David Hilgier Photographs

A uniform taxicab model (Toyota Crown Comfort?) transverses the streets of the city, their different paint schemes representing different companies. My favorites being the less frequently seen orange and teal varieties.

The transport and movement of people fascinates me. So does comparing how a common artifact, such as transit, looks and operates in different places. Cabs in Japan are a reflection of my impressions of the country. Clean, efficient, proper, and bound to a set of conventions

We lingered long enough in the observation deck for the clouds to part for the soon to be setting sun. From this vantage point, the city seemingly radiates out from the Tokyo Tower, a cornerstone of its skyline.

A dapper couple surveys the expanse of the metropolis in-front of us. The orange and brown tones of their leather accessories are a vibrant contrast to the muted hues of the city. I wonder if they are passing through Tokyo like I am. Or if they call this place home. If so, what is it like to call a place that 13 million people live in ‘home’? Do they find a similar intrigue in the aspects of it which I find foreign and fascinating?

On a clear day, one could see all the way to Mt. Fuji from this tower. On this particular day, a mix of haze and lingering clouds enveloped the city. The vastness of the metropolis was all we could see. Through breaks in the clouds the sun would highlight details of the city below.

As the rain intensified, a layer of umbrellas made navigating this passageway even more challenging.

The demographic found on this street skews towards a younger, pop-culture oriented audience. Many assuming a position seen worldwide – resting against a wall staring at a device.

Sprinkled throughout Tokyo are pedestrian streets like Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Lined with stores and cafes, they offer insight into one facet of Japanese culture and ‘street’ food cuisine.

Taxis, signage and typically somewhat nondescript functional architecture dominate the visual landscape of Tokyo.

While I generally prefer better weather while traveling, rain while doing so isn’t always a negative. In this case the dampness of the morning saturated the streets and walkways. The umbrellas added pops of color and another texture to the urbanscape.