Remembering Tokyo with Lee Chapman

⭐ Lee's Book Kickstarter: kck.st/3wTyz15
📸 Lee's Instagram: / tokyotimes_lee
📸 Lee's Photoblog: tokyotimes.org
📸 Lee's Portfolio: leechapman.photos
📸 Lee's Twitter: @tokyotimes
Yoshiwara and Jokanji Temple: web.archive.or...
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[@allen.9]

Lee's philosophy about his photos and comparing the buildings to life is so touching

[@EYExplore]

I totally agree! :)

[@farislazee2832]

The first video that you guys did really moved me, and stuck with me. My atok (grandfather) died last month. I got to document him in his last days, along with my relatives that we now hardly see anymore due to family conflicts. I now dedicate my life to documenting my own family, and whatever things I find interesting. Gives much more meaning in life to me.

[@EYExplore]

This is how I feel as well in some ways. It is our duty to remember those we care about. :)

[@williamself1949]

Through photography Lee has found something that is therapeutic, rewarding, and is also performing a valueable service to the people of Tokyo by capturing a candid and unfiltered record of the city as it was. I guarantee that his work will play an important part of the historic record of Tokyo as it continues to change. Fantastic work Lee, I just backed your Kickstarter and I hope you reach your goal! Lukasz - I always appreciate that your videos also provide the audience with interesting insights on the places you are photographing.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! I totally agree about Lee and his work. It is a valuable document of people and places that are being forgotten.

[@lovedanielperalta]

"Beauty in decay." Yes! I appreciate the casual ease in which these videos are shot and presented. Humans are story makers and storytellers. And, of course, story listeners. I love listening to these stories of place, people and buildings. The buildings themselves have become characters in these stories. I experience Lee as a man with a natural ability to speak to the heart. The story of 25,000 sex workers (perhaps sex slaves is more accurate), some of whom were sold by their families, and died before 30, is a compelling story. And now, in the 21st century, we become witnesses to their experience. They are not forgotten. Brilliant work, you guys. Thank you. I love that you allow us to see your humanity Lukasz. Shout out to the cameraman who appears very skilled at walking backwards.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much Daniel! Glad you found these topics interesting! The camera man is Axel, who I'm sure you've met before! :)

[@Nicgerry]

Wow nice perspective, it somehow gave me “reality check” that everything in this world is temporary and through photography we can capture particular moment in our life so we can re-enjoy that moment later in our life

[@EYExplore]

Yes, I realized this much too late in my life, as I think we all do. :)

[@zenden6564]

This was great. Thankyou for showing me around. Thoroughly enjoyed your company gentlemen. ❤️

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@OfficialSushiSystemAmbassador]

I almost shed a tear while watching the first 7 minutes. This is really deep content. Who knows, maybe we will see more of this format in the future. I love it! (I also like the recent shorts, especially the catchy intro, haha)

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! We hope to make more meaningful videos and conversations about photography. :)

[@bcegerton]

I love the look of those old buildings and as you say, as much as I love the bright neon lights those back streets are just so much more authentic. My condolences to Lee, my best friend is dying of Cancer.

[@EYExplore]

I agree! They feel real. It's where entire lives are spent. I'm very sorry to hear that! I'm sure you cherish every moment with him.

[@Ale-cc8iv]

What a beautiful, calm, and thought-provoking video. This reminds me of how fast things can pass.

[@EYExplore]

Yes, much too quickly! Thank you! :)

[@frost8077]

I liked that sign with the map on it. My city doesn't have local maps like that. Even the sewer lids are decorative. Japan must have some great civil engineers.

[@EYExplore]

They go all out! :)

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

Great to see you both again. For me, this moment really hit the mark. 11:10 "You should always be shooting something that reflects your own personal value."

[@EYExplore]

I think this is true for anything in life: you should always be DOING whatever reflects your own personal values. :)

[@AlexOnStreets]

Lee is fantastic. Big fan. Good work guys.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much! :)

[@robinsanphotography]

I discovered Lee's works since your last video together, and it's a pleasure to wake up this morning and see you did an other one !

