There are a lot of photos on these pages of Tokyo bars, homes and buildings that have disappeared forever. The city changes at a ferocious pace, and rightly or wrongly, there’s generally little time for sentiment. Old places are to be demolished. It mostly seems as simple as that.
All that said, Tokyo is a truly sprawling metropolis, meaning that while much is gone, a massive amount still remains. Like the fried food and meat shop below.
Five years have passed between the photos, with the evening one taken just recently. However, while the time of day might have been different, the building, food and even the suspicious stare, remain reassuringly the same.
Günter says
I like how you have captured the same look. I’d like to try the food.
Lee says
Thanks. That seems to be his standard expression. Happy to say the food is good. A popular little place for a reason.
Richard says
Despite the unfriendly face the food might be good. I hope he doesn’t treat his customers that way!!
Lee says
Yes, the food is good. Always a steady stream of customers.
He’s alright actually. More just his expression than any meaning. But it does make for a more interesting photo.
Richard says
Maybe just doesn’t like photos to be taken. Food must be good if there is a steady stream of customers. Thanks
Lee says
Quite possibly. I’m rather hypocritically just the same. And yeah, with such competition here, you don’t get lots of customers, or indeed stay in business for so long, if your food isn’t good.
cdilla says
A great pair of photographs. I had fun playing “spot the difference”. The modest price increase and the lamp were the main two.
My favourite detail is the little egg things with a green “eye” dangling down – switches I assume, but they look like little companions.
I feel for folk with glum/sour default facial expressions, though mine, in my younger days, sometimes resulted in friends buying me a drink to “cheer me up” – so it’s not all bad, and as you say makes for a more interesting photograph.
By complete coincidence yesterday I was looking for a quote from Seven Samurai and came across a quote g**gle thought relevant for some reason from a movie I’ve never heard of which caught my eye nontheless after seeing that gentleman looking at you. “There is nothing sadder than a sad Japanese man”.
Lee says
Thanks. Good to get a second one of the place. Despite being five years apart, the changes really are minimal. Compared to many countries, it’s amazing how little the prices have changed too.
That’s funny. Being treated to drinks is never a bad thing. And yeah, in this case it definitely made for a more interesting photo.
Never heard that, but a fascinating quote. Must remember that one.