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Now we lower our eyes from the celestial height of the skyscrapers, to the street level, where the people roam. Here, Shinjuku gives quite a different impression from that of its strict and rigid architecture. Between numerous department stores, electrical appliance extravaganzas and restaurants of every size and style, the stream of pedestrians carries an atmosphere of leisure, of delight in leaving the right angles and taking a break from the rat race or denouncing it completely. Having fun. One might speculate that this atmosphere is not Japanese at all, but a way of approaching the west. I am not sure of that. I think this is contained in the Japanese culture, just as much as the famous self-discipline and work-around-the-clock is. The other side of the coin. If not, they would not only have stayed inside their buildings, but actually have become them. Certainly, the western influence is visible just about everywhere, but not as a contradiction to the Japanese culture, rather a consequence of it. Enjoying what's around, whether it be eastern or western. People all over the world are pretty much alike. To create some small similarity to a stroll through the city, I have arranged the photos in a pattern, where you can start where you like and walk in any direction you please between the sights. Just click on any one of the thumbs above, to begin. Enjoy. Stefan Stenudd
stenudd.com |