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@-grey]

You can feel the brush with mortality that Lee is working through in this project. Seeing old people living a vibrant overgrown life in the small patch of dirt they laid root, quickly disposed of without them - It is haunting. As if; without protest or struggle lives are just swept away like yesterday's dust, with only the sentiment that a handful of people force onto it lingering. It feels not too dissimilar to the unintentional cruelty of nature's cycles, which makes it seem like intelligent life in general has become so efficient we've looped back around. Suddenly I feel like I'm part of a hyper interlinked ecosystem that will unmournfully absorb my resources when I cease to produce for it. Thanks guys, I'm going to get a beer and think about the vagueness of humanity. 😂 Cheers 🍻

[@EYExplore]

It is haunting. Makes one realize that something similar will happen to all of us when we are gone. Are patch of dirt will be cleared and someone else will come to replace you. I try not to think about this on the day-to-day, though. I just remain in the moment and try to live up to my nature and values. :)

[@-grey]

@@EYExplore It's a very interesting series. Especially since he's covering the less covered areas of Tokyo. The being present thing is very true. I'd liken it to watching a movie in the cinema compared to on TV. I don't think about what I'm going to do when the movie ends while I'm in the cinema, because I'm immersed, present, and focused. With the TV, I'm mildly available to the movie - It's not an experience, more enjoyable light and sound to glance at, while the everything rages on. I'm still getting pinged, pulled into conversations about dinner and other things, pausing unpausing, tending to my pets, etc.

[@EYExplore]

@@-grey This a good analogy. :)

[@thelastbookfan]

Wow! I don't comment often, but this video is absolutely mind-blowing. So many things to think about. The mission of photography, 'snapshots" meaning, dealing with stress and time in general. Thanks Lukasz, i've been watching your channel for years now, and these videos are real gems.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! Conversations with Lee always lead to interesting places. :)

[@nathansheeran6162]

I love looking at the juxtapositions of the same locations before and after. It's an interesting project that really shows how the world is always changing. I wonder what it would be like to photograph areas that are developing as opposed to areas that are disappearing. I suppose it would be harder to take the first picture of the series since the first scenes in the juxtapositions, since those were the most interesting.

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, the major downtowns are also changing rapidly and I regret I don't have enough photos of the past versions.

[@loekybaltes]

nice video i like the photo of the old lady hope evry thing is good white you ole. whis you ole the best peter from Thailand🙏

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! :)

[@cucumber_sooshi]

hello. i came here from lee's instagram - i'm a big fan of his. thank you for a great video with him. i really enjoyed it. i've subscribed to your channel.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! We really appreciate that! :)

[@obscur_yoann]

Great insights you two. Make me think about some new perspectives for my own pictures. I already saw so many changes where I live in China, and now I kinda regret not taking photo of some of these places before they’re gone.

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, it's something I think most photographers, or even most people, figure out too late: that the world of our younger years is fleeting and we should do our best to honor it somehow. :)

[@mzungu1970]

A new area for me to discover in December (hopefully). Tokyo changes at an incredible rate, it's good to be reminded of how places once were.

[@EYExplore]

I totally agree! It's scary fast! :)

[@BritishRacingGreen]

I really like this video. It means a lot when people do this because they care. A lot of places in Asia are going through transformation and old buildings with character and stories get knocked down and possibly replaced with a concrete box. You can't stop progress, but one day people will ask what was here? Videos like this are great. It's nice to see other parts of Tokyo. Too many pictures of the same locations can be boring, regardless of what camera people are using. The world isn't about shiny new buildings.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much and I completely agree! :)

[@dasianjp]

I've been following Lukasz and Lee's work for a while now, and this Tokyo street photography video continues to impress. Their consistent ability to capture the essence of Japan's streets is always inspiring. It's a pleasure to see their passion for documenting these small moments and corners of Tokyo.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much for the kind words!! Lee is definitely the master of his craft! I am just as inspired by him! :)

