Japan’s prolonged economic stagnation and a rapidly changing job market have not only consigned the myth of all Japanese being middle class to the rubbish bin, but, for a nation well known for its habit of hoarding, even saving a little something for a rainy day is now more or less unmanageable for many.
andy says
This is a wonderful photo. It shows that despite how booming and advanced japan is in technology and architecture, many people still have it rough just as in any other country. The photo in color would of been good enough to emphasize what I just said however making it black and white really makes people pay more attention to the emotion that comes along with it.
I’ll let you know something, my favorite types of photos are the types with realistic or beautiful scenery and those with people in them that can basically tell a story about their lives just by reading into their emotions and with very little help from the surroundings. You seem to do all of that and I really appreciate your work : )
Lee says
Thanks a lot Andy. Very kind of you to say so.
Yes, the image of Japan abroad is often very different from the reality. Just walking around my neighbourhood, it’s hard to imagine that people are living in some of the dilapidated houses and apartments dotted about the area. Certainly a far cry from Shibuya Crossing, Ginza and the like which seem to be the mainstay when a picture of Tokyo is required.