Tokyo changes all the time, and the city’s vast array of modern shops continues to grow on a daily basis. Move away from the capital’s main hubs, however, and it’s still possible to see businesses that have barely changed in decades. Local stores that somehow keep going, with their owners diligently opening every morning despite the likelihood of little in the way of custom.
Here then are some such examples photographed over the last week or so.
YesterdaysHero says
These are beautiful and poignant, Lee. The last gasp of a generation.
Lee says
Thank you very much. Yeah, that’s sadly so true. A lot have gone already as well…
Sean says
Oh man that first shot is awesome 🙂
Lee says
Cheers! That one came a lot better than I expected.
Linda says
How long did you have to wait for the umbrella that matches the banners etc? Very nice 🙂
Lee says
Thank you. Mercifully not that long at all, which was even more of a result than usual considering the heat.
Linda says
I know that one with all the morning glories and now I’m realizing I’ve never even peeked in to see what kind of business it is.
Lee says
That one is a such a beauty. It’s a stationary shop, but it also has a sizeable collection of toys. It had been a while since I last walked by, so it was really nice to see it still standing and in operation.
Linda says
oh, toys and stationary, I can easily do my part to keep that one in business 😀 Fingers crossed it is still there next time, I will go in and spend a lot of money
cdilla says
A lovely collection of timesoaked premises awaiting the curtain of “progress” to sweep over them.
The first photograph is remarkable. It really draws you in to wanting to walk into it. A nice backdrom for some Japanses themed lo-fi listening.
It is nice to see the stationary shop sporting a different gown of flowers. When we were there it was the brilliant yellow orange of the profuse blooms in the lower “story” of greenery, and the owner feeding a small flock of sparrows.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. That first one came out way better than expected. Really quite pleased with it.
Yes, it’s nice to see it change over the seasons. Such a special little shop.