Despite far less interaction with foreign types, it’s always surprising how much more open and welcoming people tend to be in Japan’s countryside. The ready smiles, willingness to talk and general nonchalance providing an inexplicable contrast to many urban situations — particularly so in supposedly cosmopolitan Tokyo. A considerably more relaxed approach to life that these two lovely ladies perfectly exemplify.
Lovely ladies aside, I’ve been testing out the option of photos being clickable, allowing visitors to see a bigger, sharper and higher resolution version. It seems to have been working fine too. So from now on — and going back to mid-January or so — all photographs posted on Tokyo Times will be expandable. Pointless on a phone of course, but way better viewing on a desktop.
Martin says
Nice smiles. Must be a nice change. 😉
Lee says
Haha, yes, something of a novelty!
cdilla says
That’s a lovely photograph. For the most part I prefer photographs where the photographer does not influence the scene, but at the same time the occasional recognition of the photographic event does shine in ot’s own right. This one and the one of the girl who spotted you across the bar are good recent examples.
This photograph is also an excellent showcase for the higher resolution (something I have been enjoying singe you introduced it), as the character and detail of the two smiling faces really does benefit from the higher rez.
On the site I left click on the image, then right click and “view image” and then pop the image out to it’s full size so I can scroll around it at full rez. Thanks for making that available.
Lee says
Thank you.
Personally I do like a bit of interaction with the camera, but generally not like this. Preferably a look of suspicion, curiosity etc wold be better. But this moment was a genuinely a nice memory. The young woman in the bar is another good example. Proof that variety is always a good thing, particularly so when a smile is involved.
Very glad to hear hear you’ve been enjoying the larger photos. The fact that you get something out of them is more than thanks enough.
Al says
Ha, such a different reaction to the looks you usually get! 🙂
Lee says
Yes, something of a change!
Hans ter Horst says
Excellent! I’ve long held argued that the average tourist, even on the 3rd or 4th visit to Japan, spends way too much time in the big cities and tourist areas and that people should get to the countryside for a different Japan. In my experience too, in the countryside people are friendly and willing to have a chat when you happen to meet. I really do value these opportunities and that was even before I spoke a bit of Japanese 🙂
Lee says
Cheers. To be honest I don’t spend enough time in the countryside. But when I do, and also in considerably less urban areas, I totally agree. It’s a very different Japan. One that is wonderfully friendly, and one that should be experienced far more than it is.