The Hidden Traditional Side of Tokyo Is Preserved By Residents

By Crystal Chung @crystalkchung

THE traditional and often hidden side of Tokyo has been captured as many residents of the city try to preserve their heritage

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Photographer, Lee, captures a traditional Japanese Buddhist on the streets of Tokyo

Tokyo is known for it’s bright lights, fast cars and skyscrapers, but forgotten to many is the tradition and culture that many Japanese people still hold in high regard.

Former school teacher, now turned photographer, Lee Chapman has been living in Tokyo since 1998 and captured a series of insightful images that show the traditional going by their day to day life amongst the hustle and bustle of the city.

An image of the yearly ‘Doll Funeral Festival’ in Japan where people dispose of dolls and toys they no longer need by find hard to throw away

Lee, 47, said: “For all its modernity, Tokyo is still a very traditional city. Traditional in regards some of its neighbourhoods, bars and restaurants - quite often its attitudes too.

“But some of these pictures show a very different side. One that not only takes great pleasure in cultural events, but actively tries to preserve them.”

Lee said: “For all its modernity, Tokyo is still a very traditional city"

Lee Chapman has been living in Tokyo since 1998

None of Lee’s photographs were planned, but they show scenes that he came across during his regular walks around the capital of Japan.

The Manchester-born photographer said: “I didn’t make a conscious decision to photograph a festival, or hang about in a shrine all day.

A priest is captured during prayer in the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo

"Some of the Buddhist monks in the photos I’ve seen numerous times. Their days are spent on the street praying and accepting offerings.

“But the other people I have no idea about. They are simply people I saw once and photographed. People who more than likely I will never see again."

Lee said: “Head into or out of the city, and more than likely you’ll see something that turns your head or catches you completely by surprise"

For Lee, posed photographs of people are not as appealing as candid shots and even thought he has been living in Tokyo for almost 20 years, he is still constantly being surprised by the city.

Chapman said: “To me it’s much more revealing to see someone as they are, instead of how they want to be. Or at the very least how they want to be seen.

A traditional Japanese wedding in Meiji Shrine

“Tokyo, and Japan in general, has a wonderful knack of throwing up surprises.

“Head into or out of the city, and more than likely you’ll see something that turns your head or catches you completely by surprise. It’s those little moments that make photography here a constant joy, regardless of whether those surprises are nice ones or not.”

To take a look at more of Lee’s incredible street photography, visit his website; https://leechapman.photos/