Tokyo seems to be constantly changing, but the transformation this old lady must have seen is almost unimaginable.
Photographs from a small group of islands
Tokyo seems to be constantly changing, but the transformation this old lady must have seen is almost unimaginable.
Morgan says
Great shot. Her neighbourhood has gotta be unrecognizable from what it used to be but I guess the changes have been over a long period of time. I wonder how often she thinks about it or if she can still picture how it used to be………
Lee says
Thanks. Yeah, that’s a good point. A long and gradual process. I do reckon she’d remember it though. Or at least most of it.
Jenn says
Oh my her little *garden* too! 😮
Lee says
I know eh? Have to make the most of what little space you have!
cdilla says
Wonderful capture of the lady looking thoughtfully out over her domain.
Eleven years ago there were three towering trees in that tiny plot south which must have blocked much of her sunlight for decades.
They seem to have had a graffiti problem around there too, but a fresh lick of paint was applied for your visit 🙂
May have to visit those narrow streets – and also see the vast herds of bicycles sheltering under the nearby raised expressway.
You know, if she were to turn her head ever so slightly to her right she’d be looking directly towards Mount Fuji. I wonder if it was ever in line of sight from there.
Lee says
Thanks. I got two shots of her. The other was looking at me, but I much preferred this more thoughtful one.
Even changed a lot in that relatively short time frame then, so yeah, do go here next time. Rumours are those alleyways are earmarked for regeneration, so even more reason to go and see them.
Considering how few tall buildings there would have been back in her younger days, I’d say there was a good chance she could see Mt Fuji. Like to think she could anyway.
Paul says
I was born in a peacefull neighborhood and lived in it until 20 (i’m 34 now).
It’s still recognizable but I’m sure everything would be completly different in 20 years.
I can’t imagine how much changes this old woman have seen since she lives in the heart of an ultra modern city. It would be interesting to ask her.
Lee says
Yeah, it’s definitely not just a Tokyo thing that’s for sure. Look at somewhere like China and even Tokyo’s substantial changes seem almost minuscule.
It really would. Be fascinating to find out what she likes and doesn’t like about the modern city, and ultimately which era she prefers.
john says
The cabin looks so out of place up there, and the headroom and the floor, seemingly below the wood line, adds to the strangeness.
Lee says
I know what you mean. Nothing seems to quite fit. And perhaps the old woman least of all.