The sight of rickshaws being driven around Tokyo’s modern streets is a fascinating one to say the least. And yet the people who pull them are arguably even more interesting — a job that being both outdoors and physical goes against what many young Japanese deem desirable.
But as compelling as they are, this dapper old fella and potential customer, was possibly even more of a character.
john says
He’s certainly a sharp dressed man, but it’s still close. Must go shopping!
Lee says
Yes, he certainly put me to shame…
winnie says
Splendid shot! 🙂
Love their expressions on their faces.
I am too shy to sit on the rickshaw. But admired and respect their job.
Lee says
Thanks Winnie. Yeah, I’ve never been on one either…
April says
I love casual, convenient clothes but I miss seeing people dressed nice just for everyday wear.
Love the hat!
Real nice shot.
Lee says
Cheers April! As much as I tried, I don’t think I could ever pull off such a look. For him though, it seems effortless.
Jeffrey says
Rather than “dapper,” oji-san dressed like that always remind me of low rollers in Vegas circa 1969.
Lee says
Yes, I guess there is that element about them.
Lizzy says
She’s pretty, too. Nice to see old traditions kept alive by the younger people. I very much admire that about Tokyo.
Lee says
Yes, that’s one thing that always surprises me when I go to a festival – the number of young people involved. Always good to see.
MrSatyre says
Hopefully her lazy eye is probably just the angle of her face and the direction in which she was looking, but she reminds me of a coworker of mine who DOES have a lazy eye (or two) (sometimes it’s hard to tell which is which!), and driving with him is always an adventure. Makes me wonder what a ride with a lazy-eyed rickshaw driver would be like! “Wheeeeeeeeee! Look out dapper old man!”
Lee says
Pretty sure it’s just the angle of her face.
Don says
So, as an artist who works hard at observing the world around me, I’m going with the angle of the photo. One thing I’ve noticed over the years with the people I knew was that a solid, close-in focus (like she has) resulted in some amount of a strange angle to the head. She doesn’t have that, her head is level and the gaze steady.
Getting back to the shot – I love it! I can see the Vegas vibe mentioned, and I agree about the generally dapper dress – he’s got some real charisma to pull off the glasses, though! How does the color version stack up, Lee?
Lee says
Cheers Don! Yeah, quite a character, isn’t he? Black & white works much better. Too many distractions in the colour version.