With another year rapidly nearing its end, it’s time once again to select my favourite photographs from the past 12 months.
In a world that all too often can seem full of nothing but dishonesty, chaos and a complete lack of empathy, photography has once again been a personal saviour. The simple process of heading out and seeing what happens remains a constant source of both joy, and contentment. It’s also a key factor in my desire to find interesting new places in Tokyo, as well as Japan in general. Plus, of course, there are the people I get to meet, or at the very least photograph. Not all of whom, I hasten to add, give me dirty looks. In fact some of them even smile. Or at least one or two do anyway.
Similarly positive has been my experience conducting photowalks in and around Tokyo’s older neighbourhoods. This year has seen my business really start to take off, and I’ve had the pleasure of showing a different side of the Japanese capital to a whole host of lovely people. Customers who have not only made my job enjoyable, but at the same time proved that despite what we see and read every day, most people are genuinely good sorts. A fact that’s sadly all too easy to lose sight of amidst the seemingly constant barrage of bile that makes up a disturbingly disproportionate amount of public discourse and supposed debate.
All of which, in a decidedly roundabout manner, brings me to my favourite images from the last 12 months. Just like previous years, the selection is made up of photos I like purely and simply because of the results, whereas others are included due to what they mean personally, or the memories I have attached to them. So here then is the 2018 selection. They aren’t in chronological order, just how I feel they work best. They’ll also be the last additions to Tokyo Times until normal service resumes again on January 4th. So until then, Happy New Year and all the very best for 2019!
Linda Lombardi says
Happy new year! So glad to hear the photowalk business is doing well.
Somehow I missed that fabulous photo of the guy standing in front of the illustration he is wearing. Do you know what that is from?
Lee says
Thank you. And happy new year to you too!
Yeah, it’s from Akira. There are a number of scenes from the film there. A great way to use the otherwise blank wall round a building site.
Ron says
I probably could have done without seeing those short shorts again 🙂
Lee says
Haha, that’s a fair point!
Harry says
So many awesome shots to enjoy! Thanks so much for you insights. I hope 2019 is good for you and your family! 🙂
Lee says
You are more than welcome. And you too. Hope 2019 is a happy one!
cdilla says
A marvelous collection of the work you have shared us this year, each of which is memorable in it’s own way. My favourite, because if captures how I feel when looking out over Tokyo, is the black and white of the two be-trilbied gentlemen in the Government Building looking westwards watching another day fleeing before their eyes over vast tracts of urban life.
Your photographs are a wonderful way to mark the passing of time, both in terms of Tokyo’s history and personal time. Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning brings me a new glimpse of the city I love.
You’re a class act Lee. May 2019 bring you everything you and your wife need.
Lee says
Thanks. Very fond of that photo myself. Went there hoping to get something a little different, but much happier with what I came away with. It has become a firm favourite.
That’s genuinely lovely to hear. Knowing that the photographs I take resonate beyond just my own interests and likes means a lot.
You too. All the very best for the coming year!
Jenn says
Thank you for so many great pics. You have given me such a new appreciation of Japan. I’m already looking forward to next year! 🙂
Lee says
My pleasure. Very nice to hear you get something from them. Hopefully next year will be the same!
Milan Petrovic says
Incredible work.
Lee says
Thank you very much.
Ken says
Thanks for all the superb photos again this year Lee. My next visit will be to Takaoka in February. Best wishes to you and your wife for 2019.
Ken
Lee says
Thank you, and you are very welcome.
Nice. Never been round that particular part of the country. Sure you’ll have an absolute blast.
All the very best to you too!
DavidT says
Awesome set. There are some of my favorites here. A bunch of photos you should be very proud of! 🙂
Lee says
Thanks! Always feel I can do a lot better, but yeah, certainly pleased with what I got.
d.minnis says
Outstanding as always Lee, please keep up the great work.
Lee says
Thank you. There’s no way I’ll stop taking photos, so hopefully the more decent ones will keep coming!
Willy says
lovely lovely, and thanks as always!
All the best for new year!
Lee says
Cheers. You are very welcome.
You too. Hope it’s a good one!
Tyler says
Huzzah to another great year of photography, Lee! I’ve been following you for more years than I can recall right now, but looking forward to 2019’s updates from you!
Keep up the splendid work
Lee says
Time really does fly eh? When I put these posts up, the year seems long and varied, and yet at the same time the photos form the 2017 version still feel fairly recent…
Thanks! I’ll still be out and about with the camera as usual, so hopefully 2019 will be a photographically fruitful one!
Martin B says
Another wonderful roundup of a fantastic Tokyo year, best wishes to you and your family for a peaceful, prosperous and productive 2019.
Lee says
Thank you! And likewise, I hope 2019 is a very good year for you.
John Glenn says
Why are so many pictures so centered? Where is the ability of an advanced visual language? In short these are ordinary snaps.
Lee says
I suppose a fair few of them are. Some because of circumstance/surroundings, but others ‘cos I think they work best that way. The old woman looking out of her old house, the tiny shop, the tunnel, the Akira one and the abandoned TV in particular. Also the man in pinstripes considering the lines of the street. With a couple of those I did have the luxury of time and space to choose a different composition, but given the chance again, I don’t think I would. But isn’t that one of the many intriguing aspects of photography? What works for one person, don’t necessarily work for another.