Shinjuku scenes from 2012 to 2026

Hello again from Tokyo

This month’s newsletter is very heavily image weighted — an offering that was inspired by the final photograph. A rare city skyline shot that got me thinking about all the time spent in the streets below, along with the photos I’ve taken there. Several of which have happily become all time faves.

Some print news first

Before the bulk of the photos and some thoughts on Shinjuku itself, I just wanted to mention that the subway scene above is now available as a print. There’s a new, three photo set documenting one of Shinjuku’s most photogenic bars too. Those, and the other Shinjuku shots in my shop will be $20 off until the end of the month (just add the code SHINJUKU at check out), with all orders in February also including a free postcard sized print from this newsletter’s collection.

A different city and yet somehow still the same one

So, Shinjuku then. Just like the rest of Tokyo, it has changed enormously over the last decade or so. Well, it has in regards looks, and yet in many ways it somehow still seems more or less the same. Something I’ve spent the last week or so trying to figure out.

When there’s no soul there’s no change

In older parts of the city, the constant demolition and new developments feel like they are ripping the soul out of an area, but in Shinjuku, there’s arguably never been any kind of soul to begin with. And that’s not meant as a criticism. Instead, it’s a place to drink, shop and indulge yourself in any way you see fit. All of which make for a location that is busy, brash and often full of surprises. None of which has really altered, giving the place a sense of continuity that the changing skyline and mass tourism do little to disrupt.

The end of eccentricity?

Perhaps the only real difference I’ve noticed is a decidedly sad decline in eccentricity. It never seemed that unusual in Shinjuku to see someone who lived their public life very much on their own terms, regardless of societal norms and expectations. Brave individuals who could make your day by simply being themselves. A few of whom I’ve included here.

Of course the drop in such sightings could just be timing, but it somehow feels more than that. More than just a Shinjuku thing too. Instead, it seems far more like changing times than a changing location. Either way though, they are very much missed.

Thoughts and photos that hopefully do at least some justice to such a fascinating part of Tokyo. An area I have an enduring soft spot for, so hopefully this collection will continue to grow.

All of which wraps up another newsletter. Thanks as always for reading this far, and please spread the word if you like these monthly updates.

Cheers

Lee