documentary photography
Low-crime and a cash-based society could be why vending machines are prolific across the island country of Japan. The rainbow of machines offer colorful goods: sake, toiler paper, rice, ties, toys, costumes and paper fortunes.
(photograph taken in Kyoto, Japan)
This temple was situated in the center of a flea market hidden among pottery stands and tables strewn with a kaleidoscope of vintage kimonos. Onlookers would stop to peek and locals would stop to pray while the monk silently went about his prayer rituals.
(photographs taken in Kyoto, Japan)
The word kimono often conjures up an image of the draping, cinched-at-the-waist attire, often with patterns of delicate blossoms, that Japanese women might wear. Kimono is a Japanese word which translates to “thing to wear”: ki meaning “wear” and mono meaning “thing.” These women are cloaked in yukatas, a summer, lighter version of the traditional kimono.
I was struck by the juxtaposition of the modern — technology — with the traditional — yukatas — in this scene. The ladies were hypnotized by their mobile phones at a street intersection, loosely anticipating the traffic light signaling them to cross..
(photograph taken in Kyoto, Japan near the Sagano Bamboo Forest)
Draped in a kimono and heavy makeup, this young woman traveled with a clutch of men who lugged clunky camera equipment. She and her entourage parked themselves along the banks of the river. Like a fan in a city apartment, she oscillated from one side to the other as the men snapped photos and suggested poses.
(photograph taken in Arashiyama district of western Kyoto, Japan)