Using the photograph technique of ‘from the hip’ photography, where all photographs are taken from waist height with no use of the viewfinder or display screen, ‘Tokyo From The Hip’ gives an insight into the culture, street life and traditions of Japan’s vibrant capital from award winning documentary photographer Julian Bound.
With Tokyo’s 23 wards home to a population close to 14 million, Japan’s bustling city combines the traditional history of the country with the ultramodern. From tranquil shrines, temples and parks to neon lit skyscrapers, it is this mixture of old and new which gives Tokyo its world uniqueness.
Shinjuku’s neon flashes act as bait to those seeking the city’s nightlife, brought to fruition along the streets of the risqué Kabukicho district, whereas a short walk along Godzilla Road, of which the creature’s life-sized head and claw can be seen peeking out from one of Shinjuku’s tallest buildings, alleyways of restaurants are in abundance, each offering ‘yakatori’, the Japanese street food of grilled bamboo skewered meat.
It is then Shibuya, a short metro ride away, that takes the helm of dining and nightclubs, made all the more famous by the celebrated ‘Shibuya Scramble’ a network of pedestrian crossings interweaving one another and given the title of the world’s busiest intersection, due to the 1,000 plus commuters who cross at the same time during the Tokyo peak rush hour.
All these sights are accompanied by the element which gives Tokyo its individuality and exclusive quality; this is that of the tranquillity that hangs in the air above the Japanese capital, brought about by the graciousness and courtesy of the people of Japan.
With Tokyo’s 23 wards home to a population close to 14 million, Japan’s bustling city combines the traditional history of the country with the ultramodern. From tranquil shrines, temples and parks to neon lit skyscrapers, it is this mixture of old and new which gives Tokyo its world uniqueness.
Shinjuku’s neon flashes act as bait to those seeking the city’s nightlife, brought to fruition along the streets of the risqué Kabukicho district, whereas a short walk along Godzilla Road, of which the creature’s life-sized head and claw can be seen peeking out from one of Shinjuku’s tallest buildings, alleyways of restaurants are in abundance, each offering ‘yakatori’, the Japanese street food of grilled bamboo skewered meat.
It is then Shibuya, a short metro ride away, that takes the helm of dining and nightclubs, made all the more famous by the celebrated ‘Shibuya Scramble’ a network of pedestrian crossings interweaving one another and given the title of the world’s busiest intersection, due to the 1,000 plus commuters who cross at the same time during the Tokyo peak rush hour.
All these sights are accompanied by the element which gives Tokyo its individuality and exclusive quality; this is that of the tranquillity that hangs in the air above the Japanese capital, brought about by the graciousness and courtesy of the people of Japan.
