Even in the 1980s, the once commonly touted line that, all Japanese are middle-class, probably didn’t hold much in the way of truth. Nowadays, however, it most certainly doesn’t. And increasingly, the very obvious signs of social and economic division are sadly all too clear to see.
Harry says
Great shot with the sign and all but boy that’s a depressing scene……..
Lee says
Cheers. Yeah, not the happiest of sights, but sadly not an uncommon one.
cdilla says
That’s a pretty glum scene. Similar to this one from a few months back (https://www.tokyotimes.org/tokyo-disappointment-or-utter-despondency/).
What was on the other side of these doors that made the waiting worthwhile I wonder?
Lee says
Yes, the next set of doors down if I recall correctly.
It’s just a department store and station entrance. Nothing out of the ordinary at all.
Ken Caldicott says
Was he sleeping rough or maybe he was just sleeping whilst waiting to start work. Japanese people seem to be able to sleep on a clothes line if necessary and I have seen them asleep whilst leaning against a pillar in a station. His shoes are well-polished and he may be wearing a uniform of some kind, maybe a janitor for the building??
As usual Lee, you got me thinking again.
Lee says
Thanks, that’s good to hear. Means I’ve done something right.
Yeah, that ability to sleep (or sometimes pretend to sleep) anywhere is pretty impressive. As for the fella himself, I have no idea either. My guess would be he’s homeless — or perhaps one precarious rung above — as I don’t think it’s a uniform he’s wearing. But like you say, his shoes are in good condition, so who knows…?