Photographs from a small group of islands
Bicycles are still incredibly popular in Tokyo. Whether it’s merely popping out to the shops, or rushing to make a train, the trusty bike is invariably what people turn to. Pretty much all people too, regardless of age, gender or social status.
At the same time, these environmentally friendly workhorses are often deemed as dispensable as they are indispensable, and the long-forgotten machines below are a mere fraction of the many thousands discarded each and every year.
My favourite photo from this location is in black and white — the composition and subject matter seemed best suited to an absence of colour. This young woman’s striking eye shadow, on the other hand, and the vivid splash of red from the inside of her coat, made the inclusion of colour a similarly obvious choice. Two images that have such a lot in common, and yet at the same time feel absolutely worlds apart.
A lot of Tokyo’s little urban parks have concrete playthings and structures. Animals for the most part, but occasionally bigger, more colourful additions such as this previously photographed gazebo of sorts. What aren’t so common, on the other hand, are large, retro-looking robots that double up as slides.
Rumour has it that this particular creation also wanders about when everyone is sleeping. A nice little story that sounds like it’s straight out of a kids’ book, although the fella in the corner of the next to last photo is possibly suggestive of something altogether more sinister.
With trains regularly rattling by behind us, and lots of people walking past, this ramshackle old alleyway was definitely an unusual place to drink. In fact, its unique characteristics made it feel like the absolutely best place to drink — no two ways about it. A spot so special that the photos really don’t do it justice, so I’ve also included a bit of audio to try and better recreate the atmosphere.
Early last year I posted a set of old and broken vending machines that I’d photographed over several years. A few months later I managed to find a few more, and then later in the year got lucky again with a wonderful looking machine discovered in a long-abandoned apartment complex.
Now there’s another one to add to the collection. One so unique due to its television-like vending machines within a vending machine that it deserves a post all of its own. A lovely chance find that made a cold and dull day considerably brighter.
