Preparations for the Olympics that weren’t put Tokyo’s construction industry into overdrive, but even in normal years, the city is in a constant state of flux — its need to modernise seemingly insatiable. Yet due to the capital’s size, and its wonderfully sprawling nature, there are still little enclaves that are forever stuck in what feels like a completely different time.
YTSL says
What I really love about Tokyo (and so much of Japan — and, actually, Hong Kong, where I live) is that it feels so safe that a female can safely venture into areas like. In certain other places, they’d be accused of “looking for trouble” if they do so. But, actually, they might just be looking for a particularly atmospheric bar, hole-in-the-wall gem of an eatery or cool store!
Lee says
Yes, I couldn’t agree more. It’s just as it should be, and something that’s taken for granted, but it’s sadly not the case in so many other countries…
Carl says
Great shot. It looks like a movie set!
Evan says
Lee, this does remind me of the artificially created, graffiti clad, indoor alley scene that I believe you posted pictures of some time back. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to find it via a search on your site.
Evan says
The artifice makes it not nearly as interesting, but they both do appear to be perfect examples https://www.tokyotimes.org/japans-most-impressive-game-centre-a-recreation-of-kowloon-walled-city/
Lee says
@Carl Hadn’t though about that, but yes, it does. Designed and lit almost perfectly!
@Evan Glad you found it. Yeah, good call. Definite similarities. Sadly that game centre has gone the same way as the real Kowloon Walled City — it was demolished fairly recently. Rumour has it that this little alleyway and the ones connected are earmarked for the same treatment too, but hopefully that won’t be the case.
Coli says
What amazing lighting. Was this taken at night or is there just no natural sunlight present? I’m always amazed with your ability to capture the right moment at the right time! 🙂
Lee says
Thank you! This tested my patience a bit to be honest. A few people walked past, but headed in other other direction, and then others walked towards us, but not in the light. Then finally I got this, which made the wait worthwhile.
It had just gone dark, but even in the daytime, the only real light is where those shutters are in the background. So actually it’s easier to shoot at night, as it provides a more workable backdrop.
Stephan says
This is such a cool scene. I love how the light hits the woman. 🙂
Lee says
Cheers. It’s a great little spot. Very atmospheric. Was happy to get a shot of her there. A few other people walked passed but stayed in the shadows. Thankfully she didn’t!
cdilla says
Your patience certainly paid off here.
It’s probably just me, but I imagine alleyways like this are somehow connected across time and space such that take an unexpected turn in this one and you would pop out into a street in Hong Kong, or Mumbai or wherever.
Mind you, this alley look twice as wide and a lot better lit than the lost passages of Kowloon Walled City.
Lee says
Cheers. It was almost getting to the giving up time, so very glad she appeared.
That’s a wonderful thought. How incredible would that be eh? But yeah, as fascinating as it is, it isn’t a patch on those passages. What a place to explore that must have been.