Japan’s economic outlook is far from rosy. Plus certainties of the past such as a job for life are long gone. But on graduation day at least, it’s a time for former students to embrace such uncertainty, and hope that the future will be just as colourful as their ceremonial hakama.
tatsurou says
The state of Japanese junior and senior college students:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=M6rb6kknj3A
Lee says
Cheers for the link. Very interesting. The whole Japanese job recruitment thing seems like a thoroughly horrendous experience. As does being a company ‘freshman’ should they be successful. The Smiths Heaven Knoes I’m Miserable Now springs to mind…
Hans ter Horst says
Great shot, sort of like a revolving door symbolism going on: the new student going up for the stairs, the finished product leaving and going down the stairs again, back to the start 🙂
Lee says
Cheers. Yeah, ideally I’d have liked to have another school student going up the steps in the left of the frame, but sadly such elements are beyond my control!
Jeronimo says
Very nice pic ! Lot of symbolism… specially at the train station where the atmosphere is very unique in Japan.
Lee says
Thank you.
Yeah, there were a couple of elements I was happy to get in the frame.
Squidpuppy says
I’ve always thought the graduation hakama to be a lovely and charming tradition. If only the men would wear Meiji / Taisho period garb too…
Lee says
Yes, I totally agree.. Did see a few young fellas in traditional garb as well this year though. A very cool look, and way better than a bland suit that’s for sure.
kimora says
I’ve been browsing through your site for a while and I think this is my favorite pic. Cheers to you!
Lee says
Thank you!
ameiji says
The picture tells a lot.
Nice to see you keep on telling us your stories, Lee!
Lee says
Thanks!
I couldn’t imagine not doing it.