Smoking is still comparatively common in Japan, but it’s probably fair to say that the days of it being a smokers’ paradise are pretty much over. That said, the gradual transition is clearly still a complicated one.
Photographs from a small group of islands
Smoking is still comparatively common in Japan, but it’s probably fair to say that the days of it being a smokers’ paradise are pretty much over. That said, the gradual transition is clearly still a complicated one.
Ox says
I love smoking area in Japan. It’s a bit of a weird meet-up with “outcast” youngters, buisnessmen and older japanese people that are using to smoke.
Lee says
Yeah, I can totally understand that. In fact I think smoking areas around the world have that element. I know when I used to enjoy the odd cigarette, there was very often an element of camaraderie amongst the smokers.
Coli says
Lee you’re totally busted! They don’t look so pleased. But I really like the older guys expression. Funny picture. 🙂
Lee says
Yes. Completely and utterly! That’s what made it for me though. Especially, like you say, the older fella’s expression. Couldn’t have asked for more interesting look.
Al says
Ha, you didn’t make any new friends there! 🙂 Did they say anything to you?
Lee says
I didn’t, but nah, nothing was said. I was away immediately after pressing the shutter!
john says
Conflicting messages indeed!
Are those the ubiqitious call repellent bottles, or is it a sign that some heed the sign and stop for pop?
Nice colours and just a little ‘Charles C. Ebbets’!
Lee says
Good question. Not sure at all. My only guess is it’s water to pour into the ashtray. But then why would they need so many?
Cheers! A little bit Ebbets is plenty good enough for me. This shot is plenty high enough for me as well!
cdilla says
Certainly an odd contrast between sign and ciggy bins. Interesting about the water. The streaks down the side of the bin make it look as if something is poured in there regularly. And the alterantive to the water doesn’t bear thinking about.
Thanks John for the ‘Charles C. Ebbets’ mention – not a name I knew, but I certainly know several of his photographs, and now a little about the man himself.
Lee says
Haha, let’s just assume it’s just water eh?!
I know. One of those photographers whose work you instantly recognise, but name you don’t.
Mauro says
The guy on the left sure doesn’t look happy. I suppose you got the shot with a 35mm… and that the shutter is loud enough to cause some distress hehe. I read in the previous comments that you left right after shooting, so I have a question for you. Have you ever been asked to delete a picture, or has someone ever complained in a not so polite way at your shots?
I’m curious about some awkward moments that you have experienced, considering that you are quite… audacious (which is a compliment… photographically speaking, at least hehe) in your pictures.
Lee says
Nah, he didn’t look too pleased. And yeah, shot with a 35mm. It was my stopping and raising the camera that got their attention though. Fortunate really, as when I then pressed the shutter, they were staring right at me. But nothing was said. I just nodded and carried on. And to be honest, that’s generally all that happens. In fact surprisingly often, a smile and a nod from me usually results in a smile back.
Never been asked to delete a shot, but I have been told on numerous occasions not to take a photo. Or not to take any more. And by complying things have fortunately never gone beyond that. So situations like that, plus tuts, being called an idiot and the like are as bad as things have got.
Not that I want to annoy people of course. Not at all. But sadly it does happen in some situations. Hopefully the results make the whole thing worthwhile.
Oh, and I’m generally not that bold at all. There’s something about behind behind the camera, however, that makes such an approach easier. A shield of sorts. Or a filter if you will, providing just enough of a disconnect. Well, that and a real desire to try and capture something interesting.
Mauro says
Hehe, that was elucidative.
I wonder, tough, if you get that sort of reaction because everything happens in Japan, and not in another country where people are not so understanding, or where the “tourist/gaijin” shield isn’t so advantageous 🙂
Lee says
I’ve often wondered about that. Standing out as I do, it means I invariably get noticed even before I’ve raised the camera. Which can of course be a disadvantage.
On the other hand, however, I’m probably allowed to get away with more due to being foreign. Or at the very least seen as a tourist.
cdilla says
Interesting you should say that about the view through the camera being a disconnect. I saw a war correspondant once talking about his cameraman, who had been killed and was the subject of the interview, saying that when filming he didn’t feel the danger he was in. The implication being that that very feeling was at least partly responsible for him being shot.
Lee says
For me at least it certainly provides a disconnect of sorts. One that gives me more confidence too. A means of pushing myself that little bit further.
But of course I’m not in any danger at all. A dirty look or an angry word is nothing. I’d need far more than a camera in front of me to go anywhere near such areas of conflict. Incredibly brave people.