Walking towards the shop below, it seemed like the owner was loading his van for a delivery, and just as I got within a few metres, he drove off down the street leaving everything as it is in the photos. A temporarily unattended business that looks every bit like it was abandoned years ago.
Richard says
OMG, it looks like a hoarder lives/works there! What customers would walk into a shop like that?!?
Lee says
It’s quite something, isn’t it? Been past a few times, and the last I time I walked passed there was actually a customer in there, so I didn’t get the chance to properly look in, or get any photos. Having now had the chance, I can happily say it did not disappoint!
Sean says
That sure is one grotty store. I wonder are the vending machines structural?! 😉
Lee says
It’s certainly not the cleanest. Not exactly the best stocked either. And yeah, quite possibly!
cdilla says
Woah – looks like our attic. What a marvelous store front to add to one of the categories I like most of yours.
It sure has an excess of character. Odd how the main thrust of the wares seem to be cleaning products.
Interesting that this post got hits when I searched on Tokyo 3601 1083. Google must read and store all text on images. I don’t know whether I like that or not.
Sean’s comment reminded me of this https://youtu.be/fH-E6J5TJTY the original Grot Shop
Lee says
Yeah, it really is an incredible place. Hadn’t been past for a while, and from a distance I feared it had gone, but getting nearer I realised I was looking on the wrong side of the road. A genuine relief.
That is interesting. Had no idea such info is stored, although of course everything is stored, so makes sense I suppose. Of course whether that’s a good thing or not is another story altogether…
Ah, Reginald Perrin. Great. Super. One of my all time faves. So many of the same jokes every week, and yet so very funny every week.
john says
“Master Builder
tell me how you make a temple”
– Gong
(..it could be a cone)
Grot or not, if you’ve spilt the ketchup then he’s your guy, if he’s there!
Lee says
He is. And if you are feeling a bit naughty, even when he’s not there!
john says
He evidently doesn’t see it as too naughty a place to need to lock up when he’s away.
cdilla says
Gong. Classic. Still have a vinyl Flying Teapot somewhere. The offshoot Planet Gong and Here & Now were more my thing back then. Very accessible – mostly playing without a raised stage infront of a “crowd” that could feel outnumbered by the band members and the tour bus crew. Loved the names Kif Kif le Batteur, Gavin Da Blitz, Keith da Missile Bass and, of course, the dancers Suze Da Blooz and Anni Wombat. Happy times – what I can remember of them 🙂
YTSL says
Aaah, Japan, where you can leave shop doors wide open and all you’ll attract is a curious photographer… 😉
Richard says
Amazing, isn’t it?!?
Lee says
Yes, it really is. There’s presumably a living space upstairs too. All left completely open and unattended. Not many cities in the world where you could do that.
Rogerio Prado says
Great photos. I wonder if that phone number still works.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Nah, those don’t work anymore. Presumably haven’t for a long time. That said, it’s surprising how many old shops you still see with the old style numbers.