These two colourful characters may well have been incredibly drunk by mid-afternoon, but they are almost certainly not what one would call lightweights. Quite the opposite in fact, as the bars in this alleyway — and indeed the surrounding area — are open from late, til very late; meaning that more than likely they had been knocking back the booze since the night before. An impressive feat that makes their inebriated state simply expected, rather than anything even approaching a surprise.
Kimono chameleon
Seeing a kimono is always a treat in Tokyo, but this particular sighting was that little bit more special due its oddly calming, almost chameleon-like qualities.
Dodgy ID photo?
Although she may not have been smiling, wearing sunglasses or even boasting a hat, it’s distinctly possible that this woman may still have blown her chances of this photo being deemed acceptable as ID.
Japanese women: A contrast
Tokyo fashion exposing way too much?
Wearing trousers low and showing one’s underwear is one thing, but going sans undies and instead showing what’s below them is something else altogether.
Tokyo artisan at work
Times change, and in many countries, manufacturing jobs both big and small have long since been outsourced. In Tokyo, however, it’s still relatively easy to find tiny workshops producing the likes of engine components, buckles etc. Plus now and again niche items that are made in much smaller numbers. Like the ornamental extras for temples and shrines that the man photographed below dutifully makes.
Similar to the vast majority of such places, his workshop is located on the ground floor of the family home. A throwback to the post-war years when Tokyo was being rapidly rebuilt after fire bombing destroyed massive chunks of the city. And in the capital’s older neighbourhoods in particular, such businesses were an integral part of their revival.
Needless to say, the numbers now aren’t anything near what they once were. And those that do still exit are invariably run by men well past regular retirement age. But even in this diminished capacity, the work continues. Seven days a week too for the fella in the photo.
Almost 70, he is apparently one of the few people left in his long since chosen trade, making demand relatively high. But with a sick wife to care for, his working hours are restricted to the time she’s in daycare or sleeping; hence the aforementioned work dominated week. So the unrelenting production goes on. And all in the same cluttered space as the past 40-plus years.