A key aspect of my photography is returning again and again to areas I find interesting, and with Tokyo redeveloping so rapidly, there’s invariably some demolition to document if nothing else. Yet notable changes or otherwise, the people, situations and various interactions make each and every visit unique.
Regularly photographing locations also allows me to piece together stories of sorts, and this almost shed-like Tokyo home is one such example.
It’s a place I’ve featured before, including half a dozen of the photos below. However, when passing by recently, I managed to capture several frames of the owner at the back of his property making use of some collected rainwater. A presumably daily practice that further highlights the truly basic nature of his life there. There’s also the first shot, which I took a few months ago, showing the old man looking out from his front door. He was possibly seeing how the weather was, or maybe even checking on his fish tanks. Whatever the reason though, it was a scene that felt particularly poignant.
Finally, as a bit of background information to add a few facts to the photos, the man has lived there almost his entire life, having moved to the property as a youngster. He’s now in his early 80s, which makes the lack of facilities and the difficulty of living in such an environment seem all the more shocking. Thoughts, along with so many still unanswered questions, that hit me each and every time I revisit.
Denise says
I have so many feelings about this but oh my what a resilient man.
Lee says
I know what you mean, and yes, he really is. Not an easy life to say the very least.
Steve says
What a story his life is.
Lee says
Yeah, it is. A Tokyo life like no other.
cdilla says
A quite extraordinary and unique home to discover and document in one of the world’s biggest and richest cities. You must consider yourself part architectural historian, part anthropologist at times.
It feels like there is a Wim Wenders film in the story of that man.
The sound of heavy rain in there must be quite something.
Lee says
I think that’s a bit of a push, but it’s been truly fascinating to photograph over the years. I do have misgivings sometimes being there with a camera, but he has been happy to talk so that makes me feel better about it.
Good call on a Wim Wenders film, and yes, the rain must be deafening…
Richard says
Fascinating as well as poignant that this man has lived there for so long. Do you have any other info about him you can share? Would he be willing to talk with you more? I agree that his story could make for a great film….or a book with photos?
Lee says
Yeah, it really is. It shocks me every time I pass, and especially so in winter. It must be absolutely freezing.
I think he would. The one time we talked properly he was happy to chat. I really should have asked him more questions as I don’t have any other info, but I was so shocked when he told me he’d lived there for so long that I couldn’t think of anything else. All those years there going round and round in my head. Trying to comprehend that pretty took up all my thoughts.
Richard says
Had not even thought about winter! And how about on hot and humid summertime days?!? how does he sleep?!?
I would have been shocked as well. Perhaps you could return to talk with him some more? His life must be fascinating…and probably sad.
THANKS for sharing these!
Lee says
You are very welcome.
I can only imagine how cold and hot it must be in there. Like camping, basically. And yeah, sleeping must be a real struggle.
I’ll be back there regularly, so hopefully I can get a chance to chat with him again. He was definitely happy to talk.
Andrew Graham says
I remember clearly this gentleman’s story whilst on our photowalk. Such a tough life living in such harsh conditions especially with the wealth that there is in Tokyo. Do the Japanese government offer any help?
Lee says
It really is something to see in real life, isn’t it? And yes, even more shocking in a city like Tokyo.
There is help depending on circumstances, but what that is, and whether it’s relatable to this man, I don’t know. He may own the building, and therefore the land it’s on, which would make things different I guess.
Linda says
this one is so amazing. I wonder if he owns the property and has chosen to stay instead of selling the land. It seems impossible that someone could own a place like this and rent it out? But lately I’ve been watching a bunch of YouTube channels that tour incredibly decrepit properties in Tokyo – there are still old buildings that are in horrible condition, lack what we now consider basic facilities like baths, etc. and yet are still being offered for rent. You could look at them and think, how is this allowed? but also they’re incredibly inexpensive so no doubt provide a place for people who can’t afford better. But this one is truly extreme. I wish we could know more of his story.
Lee says
Yeah, so many questions. I really should have asked more, but I was so shocked he’d lived there for all those years I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
My guess would be he owns it. He’s been there for so long which surely means he does, and like you said, it’s hard to imagine it being a rented property. But yes, there are some shocking places out there. More shocking for being in Tokyo too with all its wealth and supposed modernity.