Happy. Unhurried. And hand in hand in Harajuku.
Tokyo Times is owned and run by me, Lee Chapman, a long-term resident of Tokyo who arrived in 1998 for ‘a year or two’, and, for a myriad of reasons, stayed put.
Japan means many things to many people, but Tokyo Times is how I see it. The places. The people. The day-to-day situations. All of it shot using a Leica, a Nikon and a selection of lenses.
My photographs have appeared in the Guardian and Japan Times, plus numerous magazines and books. Should you wish to use any, or simply ask a question, you can get in touch with me here.
Copyright © 2013 · Tokyo Times
Excellent…that was just the photo I wanted to see whilst having my morning coffee.
Thanks Lee!
You are more than welcome!
Love this picture! Beautiful Friendship!
I often see some Japanese Girls can hold hand by hand. Their relationships really sweet.
The friendships between Girls can be nice but when it turn sour, the situation is scary,hurtful or even ugly.
I only hold my daughter’s hand who is going to 12 years old this year. I glad that my daughter is still willing to let me hold her hand!
In my home country, some of the girls will feel embarrassed or even said is Childish. Even between girlfriends too!
Sorry, did I go off topic?!!
Thanks.
I’ve seen it now and again, but not too often.
Not off topic at all. I think it’s interesting how attitudes change, or how people in different countries behave. Hope your daughter is happy to hold your hand for a bit longer at least.
Question is: why don’t we – guys – do the same? Can’t we be cute and sweet as well? Why do I even feel a bit disgusted by the idea of it? (I’m only asking the heterosexuals of course :p)
That’s a very good question to discuss, even though I’m a girl myself.
Maybe it’s because of this supermacho culture and men can’t show any that kind of affection.
I saw many guys do the same in India and Vietnam. I think different cultures make different lifestyles. In Italy where I live, is impossible to see two guys walking in the street hand in hand…
It’s an interesting question. One that’s difficult to answer too.
I’m very liberal, but I really wouldn’t feel comfortable walking down the street holding a male friend’s hand. Now whether that has more to do with me, or societal rules/expectations, I don’t know. Probably a good bit of both, along with a good dollop of Britishness.
Lee, my hand is yours for you to hold anytime.
I think that admittedly very kind offer sadly brings all my feelings of uncomfortableness to the fore!
the one on the left totally looks like Snookie!
I guess it’s an international look after all unfortunately.
I’m afraid I don’t know who Snookie is, so I’ll just have to take your word for it!
From a more technical aspect, I do like the space around the girls, making them the immediate focus.
Cheers! I had one other shot of them. It was a bit sharper, but like you, I liked the space around them in this one.
Be happy you don’t! The mere mention of that name makes me need brain bleach.
Ignorance is indeed bliss in some cases.
Lovely photo. Takes me back to my teenage years walking around holding my girlfriend’s hand.
Sweet memories.
Thanks Lizzy. Happy to hear it brought back some good memories.