Quietly looking down at the lives of countless millions of people, he stood there completely alone. Or at least alone with his own thoughts.
Photographs from a small group of islands
Quietly looking down at the lives of countless millions of people, he stood there completely alone. Or at least alone with his own thoughts.
cdilla says
Even with a press of eople either side of you and the sounds of a busy crowd behind you the views from there looking down on the millions below muffle your surroundings and give you a sense of quiet, distant isolation. But to experience it like this, at just after noon if the Docomo clock is working, must make your very bones ache.
You have framed it marvelously with the Skytree extreme left and Tokyo Tower (very) extreme right and the Toranomon Tower and Tokyo Midtown inbetween.
It suprises me how close the Docomo Tower looks. It must be over a mile away, and yet looks as if it were only a stones throw away.
Lee says
Thank you. I was restricted by where the fella stood, but thankfully he stood in pretty much the perfect place.
Yes, I couldn’t agree more about that feeling, and it definitely was made more intense with so few people. There were just 3 of us up there, and the cafe is currently covered up and closed, so the silence only added to the sensation. Quite the experience.
Evan says
Lee, your photos so frequently have interesting emotional aspects to them. I have to imagine that living in Japan has affected your outlook on life and your artwork, and I’m guessing tidy/clear composition and tone along with some subtlety would be in line with the cultural norms of Japan. Apologies if I over generalize or stereotype.
Lee says
Thanks a lot, that’s very nice to hear. And no apologies needed at all. It’s a very good point, and to be honest, not one I’ve really thought about, at least not deeply, but yes, it has definitely affected both my outlook on life and photography. A lot more than I probably imagine too.
YTSL says
Not your usual photo but yet another great one! I love how you constantly show the non-touristy side of Tokyo and how interesting it is.
Lee says
Thank you! To be honest, with masks, a lack of people in some places and the general changes the pandemic has produced, it has forced me to shoot a bit differently. A little frustrating in some respects, but at the same time being made to adapt a little isn’t necessarily a bad thing at all. Something your positive words make me feel even better about.
GL says
Sakes… I was there, I recognize the room- jam-packed with other tourists straining to get a view at the window, selfies, kids running around, a lineup at the cafe. I remember thinking the room was a microcosm of the larger ocean of souls outside, the buildings going on and on, out of sight. I was so intrigued by the three towers of the Hyatt but didn’t make it over there.
Here, one thoughtful, blissfully unaware individual… perhaps both alienated and awestruck by the view.
Lee says
It’s definitely a different experience these days that’s for sure. Walking out of the lift into the silence and empty space is almost eerie.
Interesting you said it was like a microcosm of the world outside the window.s, as in many ways it still is. Just of the new world outside. The cafe is now closed and covered, social distancing is by default the order of the day, and the staff are constantly wiping down every surface a visitor has been in contact with.