Outside the big cities, Japan’s ageing population can make some areas feel like a very different country. They are visibly older in every way. Far less hectic too. And combined with urban migration, the number of residents is noticeably dwindling. With that in mind then, it’s not surprising that abandoned structures already dot the landscape. A trend that is only going to continue, meaning buildings like the clinic below will in many ways become commonplace.
Founded in 1918, and eventually closing in the early 70s, Japanese society saw more than a little upheaval during the years it was open. Inside, however, all that feels like a very long time ago, as it’s arguably more akin to a very badly kept museum than a mere abandoned building.
Unfortunately, those forty-odd years of neglect have really started to take their toll. Certain parts of the building have collapsed, and the flooring in general is more than a little suspect to say the least. That said, despite the damage and the general disarray, there’s still a genuine sense of what went on there — not to mention when.
Implements and the like are scattered all over the doctor’s room.
And the connected pharmacy still has some stock on the shelves.
Plus there’s a real feel of Japan in the 1960s.
But the chairs in the waiting room hint at something much darker than colourful calendars and a wonderfully retro TV.
Namely an operating room that due to all the dirt and damage, is like something out of a horror film.
A room that is now only connected with decay, rather than any kind of recovery.
StMongo says
amazing.
Lee says
Yeah, it really is quite a place. Pity it’s falling apart, but sadly nothing lasts forever…
Lesley says
Wow, that is quite some find. Those chairs. That operating room! Totally the stuff of nightmares! 😮
Lee says
I know eh? Visiting the doctor scares me at the best of times, so couldn’t agree more…
Coli says
Beautiful post as always Lee. This is one of my favorites haikyo posts. That tv is excellent!
Lee says
Thank you, Coli. That’s very good to hear. Yeah, that TV really appealed to me too. The design is wonderful.
cdilla says
This is a great set of photographs. So much to explore. That operating room is fascinating. The op-table has each of its legs supported by something different; surely something done after the abandonment. And the decayed/melted tube underneath it… ick. But then again I don’t like hospitals at the best of times – though I am mightily glad they are there.
The tapered legs of the TV evoke real nostalgia for the furniture my parents had when I was a kid.
Checking up on some of the medicines, one was the subject of an FDA legal process in the late 60’s, gave me my word of the week: Armamentarium – “the medicines, equipment, and techniques available to a medical practitioner.”
I think I’ll have a hard job working that into a conversation or email.
Your commentary, as others have said, really adds to your posts. Well worth the extra effort on your part.
Lee says
Thank you. Very nice to read what you said about the commentary too.
You know, I hadn’t even noticed the different supports on the operating table. Let’s hope it was done after it was abandoned. Waiting on one of those chairs must have been terrifying enough, but some wonky, falling apart operating room would have only made a bad situation much, much worse…
Very interesting about the medicine. Ties in perfectly with the dates on the calendars, the retro TV etc. But yeah, not sure armamentarium is likely to pop up in conversation very often!
Denton says
Very cool set. Big fan of the TV! 🙂
Lee says
Cheers.
Likewise. The shape and those dials. Just wonderful!
Matt Talbot says
Fascinating as ever. Do you ever think that, as the years pass, your photographs may become an important historical archive? They’re certainly good enough.
Lee says
Thank you very much, on both counts. Very kind of you.
With the haikyo stuff, that’s not something that has ever crossed my mind to be honest. Although that said, a good number of them have disappeared since I photographed them. But there are plenty of other people doing a similar thing.
When it comes to old bars and restaurants, however, the idea of documenting them (and their owners) before they inevitably shut up shop forever, has increasingly played a part in my desire to both visit, and photograph them. Not that such images would be important, but they would offer a glimpse of what was, and now isn’t.
diamond tears says
After all those haikyo photos of yours (by the way, thanks a lot for them; they are much awesome!), I get the idea that Japan is perfect place for horror and thriller movies.
Lee says
Thanks! You are very welcome. As you can probably imagine, I genuinely enjoy going out and photographing them.
Yeah, there are no shortage of potential sets, that’s for sure.