After seeing the Japan BE Laboratory’s largely dilapidated state last week, it’s arguably quite difficult to imagine what the self confidence building sanctuary would have looked like in its prime, but at least the view that those turning up would have been treated to is still as mesmerising and memorable as ever.
As, it has to be said, are the place’s private rooms, although they are arresting for all the wrong reasons, with the beds now nothing less than a nightmare,
and while looking at one’s tired and timid face in the morning is still feasible, washing away any lingering worries isn’t.
Yet somewhat surprisingly, the option of adding a bit of spice to a dull hairstyle is still doable, if not necessarily desirable.
However, damage and dodgy tonics aside, it’s obvious that the rooms were once quite fancy and fairly sizeable, with western,
or Japanese styles available.
Along with the current bonus of curtains that beg to be bagged in black and white.
In fact, regardless of whether it was due to them being photogenic or furnished, one of the rooms was still considered to be largely liveable, as some poor soul had obviously been staying there until several seasons ago.
And squalor aside, it certainly would have been nice and quiet, with no sounds at all from the next door neighbour.
But scores of people once stayed legitimately in the hope of somehow increasing their self confidence, and while what became of them is a mystery, they too left behind a few belongings, which primarily involves pictures, and not particularly pleasant ones.
Or at least they appeared that way in the dark and dingy rooms.
With even the sun seeming sinister.
Mike says
Nice pictures as usual Lee ^^. I’m wondering – do you use protection (oo er…) when going on these things? I recently bought an asbestos particle filter mask because many of the buildings I enter have been gutted for asbestos.
Lee says
Cheers Mike. To be honest no, although after this trip my mate and I did talk about the potential dangers from asbestos.
It’s something I definitely need to invest in. Where did you get yours from?
Paul H- says
As always great framing, colours, and depth of field! I always find it difficult to take indoor ruin shots that show how interesting the room actually is … I’ll take any tips you have! Looking forward to the next Haikyo instalment.
Yoli says
This is fantastic, what an eye for composition. You can tell this was a very nice place at one time. Has anyone bought this? Any plans on restoring it?
Michael says
The mask I bought was from a local store, but made by a seemingly reputable company, Moldex. I’ve seen products on ebay from time to time, but no idea about availability in Japan – though their website has a Japan section, so it looks hopeful!
http://www.moldex-europe.com/en/
The mask I have is the disposable 3405 with an FFP3 D particle filter (basically, a P3 filter). Thing to look for for asbestos is a mask that filters 100% of all particles (the highest grade – HEPA).
I decided to research and have a look around, as I’ll need one when I go back to Japan. It seems that you’ll need a P100 filter. You can either get a moulded mask or a disposable one. There seems to be only one disapoable mask at asbestos grade:
http://www.moldex.com/jp/respiratory-protection/disposable-respirators/adjustable-strap/2360p100.php
http://www.moldex.com/jp/respiratory-protection/reusable-respirators/filters-and-disks.php
Having said all that, even though P100 is the highest grade particle filter available, in their Glossary Moldex say that for asbestos, you have to use the half mask repirator. I’m not sure why exactly, since the filter is the same as in the disposable mask above… Perhaps it has something to do with the seal on the face..? Since you’re not actually removing asbestos and causing it to fly everywhere, I can’t see it being a problem using the dispoasble mask, but I’m not an expert. Maybe I’ll have to look at getting a half-mask…
Everything is written here:
http://www.moldex.com/jp/glossary.php
Jonathan says
My favourite is the old spice bottle, what a strange mixture inside!
phossil says
I think the drawnings were made by someone schizofrenic.
Lee says
Thanks!
@Paul H The rooms were fairly easy to photograph as they, on the whole, had interesting objects in them. My only technique, if you can call it that, is to focus on the one thing in the room that interests me the most. I still feel I didn’t do the place justice though.
@Yoli The place is in such a state of decay that even if somebody bought it, they’d simply demolish it and rebuild. The location itself certainly has potential, as it’s in a lovely spot. Plus it’s a fair sized plot of land. But yeah, the building itself would have to go…
@Michael Thanks for the great info and the links. Something I definitely need to invest in.
@Jonathan I remember Old Spice, especially the commercials, but I can’t ever recall seeing hair liquid.
@phossil That’s exactly what my friend who explored the place with me said.
Matt says
Once again some great photos. There is something about these places that just draws you in. Maybe the thoughts of what once went on there and how things can change so drastically.
How do you find out about these sites?
Karasu says
Hi, just letting you know how much I like your site, especially the haikyo section! I posted a member news article at DannyChoo.com on haikyo-ing and Urban Exploration in general and mentioned your site in it. I also posted it at my blog, here is the link: http://ichinichijuu.blogspot.com/2009/04/haikyo-japanese-ruins.html I hope this drives some more traffic to your terrific site!
Lee says
@Matt Yeah, it’s a combination of things I think Matt. Certainly is for me anyway, although I can’t pinpoint exactly why I like them so much.
As for finding them, it’s a combination of a book I bought and the internet. Plus there have been one or two that I’ve stumbled upon by chance.
@Karasu Thank you very much! It’s certainly nice to know other people and not just me get something out of it.
Jason says
Nice report Lee. I liked the story. The photos of the drawings were enlightening and entertaining…especially the last one.
Monica says
This is really neat! What’s written on the drawings? (I don’t read japanese. :/) Those are really eerie.