It’s a side of Tokyo that is seldom seen, and the programs I have seen that cover the issue lead me to believe the authorities just like to “tidy them away” rather than actually deal with the problem. It’s good that you shed a little light on it.
But I have to say, there is a certain sterility to this scene. The guy in fairly neat and presentable attire, the crisp new Sapporo glass box, the clean donations container, all rather in contrast to your typical London down-and-out flop space.
Yes, that’s very true. That said, there was a short segment on a news programme the other week. But they featured an old-ish fella who was living by the river. The weather was nice and they showed him fishing and cooking his catch. Which was of course delicious. It was almost made out to be idyllic. Coverage that, regardless of the intentions, probably did way more harm than good…
Yeah, good call. Tis rather sterile, isn’t it? I hadn’t really thought of it that way, as (generally speaking of course) there’s a neatness about many of the homeless, whether it be their clothing or shelters.
Paper flowers that don’t smell of paper? (ref : Thel in Deadman – 1995).
There’s a gap in the market for an origami stall there; but probably not an idyllic foolscap road to riches.
DavidT says
Too sad but I like the contrast of the faces and big brand. 🙁
Lee says
Yeah, it’s terribly sad to say the least.
Glad those contrasts work for you. Elements that hopefully made the taking of such a photo acceptable.
cdilla says
It’s a side of Tokyo that is seldom seen, and the programs I have seen that cover the issue lead me to believe the authorities just like to “tidy them away” rather than actually deal with the problem. It’s good that you shed a little light on it.
But I have to say, there is a certain sterility to this scene. The guy in fairly neat and presentable attire, the crisp new Sapporo glass box, the clean donations container, all rather in contrast to your typical London down-and-out flop space.
Lee says
Yes, that’s very true. That said, there was a short segment on a news programme the other week. But they featured an old-ish fella who was living by the river. The weather was nice and they showed him fishing and cooking his catch. Which was of course delicious. It was almost made out to be idyllic. Coverage that, regardless of the intentions, probably did way more harm than good…
Yeah, good call. Tis rather sterile, isn’t it? I hadn’t really thought of it that way, as (generally speaking of course) there’s a neatness about many of the homeless, whether it be their clothing or shelters.
john says
Paper flowers that don’t smell of paper? (ref : Thel in Deadman – 1995).
There’s a gap in the market for an origami stall there; but probably not an idyllic foolscap road to riches.
Lee says
Ah, nice reference. And yeah, probably not a way to beat the system. Or at the very least better his current predicament…