yeah, that’s got to be worth something. A lot probably. Living on the streets, or at best a very precarious step up from them, must be hard to deal with to say the least. But dealing with it alone must be even worse.

      Reply
  2. john says

    9/16/2016 at 2:46 am

    Reddoburu! Stamina required, and importantly, not to get distracted.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      9/16/2016 at 7:50 am

      With extra strong chu-hi one of their favoured drinks, Red Bull by the bucket load would probably be required. And even then, I’m sure lots of basic errors would be made. Personally speaking, I’d barely be able to see the board after a few cans of that!

      Reply
  3. cdilla says

    9/16/2016 at 7:21 pm

    That is a grim scene you have captured there; the wet streaks and patches on tarmac and clothes especially so.
    However, the guy looking at you doesn’t seem to be a fully paid-up member of the club – perhaps just a friendly visitor.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      9/16/2016 at 10:16 pm

      Yeah, it’s a rough part of town for sure. And this particular little spot is possibly the worst part of it. Not nice at all.

      Not sure at all about the fella looking up. The people there are generally a mix of the homeless, and those a step up living somewhat precariously in weekly or nightly paid for rooms and lodgings, so perhaps that’s his situation. Pure speculation though.

      Reply
  4. Mike says

    10/4/2016 at 11:27 am

    Very nice photos Lee. Just curious, knowing how Japanese people can be sensitive towards their privacy, do you ask for their permission before taking their photos or do you shoot first then engage them after?

    Reply
    • Lee says

      10/4/2016 at 6:15 pm

      Thank you.

      No, I don’t. Well, on most occasions anyway. Not a big fan of posed street shots. Fortunately this approach hasn’t caused many problems. A nod and a smile are often enough to diffuse any potentially awkward situations should they arise too. But on the whole people are generally ok about it.

      Reply

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