Japan’s ageing population is well documented, and there are no shortage of examples on these pages. A phenomenon that is especially noticeable in rural areas, as many younger residents are unsurprisingly moving to the cities as soon as they can.
That said, it’s increasingly common to see this population shift in Tokyo as well. Something these photos show, taken, as they were, over two days wandering a few areas of the capital with a visiting friend.
Scenes that are a world away from shopping and entertainment hubs such as Shibuya and Harajuku. Lesser seen locations where the shops are old and the owners often older. A few of these photographs in particular emphasis this point, as the lady sat outside her shop is 94 years old, and the man running the sweet shop (which he opened as a young adult) is now a staggering 96. Ages most of us can only hope of reaching, let alone still be fit enough to work.
Denise says
That is so amazing. Still working at 94 and 96!! The lady looks so young too. 🙂
Lee says
Yeah, she really does. Mentally young as well. We had such a lovely chat with her.
cdilla says
Wonderful photographs and especially nice to see the sweetshop guys face. When we bought some sweets from him he had his mask up and a cap on (well it was December). Nice to see his well worn abacus in shot too.
There is a comforting community security is when everyone around you only changes on a generational basis. Nowadays here even your GP changes every visit. For my first 20 years my doctor, newsagent, butcher, postie, fishmonger, offlicense owner, bin men, insurance man, and all neighbours for five houses either side were the same. Now – well, to see any of the above twice is unusual.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Yeah, it was really nice to see his face. Well, just to see him again. Never sure if he’ll still be there every time I go back.
And yeah, that’s so true. They are the last of their kinds in so many ways…
Linda says
I’ve always looked at your photos and dreamed of growing up to be an elderly Japanese lady running a tiny bar. Some obstacles to this are 1, I am not a younger Japanese lady and 2, I know nothing about bars and have never spent any time in one. But how did I not think of this obvious solution: I want to be an elderly Japanese lady who runs a candy store!
Lee says
There we go then. New life and career path sorted. Now you just need to decide where.
Linda says
Fortunately I know you, the perfect person to direct me to one that needs someone to take it over 🙂
Lee says
Haha, just let me know when!
NGA says
The woman dressing a pink blouse looking at the pink flowers is a beautiful photo.
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I admit that during my college days I almost started a relationship with a japanese descendant whose family had a landscaping shop. Her room was carefully organized to let the sunlight and air circulate freely. There was green and plants everywhere you looked at.
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Lee says
Thanks a lot. That was a really nice moment, and the matching pinks a wonderful extra.
That sounds like an absolutely room. Can understand why that last photo brought back those memories.