Last year I posted several photos of a Tokyo home that has both intrigued and shocked me for over a decade. This is what I wrote and saw:
This tiny building has fascinated me since I first found it over a decade ago. Its size, shape and dilapidated state are intriguing enough, but added to all that is the fact that somebody may actually live there. And even if they don’t, it’s certainly somewhere they spend a lot of time, as more often than not there’s a light on inside and the door, for want of a better description, is open. On top of that, the house behind it was recently demolished, providing a proper look at the rear of the property, although in many ways that has created more questions than answers.
That said, I finally do have one answer, and that’s whose property it is. When walking by alone, I always stop for a little while in the hope of someone appearing, and at long last that happened the other day. It doesn’t confirm whether it is indeed a home or not, but at least I now have a face to add to the building’s incredible facade.
Now, a year on, I actually have some real answers. Bumping into the owner on one of my Tokyo photowalk tours, I got the chance to talk with him for a little bit. He’s a lovely old fella who’d just returned from a spot of fishing, and he had some tiny fish and shrimp to show for his efforts. Something he clearly does quite often, as I’ve seen a variety of aquatic life in those tanks over the years.
When asked about the building, he confirmed it is indeed his home. Not only that, but it has been for the last 75 years. His time there starting when he was just 6. Facts that I did, and still do, find hard to fully comprehend.
Needless to say it’s severely lacking in even the most basic amenities, so for bathing he uses one of the local public bath houses. A common thing in the past, and still a daily necessity for some in the area. His toilet though is the one in the nearby park. That, needless to say, is far from common. A truly extraordinary lifestyle made even more shocking when it’s lived in a city as prosperous as Tokyo, in 2023.
Denise says
Thank you for sharing these. What a story……….. I sincerely hope he lives there through choice not circumstance.
Lee says
You are very welcome, and yes, so do I. Still can’t quite get my head round it at all. Obviously he doesn’t know any different, but at the same time he clearly does know how other people live.
Sean says
Awesome documentary work but man that is one tough life right there.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Yes, it really is. Might not have been that unusual when he moved there, but it most definitely is now.
Richard says
This is barely one step beyond being homeless. It would be fascinating to know more about his life. How and why has he lived there for 75 years?!?
Lee says
Yeah, I know. I found out those details, but realised that they create even more questions.
And yes, that’s the big question. One I will have to try and ask if I’m lucky enough to see him again. Many possibilities, but all just speculation.
Richard says
Admittedly challenging but it would be fascinating to find out more about this man and his life. I hope you get the opportunity to chat with him,
These houses are amazing in a city like Tokyo….and sad as well. THANKS!
john says
I’m intrigued too.
Water must be a big consideration for him, even down to the umbrella collection co-incidentally like the one that the the young guy has.
I thought that he’d upgraded his ‘bucket garden’ but as you say the tanks have been around for some time and they appear to be in a different location.
It could be a big change when that plot is built on.
Incidentally I thought his neighbour had a pull up bar from your earlier images!
Lee says
Yeah, some questions answered but now so many more.
The plot behind is absolutely tiny even by Tokyo standards, so I reckon it’ll stay empty til others go the same way.
Haha, brilliant. I like that. I shall never seen those laundry poles the same ever again!