Tokyo has a wonderful knack of conjuring up surprises, but that said, it’s probably fair to say that bumping into this friendly fella in his tight-fitting schoolgirl gym shorts was still a tad unexpected to say the least.
Photographs from a small group of islands
Tokyo has a wonderful knack of conjuring up surprises, but that said, it’s probably fair to say that bumping into this friendly fella in his tight-fitting schoolgirl gym shorts was still a tad unexpected to say the least.
John says
Uh…. where to start…
Lee says
He gave me a rare smile, so he’s all good in my books!
Coli says
Wow. Only in Tokyo. What part of the city was this? Did you two talk at all? I’d like to see this person on a crowded train or some place more public just to see other people’s expressions.
Lee says
It’s quite a look, isn’t it? He’s a brave fella heading out like that. Must take a lot of self confidence.
It was in Golden Gai, just by Kabukicho. Nah, we didn’t speak apart from a greeting and a thanks from me after I took the photo. Then he was off on his way.
Al says
Whoah, that’s some outfit! 😮 Cute leggings! 🙂
Lee says
Isn’t it? The leggings finishing off the outfit nicely!
Ex-expat says
I’ve just lost my breakfast.
Lee says
You lost your breakfast, but he most definitely had his, ahem, lunchbox!
cdilla says
There’s a phrase my less tolerant friends sometimes use “The things you see when you’re out without your gun” which is what I imagine I’d hear if they came across him. For myself, I think the world is a better place when such choices can be freely and so colourfully displayed.
Mrs cdilla and I had the pleasure of sharing a table on a train with iO Tillett Wright recently who’s struggle against abuse and discrimination for being “different” is a sad confirmation of how so much of the world behaves when confronted with the unusual, regardless of how benign and harmless it is.
Lee says
Likewise. As I mentioned above, it takes real confidence, bravery or whatever you want to call it to out dressed like that. Total respect to him for having the will to do what he wants to do, regardless of what other people may think or say. Thankfully despite Japan’s love of conformity, it’s also perfectly possible for people to do this and not suffer any abuse. Stares yes, but that’s about it. Long may that continue, and long may people like him have the ability to live exactly how they want to. Even better is that with his big, ready smile, he seems like a really nice bloke too. And needless to say he made me smile too. A genuine bright spot on an otherwise very grey day.
d.minnis says
Hey, I say more power to him. I fear that he would be harassed here in America. Nothing better than just “people watching.” Seems like he was a really good sport for you Lee.
Lee says
Sadly probably the same in my native Britain…
Yes, he really was. We were both surprised, and we both just smiled. A wonderfully unique little moment.
Mareva says
wow! I’ve never seen this when I was there. Yes, he looks very confident.
Is it easy to take photographs of people in Japan? Better to ask permission before or no need to ask? I mean, individuals.
I’ve never dared, just once while visiting Kamakura, a very beautiful geisha. I asked her and kindly she said yes.
I had the feeling that, you know, the religious belief that a photograph can steal a soul, imprisoning it within its film, or a hard drive if it’s digital photography, is still shared by many cultures across the globe. Even today, some Native Americans and Aborigines of Australia refuse to be photographed.
Lee says
It’s up to the individual I guess. For me personally, I very rarely ask to take a photo. I much prefer a natural shot, rather than a posed one. Personally I don’t have any qualms doing this either, but for some people thinks it’s a terrible invasion of privacy.
But as for the people I photograph in Japan, there usually aren’t any problems. Now and again people get a bit angry, which is fair enough, but on the whole it’s fine. In fact more often than not a smile or greeting are shared, so it’s actually quite nice.