Over the last few months I’ve posted several series documenting old and dilapidated Japanese markets. Once busy locations that are now mostly shuttered — their time as functioning businesses rapidly running out.
This one, however, is very much a going concern, but due to its wonderfully dated signs and appealing colours, I opted to take most of my photographs both after dark and at the end of the working day. A choice that hopefully allows those key aspects to shine through, along with the solitary calm such places possess when most of the people have gone home.
Sean says
These are awesome and #4 is super cool!
Lee says
Thanks a lot. I like that one too. The colours were lovely.
cdilla says
A very nice collection. You are the master of greens, whether it be trees, traffic lights or arcade bunting.
It recalls my early working days, leaving the office late and cutting through the old market building to get to the square where my favourite pubs were. The quiet time between the stalls being tidied away and the pub (early) doors opening. The change of aroma from that of office carpets and aircon, through boxes of old veg and meat stall sawdust, to the strangely attractive whiff of malty beer slops and ashtrays.
Lee says
Thank you. Haha, there certainly doesn’t seem to be a shortage of greens.
Ah, very nice memories indeed. Glad these photos could help bring them back.
Richard says
Heartwarming to see a market like this that is still serving its community. Makes me nostalgic for ‘the good old days!’
Thanks!
Lee says
Yes, they are rapidly disappearing, aren’t they? This one though thankfully seems to still have a long life ahead of it.
Once a Japan expat says
I can visualize just how busy, bustling and crowded this market was BITD.
Lee says
Yes, definitely. Still fairly popular, but it must have been something else altogether in its prime.