Despite the land prices in Tokyo, shuttered-up shops are surprisingly common sights in the capital; something I’ve documented here on several occasions, and much more extensively on my Instagram account. But now and again these closed properties do get repurposed, which is nice to see even if those doing the repurposing aren’t similarly pleased about being seen.
Ron says
Haha, he was probably hoping for the girl in the pink dress (from your previous post). Instead he got you!
Lee says
Haha. A very good reason to be disappointed!
cdilla says
It is good to see vacant shops being reused. Interesting to see the prices too. I came across some like that with the shopkeeper repackaging the contents of boxes. One place had a couple of women just sitting on the floor with boxes and buckets of food encircling them. All selling stuff pretty cheap too.
A lot of the expressions you get convey puzzlement, as you’d probably get from me in a similar situation. Have you ever thought of having a card to hand them to explain things, and even give them the opportunity to visit your site and see the context? Though that assumes they could read english I suppose.
Lee says
It is. Pity it doesn’t happen much more often. Some of them really are incredibly basic, aren’t they? Although they are much more interesting because of it.
Yeah, I like these initial expressions. Often changes after a smile, or a few words, but it doesn’t matter then as I have the photo. I do sometimes end up stopping and having a chat, but I’ve never thought to explain what I’m doing to be honest. Never been asked either come to think of it. Kind of nice that way.
john says
There’s something odd going on with all those leeks. Perhaps eating them protects you from fake news? A bit like the sunglasses in the film ‘They Live’?
I think that the pink arrow was a secret sign for such a vendor. Either that, or they are for some new dancercise fad.
Lee says
Haha, maybe. Do like like the idea of leek-based exercise! They may also come in handy when looking to fend off rogue foreigners armed with cameras.
john says
and with a little red bull’s eye to aim at, 180 could indeed be a possibility :O)
Lee says
Haha, it could indeed!