[@benjaminpoe1006]

watching your first video with lee, I had to double-check he wasn't the professional footballer ~lee chapman~ lovely fellow. lovely video

[@EYExplore]

I had no idea! And yes, he is! :)

[@benjaminpoe1006]

@@EYExplore it's very possible he's just known to british men of a certain age

[@outtathyme5679]

Capturing the true essence and purpose of photography

[@EYExplore]

I think so too. :)

[@G-FunkDeluxe]

Wonderful! I discovered Lee and his work through your last video with him and it’s great to see him again. I think these philosophical conversations about photography and Japan are just as important and interesting as your regular videos.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed this one! :)

[@TheIrrelevant1]

This was beautiful and bittersweet love if you do more like this about the changing you capture in tokyo

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! We will try! :)

[@mistergiovanni7183]

Lukasz, Sorry but I can not be indifferent to this video. I discovered Lee when you introduced him on the walk around Hikifume. Very sad to know that he lost his wife. I recently lost my brother for the same disease. I like your way of acting, very respectful and that you are calm, it seems that Japan changed you a bit too. Beyond seeing good photos and stories, what I can see is that you are the kind of people this world needs.A big and affectionate hug for both or several bows, as you prefer.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much for your considerate comment! Yeah, it's a tough thing to deal with. I felt like saying more, but I also just wanted Lee to speak his mind honestly and freely. I think Japan changed me in some ways, but also it comes with age I think. As I go through life I meet more and more people, and in some ways their experiences, challenges, and tribulations have contributed to my own character. It's not the same thing as living through those things myself, but certainly it helps me grow. I think we all experience that to some extent. We (humans) are a collective more so than individuals.

[@mistergiovanni7183]

@@EYExplore Thank you for your time in answering. In less than 10 days I travel to live in Japan and I'm already 50, so I had time to mature. My admiration to you and to Lee.

[@bradl2636]

Guys, this is fabulous. Condolences for your loss Lee. I have had a connection with this area since 1994 and a couple of my favourite spots in Tokyo are here. It's been a while since my last visit because of COVID. I hope to return soon. A wide angle lens (I like to have a 24mm or 28mm handy) is good in these narrow streets.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! Yeah, I brought the wrong lens on that day, but I knew we'd do more talking than shooting. :)

[@karrasch-feler]

Brilliant meditation on transience! It's been a pleasure to follow your conversation. On the one hand it's very sad to see how the old authentic places, shops etc. have been replaced by sterile, soulless nothingness, but on the other hand it's great to witness how you have captured some of the old spirit in beautiful ways.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much for enjoying our video! It is now a small part of the story of these places. :)

[@sonholee5769]

wonderful video... Father time always wins...

[@EYExplore]

So true.

[@philhasacamera]

This was a really enjoyable video to watch. I like this style, where you have someone there to share the photo walk with and chat to. Lee's work is really good and he seems like such a nice guy! As ever great work guys! Really nice video!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@redbeard3946]

Heya Lukas, this is my first time seeing Lee and I totally get his take. As you know I come and go to Japan every decade and the change always blows me away. I think it's really awesome what he's doing. I was very saddened to hear that the old Iseya yakiyori joint that we went to near Inokashira park in Kichijoji is gone. Anyway man, I'll hopefully see you sometime this year. It's been another decade, gotta get back to old habits. Keep making awesome videos bro.

[@EYExplore]

Iseya in Kichijoji is still there! Maybe I'm thinking of a different one. There might be more than one now that I think about it... But yeah man, definitely hit me up. I reminisce about that Takao adventure from time to time. And I also tell the story of the time we molested Colonel Sanders all the time haha. Anyway, let's have some more civil adventures lol.

