The vast majority of the ‘before’ photos in this series were taken for no other reason than I found the scene interesting. Over the years, however, they unexpectedly became something more as death or demolition changed what I first saw forever. Outcomes that didn’t cross my mind when I initially pressed the shutter, but needless to say they do now. Tokyo changes fast, and time, for better or worse, simply can’t be held back. Elements that make the photographs far more poignant than I could have ever imagined.
That said, I don’t really know what to do with them. A book at some point would be lovely, but at the same time I’m not sure the images alone say enough without written backstories. A magazine or newspaper article would perhaps work better in that sense, but then the necessary pitches involved in that process are an increasingly thankless task, so we shall see. There’s no particular rush anyway.
The one thing I do know is that there will almost certainly be many more photos to come. A generation of buildings and their inhabitants is sadly coming to an end, so the documentation of them will definitely continue.
For now though, here (and next week in part 2) is a selection of what I have already. Small vignettes of Tokyo life that are gone, but at the same time aren’t completely forgotten.
Denise says
These are so sad but I believe there’s so much joy. It is the cycle of life and you have captured it. I love the old couple outside their home. 🙂 Thank you!
Lee says
You are very welcome, and thanks a lot.
They were a lovely couple. It was a very unwelcome surprise to say the least to see the house so empty and devoid of life…
cdilla says
It is always good to revisit these photographsof yours. They are are saturated with detail and history.
Personally I think the story here is your story. The traveller spending decades wandering the older, invisible, poorer, tradional and often happier side to Tokyo and recording them. Your journey changes from recording what is to recording the changes. A much harder task to write and commit to. But with the accompanying text you post with your photographs here is clearly something you could do. And, of course, you have all the raw photographic material ready to draw on.
Would it pay the bills? Well I would buy one 🙂
Lee says
Thank you very much, that is really kind of you and absolutely lovely to hear. Definitely a lot of food for thought there.
So long as it could pay for itself that would be plenty enough, so we shall see…
Steve says
Great work as always Lee. This is a really evocative set of photos. It is just the way life is but no less poignant.
Lee says
Thank you very much, and yes, it really is. Nothing we can do to stop it, but at the same time it feels special to be able to record it.
Craig says
A lot of the pictures that you take make me stop and take stock of my local environment despite the subject matter being on the other side of the planet. A lovely photoset – looking forward to feeling this sad at the same time next week.
Lee says
Thank you very much. That’s really kind and fantastic to hear. Taking these photos it has certainly made me appreciate things a lot more. I definitely see the city a lot differently.
Richard says
The contrast is striking, thanks! The first few of the green grocer point out how much he had to do everyday just to bring his inventory out. The old couple are great. So is the single woman smiling/covering her mouth. She looks so warm and friendly.
I agree with Cdilla. I would buy a book, too!
I hope you are enjoying your holiday.
Lee says
Thank you very much. Hopefully a book will happen at some point.
Yeah, there were some lovely moments, and definitely, it must have taken him ages to set up and pack away every day.
Cheers. Very nice to be back, and to be avoiding the heat and humidity!
Linda says
You know that I am in the words business, but I think I don’t agree that a book of these photos would need words.
Lee says
Thank you, that’s very interesting to hear. Definitely a lot for me to think about. Certainly more than enough to challenge/question my initial ideas.