Shuttered-up old shops are increasingly common sights in both Tokyo, and Japan in general. Unlike many other countries, however, these small operations often double as homes, so even when the business is long gone, the building itself may still be in daily use. Like the place below. A scene that explains why the old lady is present, and also her surprise at someone photographing her as she does little more than leave the house.
Denton says
Great framing as always. I really like the woman’s expression too! 🙂
Lee says
Cheers! Yeah, she was more than a little perplexed. Got a lovely smile from her after though.
Linda says
I never thought of that, that the home part of the closed shops might still be in use. I guess that explains how you sometimes see shops that look like they’ve been closed for a long time, but there are a bunch of potted plants in front that are still being cared for?
Lee says
Yeah, more than likely. In lots of cases the shutters are basically a front door.
cdilla says
I like the way the indigos and white of the lady’s outfit brings so much colour to the scene.
It’s remarkable to me how clean everything is despite the presumed run down nature of the business and the area. There is not the slightest accumulation of dust, grime or debris anywhere. Even though the surfaces are worn, weathered and tarnished, it’s as if every surface from the road to the shutters has been swept and dusted pretty much daily.
If I look out at the kerbs here I see seed husks, twigs, some dirt/soil, the odd feather or paper scrap, and even the occasional dead weed (it was sprayed last week). And we have weekly walking road cleaners and monthly roadsweeper vehicles though our village.
Lee says
Yeah, she definitely gives the frame some much needed colour.
Not all streets are that clean, so it’s quite possible she cleans it herself. Especially so as it’s a fairly busy thoroughfare.
Mike says
Are you seeing a hollowing out of the retail job market like we are in the U.S.?
Lee says
No, not really. Older stores like this have suffered, but generally speaking retail is still booming.