[@stratocactus]

Very interesting conversation guys ! Ans as always, great filming from Axel. Nice panning at 10:07 :)

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Axel is the man! :)

[@rtpwyk]

Great photos, and wow great audio, too. Well done. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your photos.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@Katztronaut]

Always love it when you guys do a video together! Your conversations are very enjoyable. Lee is so perceptive to the small and the transitive things, it's amazing. ^^

[@EYExplore]

He really is! I am always impressed by his sensitivity to the world. He is a treasure! :)

[@RolandKaufmann]

This channel is so underrated!! Amazing insight into the street photography world. Would love to do a photo walk with you one day Lukasz!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! I'm looking forward to it! :)

[@GeraldGarcia]

A very nostalgic and sentimental video. Definitely 40 mins of my life well spent. Thanks.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much! :)

[@asmrrelaxationtv8673]

Great Content. Thank You For Sharing. Have a Nice Day!❤👍

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! :)

[@taterandy3958]

Super interesting video!! 📸 I love how Lee s photos really tell a story about how things do change and we should "challenge your eye" and mind to what's going on around us. Very deep thinking 🤔 street/documentary/urban photography!!!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! Glad you found this one interesting! :)

[@R2DJ3B]

Man, I had a blast watching this video. Thank you guys for sharing your stories and photographs.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much for watching! :)

[@paulm8157]

Kudos for the unique content and theme, Lukasz. Capturing the ephemeral genre of street photography. Then/now images hold special interest - especially, I guess, for local historical societies. Are you or Lee in touch with them? Were the older buildings pre-WW2? Location seemed to be based in photographer’s recollection. What do you think about using geo-tagging? Is there a role for Google-street view in all this? Blue tile on floor images were special - would not have noticed w/o commentary. Hope you were not impacted by recent typhoon in Japan - was this episode made after the storm? Cheers!

[@EYExplore]

That's a good point. I think Lee should definitely get in touch with them! I think geo-tagging is a good idea. I've thought about doing something like this for my photos. I do have a photo spot map, but that's a bit too specific. And yeah, it's true I can look at my photos and remember where they are most of the time, but sometimes I struggle. I have to do some sleuthing to figure it out. We shot this back in July. The typhoon these days was no big deal in Tokyo. Just a lot of rainy days. :)

[@iDipTest]

Wow, I've not seen those 40 minutes to pass. So many interesting topics shared here and great little stories about how a shot happened. I've discovered Lee's work in the previous video you did together and as he explain how things happened resonate too in he's pictures. This stop in the Temple was really interesting too. All the talk and the neighborhood was awesome, I'll definitively gonna check it the next time i come to Tokyo, now the borders are finally open 🙂

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! We are glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@SEKunkle]

Really enjoying these videos from Japan. (subscribed) It seems like it's a street photographer's heaven. Very photogenic scenes and people, coupled with a society completely at ease with being photographed. To top it off, it seems really safe in terms of casually strolling around with a Z9 around your neck. There are obviously many locations in America where that would be risky at best. Keep up the great work.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! Yeah, I brought my Z9 to Chicago on a recent trip, but used my GR more (little less of a target).

[@nikkop]

Thanks for this video! Such an interesting take and POV on why we all do what we do. Can't wait to go back to Tokyo next month to discover more of the city!!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@ColdCoffeePhotography]

This was so good to watch, therapeutic and tinged with sadness of memories, but I did laugh at Lee @ 20:45 "I know you and Axel have a soft spot for red light districts" 🤣🤣

[@EYExplore]

Haha, he's a regular watcher of the channel!! It's hard to end up in the red light district in Tokyo because there are tons of them all around the city. :)

[@TMM6900]

I haven't watch the video yet. But the thumbnail gave me an idea. This could be a hit serie, where you bring some celebrities to the show, walk around and interview them while taking some pictures. Same concept as a cooking show, but different format

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, we'd love to have other known photographers on the channel! :)

[@davidnieuwenhuis2590]

I really enjoyed the video the beauty of the fleeting. And I found the stories behind the photos very fascinating! I realized it myself a few years ago when I was at work in a 1955 nursing home photographing for 3 years to document the property before it was demolished. everything took on a different meaning by knowing this. thanks !

