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denkyo β Tokyo Residence
Published: 2010-02-09 17:01:10 +0000 UTC; Views: 3698; Favourites: 114; Downloads: 0
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Description
Ginza, Japan.Hidden in this cardboard box is one of many homeless persons taking shelter at the gates of subway stations in Tokyo, long after the lights go out and tourists return to their hotels. Looking for warmth, provided by the warm air which still leaks from the closed entrance to the underground systems.
It was a cold, rainy night. I missed the last train back to my stay in the suburbs, and so I strolled down the surprisingly empty streets of this megalopolis. With all the noise and flashy-colorful commercial banners turned off, it looked like a totally different place. It was unbelievable.
Then, as I lost my way, I started noticing people, mostly men, sitting in the corners of the streets. In front of a building's ventilation system, under an arch, in gangways. Covered in cardboards, plastic bags and newspapers to stay warm. Dozens of them.
Shooting photos of poor people is not my favorite part of photography. I felt bad, walking past those people with a 600$-camera in my hands, snapping pictures of their misery without giving them anything in return. Not a very proud moment. But I really wanted to show this to somebody, especially to those who only see shiny lights and smiling faces when thinking of Japan.
Next time I visit this country (I wish to stay for a couple months), I'd like to join one of the NGOs that organize shelter and food for homeless people. To do something. Naive, maybe.
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Comments: 20
Very interesting. I've been getting the want to go to Japan for photography. Probably never be able to go though. Sadly it is true there are homeless people no matter where you go. You don't really notice it or realize till you see a lot of them. Which usually is in big or huge cities like Tokyo. If you go back there and do what you say you want to, hope you help a lot of them out.
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wow, you photos are sooo incredible ! and just thought is was very sweet of you to feel bad for walking around people who don't have nothing with an expensive camera.
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Sh*t, I'm one of "those who only see shiny lights and smiling faces when thinking of Japan." [or almost] and your photo just punched me in the face.
(actually I totally 'idealize' the countries I love, hiding myself the possibility of iner problems like homeless people]
Thank you.
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people always think when there's popular countries there's no problem but every where's the same you get rich people average and poor people
same with mentalities
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i ve talked to a lot homeless people in tokio, back when i was in japan.
I talkted with a men in ueno about 3 hours..
the situations get worse, day by day. And the most people are sitting in their homes... and ignore that problem. even if he did ask them... some of them just turned around, donΒ΄t know how to deal with the situation.
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this picture... its great in is meaning.
Please donΒ΄t have such a bad conscience.
I now that feeling.
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Its great that you did the shoot. just the thoughts you had within doing the shoot.
thats what should matters.
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tis not naive. i think it's a wonderful thought to help people. this piece completely opens up everybody's eyes that within the city of lights, banners, and wonderful cultures we shall never forget there are dark corners that need helping hands.
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Over the past fifteen years, I feel the situation has improved however there is still not a lot of support here for the homeless(compared to the level of support I remember seeing in Canada). More shelters and kitchens are needed as I believe the numbers are higher than what the government publishes in the newspaper. And with the prolonged Japanese economic slump being intensified by the global economic crisis, the situation may only get worse.
The everyday Japanese person needs to see more of this kind of photojournalism in order to raise the awareness of the problem and in turn help out those who have fallen upon hard times. Sadly however, I don't believe this will happen anytime soon as most newspapers and/or magazines I have seen do not often cover this situation in depth. Therefore the public will continue to cast a blind eye on the entire situation.
The guilt you felt as you walked by has been a hot topic lately especially with the catastrophe in Haiti. As photographers we feel responsible to capture the moment so others may understand what is happening yet are we being inhuman by not lending a hand or doing what we can to help out?
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i am greatfull that someone have similar thoughts. Do you know any project in japan.. who really help people, like him ?
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lovely and moving piece!
says a message that many don't seem to or to want to recognize, bring it to the forefront. Repay them with a story and awareness of their problems, many will want to help in anyway they can.
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I think the worst thing for this people is the indifference...So don't feel bad (or maybe not TOO bad), at least you didn't just walk away!
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There's nothing naive about helping people! Very admirable. Actually, my boyfriend is from Japan and he has a lot of books on NGO and would like to work for one himself. Good luck!
And even though this picture is sad it's still very beautiful.
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i enjoyed the description. you should do this more often.
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I work for a Homeless women's shelter in Canada, and I can relate to the feeling. My mother has worked in a Battered woman's shelter as long as a I can remember and I grew up wanting to help people. This touched a cord in me because I intimately know the kind of people that live like that. Beautiful Piece, I love it.
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Oh, this is beautiful. I haven't seen a photograph of a poor person that directly features not the person. I love how it lets your imagination decide who's under that box.
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Now that was a beautiful analysis.
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When i think of japan i usually don't think that they have homeless people, but, they have the same problem we have here in Sweden or any other country..
I understand that you felt that way..
And i think it was good that you're showing people this picture to let other know that there is more underneath those shiny lights and smiling faces :3
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I've always wanted to go to Japan...
That's sad! I'd probably give the homeless guy some money, but that's just me...
*favs*
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