A home of sorts, and even what could be deemed a driveway, but it’s hardly the kind of living conditions one expects to see in the world’s most expensive city.
Or there again, maybe it is.
Home sweet hovel
Photographs from a small group of islands
Photographs from a small group of islands
A home of sorts, and even what could be deemed a driveway, but it’s hardly the kind of living conditions one expects to see in the world’s most expensive city.
Or there again, maybe it is.
Rrabano says
Yea if u feel that way about it buy the guy a née dig. Throw in a car or two while u’r at it.
Lee says
Believe me, if I had the means I would. Nobody deserves to live like that. Especially so in a city as affluent as Tokyo.
Lizzy says
I kind of like this. If severe weather (remembering your flood pictures) weren’t a danger I could like like this. Of course, your picture paints it as a quiet, out-of-the-way place. I don’t imagine it is. And at least s/he has a tent. Many homeless count themselves lucky to find a newspaper to protect themselves from the elements.
Lee says
Yes, where it’s situated there is a slight danger of flooding Lizzy. Not as much as some spots, but still not completely safe. And after a typhoon passed pretty close on Wednesday, the amount of rain we had in Tokyo could well have left those living in the more exposed areas in very precarious positions indeed…
Grass Jelly says
This must be a touchy subject, because every time Lee posts a picture of the homeless and/or destitute, someone has to become defensive.
This is the reason why I almost religiously visit this site every day hoping for an update. Lee provides us an unfiltered eye of daily life in Tokyo – he captures both the beautiful and tragic. Keep it up Lee, I love your work.
Lee says
Thank you very much Grass Jelly.
I do try and balance things and not focus too much on the negative/depressing stuff, but there’s no doubt it’s there in one form or another And as you say, I don’t filter it. Not only would I be lying to myself and visitors to Tokyo Times if I did, but I’d also be painting a false picture of Japan/Tokyo. Really glad you appreciate that aspect.
Ed says
I’ve been enjoying your blog immensely. But you should visit Vancouver, British Colombia. Not that it feels more expensive but the climate and the politicians facilitate even more homeless.
Lee says
I can well imagine. When I was back home in Britain over the summer, there were certainly more homeless than in Japan. And yet here, where one is constantly surrounded (on the surface at least) by wealth, it somehow seems a more of an issue. Or at the very least more noticeable.