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoy this kind of subject matter. :)

[@FaithfulFrets]

Really cool to see a continuation of Lee’s project

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, it's great! :)

[@suehodnett6911]

So interesting, thanks both☀️

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! :)

[@TimParker]

Great to see Lee back on the channel, great video guys!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! :)

[@JohanKhoo]

Love this - I am going to do more documenting of my city too.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you very much! :)

[@arnojunior1948]

Nice video. This is one of the reasons why I find street photography so interesting. What is there now may soon be gone. Every picture is a memory of the past is the future. Hope you make more of these kind of videos.

[@EYExplore]

I totally agree!! Even fleeting moments that disappear into the past are worth photographing. :)

[@MarkPuke13]

this was good!! thanks for the sights!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! :)

[@badhat1968]

Lee should set up his own KZbin channel his eye for an image is amazing, great video!

[@EYExplore]

He should maybe, but a youtube channel is a ton of work. :)

[@shahus8611]

good job, guys

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! :)

[@domgreco7]

Fantastic video quality and content. 🤘

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@vproven]

Wow one.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks! :)

[@RobinNoah]

Thank you so much for doing this kind of entertainment for me. Love it so much.

[@EYExplore]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!

[@andrewtesdahl2371]

Love the Iowa Hawkeyes shirt

[@EYExplore]

Haha thanks!! I bought it in a second-hand shop in Tokyo years ago. :)

[@andrewtesdahl2371]

@@EYExplore lol I was literally in the Cedar Rapids airport watching this when I noticed lol

[@theronsan]

This was super fun to watch ✌️

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@westdk6705]

Thank you Lukas for sharing this!! Amazing 🙂🙂

[@EYExplore]

It's out pleasure!! :)

[@robertleeimages]

This was cool, thoroughly enjoyed it 👍

[@EYExplore]

I'm so glad to hear that!! :)

[@osohista]

This was a great video.

[@EYExplore]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@robertleeimages]

Also just went and followed Lee on twitter, I don't do instagram to follow people on there though

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@pematamang9268]

You guys are legendary in capturing real moment and historical. I really like to ask one question and does he and you use P or A mode camera? It has to capture fast otherwise it will miss moment. Can you share me please.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much! I almost always shoot in A mode. Lee usually uses M + Auto ISO or just full M.

[@pematamang9268]

@@EYExplore I watched that video like 6 times and after you display his photo with name of camera, lens and setting say Leica M10 -P. I was wandering what P stand for? Thanks Anyhow your channel.

[@EYExplore]

@@pematamang9268 Hahaha, no idea!! :)

[@avinandansau7632]

Spoiler Alert!! somewhere it's a sad video. Always great to watch you both though. Cheers!!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!

[@canakinsal3390]

👏👏👏

[@EYExplore]

:)

[@gibmebalut]

Well that guy’s a ray of sunshine. 😅

[@EYExplore]

Lee is a great guy and really appreciates the city in a way few people do. Not sure what you mean.

[@gibmebalut]

@@EYExplore my comment was not to imply that he’s not a great guy or photographer. His somber demeanor was a stark contrast to the tone of your videos; generally upbeat and positive. It seemed almost like you were actively trying to subtly keep the tone of the video from falling into a deep hole. It’s still a great video, tho. I love when someone captures these beautiful little scraps of how things were in the past.

[@EYExplore]

​@@gibmebalut That's interesting because I feel so much positive energy from Lee. His love of these places and how much cares for them is infectious.

[@rohitghosh7319]

👀

[@EYExplore]

:)

[@misotubw]

... a sliding panel opening directly onto the street, such that, in multiples, the street becomes a common space, and the neighborhood becomes a neighborhood. this proto-urban arrangement is upended whenever one of these houses is erased, or is replaced by a kit home. real loss.

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, the city is becoming some less than it once was.

[@livonian]

Mono no aware

[@EYExplore]

Wow, I have no idea about this word: 物の哀れ Thanks for letting me know! :)

[@bradl2636]

Indeed..!

[@jrwedgeworth]

Nice junk

[@EYExplore]

Thanks... I guess?