The Fading of Japan's Showa Era
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An old and traditional tofu shop in Taito ward, Tokyo. The sign was destroyed in a typhoon several years ago, but the shop and its elderly owner still keep going
Some wonderful photos of these old stores in this article
https://www.theguardian.com/world...
From the article:
"Lee Chapman’s photographs document the scenes, signages and family businesses of the postwar Shōwa era Japan. They focus on a unique aspect of Japanese life, and one that in Tokyo in particular is rapidly disappearing: the buildings are long past their natural lifespans, and their occupants are reaching the end of theirs.
With most of the country’s new buildings resembling those seen in many other cities around the world, the Shōwa era is now being recognised as visually appealing as well as an important period"
https://www.theguardian.com/world...
From the article:
"Lee Chapman’s photographs document the scenes, signages and family businesses of the postwar Shōwa era Japan. They focus on a unique aspect of Japanese life, and one that in Tokyo in particular is rapidly disappearing: the buildings are long past their natural lifespans, and their occupants are reaching the end of theirs.
With most of the country’s new buildings resembling those seen in many other cities around the world, the Shōwa era is now being recognised as visually appealing as well as an important period"
But, all that aside, that grease, ffs!
Nothing wrong with tasty grease ;)
I suspect that there are a few factors: 1. Owner operated. 2. Low rent. 3. Affordable healthcare, transportation, and probably other things that socialism brings. 4. Less obstacles to small business ownership than in the U.S. (don't need accountants and lawyers, less fees, etc.)
As @argie says, it's not a "rich" life, but it's a fulfilling life (I presume). For example, watch this video about a baker and his family, working to perfect making bread: https://www.youtube.com/watch...
My neighborhood is full of the one-man izakayas like the one in the photo. As @austinhaas says, the rent is low, and they've no employees to pay. They have a bevy of regulars, and the izakaya is just as much of a social gathering place as it is a place to eat and drink. You go there to eat, drink, and TALK. (And smoke, at most of them.)
@jordanbrock yes, I love that video, but youtube say I only watched half of it, must have been meaning to head back. Will finish tonight hopefully
@mikenmar very glad to hear lots in Osaka. Hoping they can be preserved and have not reached the end of their lifespan as the article suggests