The best days of this once busy market are very noticeably long gone. A lot of it is now shuttered up, and those businesses still open are slowly but surely approaching their end. It does, however, remain an incredible looking place, particularly so with its striking main entrances. There are also some disused living quarters above, which I was lucky enough to see a little of. An unexpected extra that added even more to the experience.
A shop owner I spoke to, and who very kindly provided access to the old accommodation area, was resigned to the market’s demise, as quite understandably there are no next generation family members ready to take over. At the same time, there was a genuine sense of pride in what they still do, along with a deep affection for how things once were. Interest shown in the market is appreciated too. Sometimes its by curious visitors like myself, or one of the film crews that use the location due to its old school appearance. Way more important though are the regular customers who clearly make opening everyday a worthwhile endeavour, and so open they do until they can do so no more.
Sean says
Oh man that first shot. Just awesome!
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Really glad I managed to capture the old lady making her way out. She was the perfect subject in so many ways.
Wes says
I have a curiosity about this side of Japan but it also makes me feel sad. Does it not get you down? All these shuttered shops and empty homes?
Lee says
That’s a very good question. Now and again they make me feel sad, but I’ve come to accept that this is the way of things. The cycle of life. And at least I’ve had the chance to see them, even if they were way past their best.
Ken says
Getting your usual response from the cat!
Lee says
Haha, yes. Making friends everywhere!
Damien says
Lovely shots Lee. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) TV had a segment on its 7pm news last night about Japan’s “Lonely Deaths” (elderly living in urban centres who keep to themselves and don’t have neighbours keeping an eye on them, and who pass away inside their own homes and aren’t discovered for weeks or months after). It focused on Yokohama, and a local doctor who seems to be in his 80s himself, who has been doing a special round of home visits for the past 20 years to ensure essential medical care is provided to the elderly low income who may be immobile or aren’t covered by the medical safety net. Fascinating stuff. Anyway, I spotted a table in the room in your shot 10 which looks like it might be a kotatsu in winter. We have one that looks identical to it and is probably the same vintage. Cheers, Damien.
Lee says
Thank you very much.
Yeah, I’ve read a lot about that, and seen various documentaries. A terribly sad situation and one that will surely only get worse as the population continues to age.
Yeah, that’s what it looked like. Definitely no need for it when I was there though, it was absolutely boiling up those stairs…
Jen in NZ says
The shot three from the bottom is like one of those kids’ mystery search pictures…. how many cats can YOU find? Between the live ones, the ceramic ones and the hand-drawn one, I think there are six!
How on earth do you keep finding these amazing places? What a thought-provoking slice of history.
Lee says
Haha, that’s so true. Hadn’t thought about it in that way.
Yeah, the history and memories attached to these places are always fascinating. The changes they have seen are often mind-boggling. With so many of them disappearing (or at the very least on their last legs), I always keep my eyes and ears open for new finds. This one and a few others were luckily all within manageable travelling distance between each other, so I could see them all on one trip.
scruffy says
I wonder where ARE all the people in the area shopping these days if not at these shops? Are the people gone? Has Walmart moved in to the area? What gives??
Lee says
Many have sadly gone. An ageing and dwindling population. In places like Tokyo it isn’t always so noticeable, but away from the big cities sights like this are often the norm. Then add supermarkets into the mix, and shopping areas like this have no chance.
john says
Cat in flight!
I like the intro and the outro with the star of the show, and the subliminal table tennis (#11)
Lee says
Cheers. Those entrances are both really quite special, and add in the same person and I was very happy with what I got.
Haha, good call on the table tennis!