In Tokyo, there are minuscule outlets with amazing amounts of stock, as well as cupboard-like electronics stores run by little old ladies. And now, it turns out, there are also similarly small bookshops with pleasant looking proprietors.
Photographs from a small group of islands
In Tokyo, there are minuscule outlets with amazing amounts of stock, as well as cupboard-like electronics stores run by little old ladies. And now, it turns out, there are also similarly small bookshops with pleasant looking proprietors.
Linda says
I want to grow up to be a little old Japanese lady who runs a tiny bar, but I am really much better qualified to be a little old Japanese lady who runs a tiny bookshop. I guess that would be OK.
Lee says
I think that would be absolutely fine!
ron says
She looks happy that you are taking her picture, not like most of your subjects, haha!
Lee says
Yeah, quite a difference from the usual reaction eh? A smile every now and again is always nice!
Harry says
I’ve gotta agree with you. That sure is small! 🙂
Lee says
It is. For the size though, she still has a surprisingly decent selection of books and magazines.
cdilla says
I sure wish there were something like that near where I live. I have a dspic I could do with a decent book on. And I’d be browsing those FGPA ones too. Amazon is great – but nothing beats having a leaf through a book before buying. She certainly seems to be keeping up to date. Love the HAM mag at the front and callsign message at the top right. I imagine the owner is as interesting as the wares.
In credible clarity you have on this photograph. I can even tell that is likely a German calendar she has behind her – another talking point no doubt.
Lee says
There’s a lot going on when you look closely, isn’t there? She regularly changes the postcard to her right too. It was a nude the previous time I passed, so the change to a ship came as a bit of a surprise.
Not at all sure how something like this survives, but presumably she has a lot of regular customers, and so knows exactly what stock is needed.
john says
That’s a nicely framed image! I wonder if she sells chips too?
Lee says
Cheers!
Haha, that’s very good!
Rohan Gillett says
One of the things I think is great about having a large population, like Japan does, is that they have a publishing industry that can support some really obscure topics. Have a look at some of the titles there!! There is no way some of, most of them could be published back home in Australia as we wouldn’t have the population to support them. A humorous picture on many levels!
Lee says
Yes, there’s definitely something very comedic about the whole set up. Her lovely expression adds to that as well I think.
That’s a very good point. Hadn’t really though about it, but yeah, they are pretty niche magazines to say the least. And yet magazines that clearly still have an audience. Long may that continue, and long may this little shop continue too!