Tokyo is a city that’s constantly reinventing itself, which is something I’ve been trying to document of late in relation to the capital’s disappearing old bars and businesses. But those kinds of changes are nothing when you start going back further in time. Like way back to the1600s for example, when the area below was home to a 100-man gun squad — which given its current guise, feels more akin to fantasy than historical fact.
john says
That must have been the start of the show-gun period? It looks like they had a fair number of gardeners too.
Lee says
Haha, very nicely done! I know eh? War might well have been their game, but they clearly weren’t afraid of showing their softer side.
john says
The current ‘bloom’ of train track flora just doesn’t compare does it.
I just couldn’t resist that one. If there had been an eight man gun squad, it could have been even more groan worthy.
I hope such epic epoch Brexit re-invention by billboard doesn’t catch on in Blighty.
Lee says
No, it really doesn’t. Flowers were brighter, not to mention way bigger back then.
I do hope not, but at the same time it wouldn’t surprise me…
ellen says
The contrast of the men on the mural and the guy on his bicycle is priceless! 🙂
Lee says
It’s quite something, isn’t? From 100 guns to a solitary cyclist!
Stephan says
Yup, it sure has changed!
Lee says
Just a bit!
Richard says
What has fascinated me about Tokyo over the 50 years I have known it is the following paradox: it is constantly changing but its essence is still the same. The continuity of the Japanese culture can be both its greatest strength and yet its greatest weakness.
Lee says
That’s a very good point. Agree with that completely.
Richard says
Thanks!
cdilla says
I love the green paintwork on the bridges along that stretch. Nice to see it’s been there so long and that bicycles are also a motif captured on streetview. The 2009 one especially looks like the lady is riding into battle 🙂
Lee says
Yes, it’s very distinctive. Don’t go past there all that often, but I always enjoy seeing those bridges when I do. Surprised to see how frequently the streetview cars pass by. Don’t see them very often, but they are clearly constantly out and about.