There is absolutely no shortage of barber shops in Tokyo, but it feels fair to say that very few look as lovely as this one. Simply finding it was special, then to make the moment even more memorable, the owner appeared at the window and kindly popped out for a quick chat.
The current building it turns out has stood there for 70 years or so, and the man himself has been in charge for the last 4 decades. However, at 81, his thoughts are finally turning to retirement, and he was philosophical about the shop’s inevitable closure — well aware that what appealed to him all those years ago is a far less attractive proposition today. And so, with nobody to take over, he’ll be the third and final generation barber to ply his trade there.
Linda says
What a perfect place and perfect set of photos of it. And of course he’s wearing a shirt that is color coordinated with the storefront, like he knew you were coming 🙂
Lee says
Thanks a lot. It really is a lovely old place. So many great details. And yes, the matching shirt was a very nice little extra!
Denise says
This is such beautiful old shop. I love the addition of the plants they are so important in a city.
Lee says
It really is. A very special place. And yes, I completely agree. Thankfully these little ‘gardens’ are very common in Tokyo.
Richard says
How great you could chat with the owner! At 81 years old it is impressive that he is still working. My grandfather retired at age 65. By age 70 he went back to work because he was bored and unhappy. He worked part time happily for about 10 more years before he was ready to call it quits.
Thanks for another set of great photos. I hope you are comfortably reacclimatized to living back in Tokyo. Stay safe and well.
Lee says
Yeah, it added a lot. The shop itself looks incredible, but to meet the owner and hear some if its history was special. 81 really is something, but it definitely seemed like his working life was coming to an end. After so long working though, and in a shop that offers little in the way of holidays, it does make you wonder how he’ll feel when everyday is a holiday and he can genuinely do whatever he wants. A transition that all being well he will absolutely relish.
You are welcome as always. Getting these shots was a real treat. They made an otherwise ordinary day into a very memorable one. And thanks a lot. It has been a bit of a struggle being back at times to be honest, but moments like this and the upcoming book have kept me both busy and motivated. Important elements in the slow and gradual adjustment to my new life.
john says
After a half a lifetime negotiating cranial topography he might be able to do what he wants or even what he has had to put off from doing for the past few decades, both as a relative beginner!
I liked the shrubs and the little ‘rock garden’ on the left.
If you have days thinking about being back in Blighty just check out the news; that should sort it, unless your book sales would take you into a super high earner category!
Lee says
That’s so true. Pretty much a whole new life awaiting him. One I hope he thoroughly enjoys.
Likewise. So many lovely little details. He also mentioned the old barbers pole on the wall above them. He was sad it hadn’t worked for years., hence the much more modern one.
Yeah, sadly things there seem to be going from bad to the absolute worst over there. Haha, I don’t imagine I’ll ever be in a situation to benefit from the latest, truly shocking budget!
LAObserver says
The red and blue vertical striped “barber pole” can mean different things in different countries. It is rarely seen here in the US anymore.
Lee says
Oh, I didn’t realise that. In Japan they are pretty much ubiquitous. Even the smallest, most nondescript place will almost always have a pole of some size outside.
cdilla says
Days like this must feel so rewarding for you. A pricesless glimpse into the scene you capture.
What is the device on the left of the shop as we view it. Kind of looks like a shaving brush.
Don’t you wonder sometimes
About retirement
Blue, blue, electric blue
That’s the colour of my shop
Where I’ll still live
Blue, blue
Pale blinds drawn all day
Nothing to do, nothing to say
Blue, blue
I will sit right down
Waiting for the door to open.
Lee says
Yeah, they really are. The shop alone made me very happy, but speaking to the owner was even better. Always lovely to see and chat to the people behind such places.
It was the original barbers pole. It used to turn inside. He actually pointed that out to me and said it stopped working a good while ago, hence the newer, far more ostentatious one. He clearly had a soft spot for the older version.
Oh, very, very good. I like that a lot.
Paul says
Hello Lee,
Lovely shop, for sure.
I was wondering : do you know what is the weird white device on the left of the building ?
Lee says
Yeah, it really is. Not many left that look as good as this.
That’s the original barbers pole. A small one inside the device would light up and turn round. He actually pointed that out to me, and quite understandably seemed rather sad that it doesn’t work anymore. Must have been quite a sight when it did. Would have been perfectly in keeping with the rest of the shop too.
Paul says
Thank you very much !
You’re right, I would have loved to see it illuminated at sunset.
Lee says
You are welcome. And yeah, me too. Must have looked lovely.