Recently I posted a couple of ‘before and after’ series featuring the disappearing people and places of Tokyo. Small vignettes of change and lost lives in a vast metropolis. Elements that make the city what it is, but are also easily forgotten and left undocumented.
The photos below are similar in some respects, but also quite different, as the area being demolished is sizeable to say the least. It’s also fairly well known due to its old school charm and looks. A vast array of buildings, businesses, and most strikingly a couple of iconic drinking alleyways, that are all making way for a massive apartment complex. Large scale demolition that is also happening in several of the city’s older neighbourhoods.
The pictures were all taken after pretty much everywhere had been emptied and locked up, but fortunately just before the barriers blocking access were put in place. In a similar vein as those aforementioned ‘before and after’ sets, I’ve also included some photos taken over the years in the same locations.
And with that it’s farewell to a large part of Tateishi. A once truly fascinating area that Tokyo will never see the likes of again.
YesterdaysHero says
Thank you for being there before the end. The addition of past shots adds such a lot of poignancy. A very fitting farewell to what looked like a super cool area.
Lee says
Thanks a lot, and you are very welcome. Glad I could get one last look before it disappears. I was also very lucky to have been able to experience it over the years.
Denise says
Sweet Boobs!!! 🙂
john says
I wonder if they accidentally undercharge.
Lee says
@Denise it made me chuckle each and every time I waked past!
@John Probably not as it would have likely gone bust many years ago.
Rod says
As Basil Brush would say, “Boom! Boom!”
Richard says
Sometimes ‘progress’ is bitter sweet. So many people must have so many good memories of time spent in these places.
How great that you were able to capture these before and now. Thanks!!
Lee says
Yeah, that’s very true. Nothing lasts forever that’s for sure.
And my pleasure. Very happy I got the chance to experience it over the years, and get one last look.
john says
I’m hoping the recycling squad can relocate the frog and remove the tape to allow for morning haikus again.
john says
PS. Good timing!
Lee says
Haha, let’s hope so.
Cheers. Very glad I got this one last chance.
Jason says
I would have paid good money for that “Sweet Boobs” sign…
Lee says
I know eh? I do hope it has been saved.
cdilla says
Another location moves on. It does look like it had had it’s day, and what it becomes almost certainly will never have the same character. But you have given us a glimpse.
As for that bar.. I did find a nice photo of the staff and that it was 3000 yen for 60 mins of all you can drink. I’m sure someone rescued the sign.
Lee says
Yeah, that’s definitely true. The alleyways were in quite a shocking state as well. But like you said, nothing is going to match what was.
I do hope so. It never failed to make me chuckle.