Showa era old shops and businesses are regular sights on these pages, so this is a series of Tokyo favourites I’ve taken over the years. Sadly several no longer exist, but at the same time many still do, and as such they often feature on my photowalk tours, making them feel like old acquaintances in a weird kind of way.
In that sense it was an especially enjoyable set to put together, and a few photos in particular brought back some nice recollections. Yet much more significantly, such places also possess a collective memory of sorts, as they contain all manner of stories, along with a sense of the past that is very noticeably disappearing.
Sean says
This is such an awesome collection. My favorite has to be the record store!
Lee says
Thank you very much. That’s a real fave of mine too, and one that’s thankfully still going strong.
YesterdaysHero says
Fabulous set, Lee. These are important documents.
Lee says
Thanks ever so much. They are all important to me, so that’s really nice to hear.
Elena Keith says
Love these!
Lee says
Thank you very much!
Richard says
Many great photos, thanks!
My favorites are the record store, the auto repair shop with the red car in front, and the one with the woman holding a red umbrella.
I recall the video stores vividly…both when I lived there in Japan and in the USA when I returned. We used to use them often to see a movie at home rather than go to a theater.
How times have changed!!
Lee says
Thank you very much.
Those ones would definitely feature highly if I had to rank them, and yeah, a very different world now.
cdilla says
What a trove! The fourth from bottom captures my eye the most – is there anything nearby at all? It’s like I imagine the trading huts of the early US settler days – except less loggy.
And you had to include the Video store!. Yes I do still periodically look for it. Searching around Higashi-Kurume Station at the moment. Blue Tiles – check, mahole cover and markings – check, road painted sign – check. Distant block of flats – check. One day… And when I find it I will visit and take a photo – even if it is is a parking lot by then 🙂
Lee says
That one was fairly near to where I live. Up by the reservoir where I go cycling. But now sadly long gone.
Haha, I’d forgotten all about your quest. Head almost direct south from where you are you’ll find it.
reon says
A fascinating collection! That record store reminds me of Perfect Days, and that closed shop with the big VIDEO sign is just sad.
I featured some of your photos in my blog, I hope you don’t mind.
scruffy says
Nice group of images. The record store-would love to browse there.