I have a love affair with seedy places. Maybe I’m trying too hard to be like Daido Moriyama. Anyway, if you’re ever around the Yokohama area, I’d recommend taking a walk around Koganecho, Isezakicho and rounding up at Kannai.
Koganecho post WWII was an area known for prostitution and brothels. These days those one room brothels have been turned into little art galleries and cafes.
brothels turned art galleries and cafes in Koganecho
"Joint" cafe/bar
The Treehouse and Kikiya
Mujikobo art gallery in Koganecho. There's Mika strutting her stuff.
Koganecho is not that seedy anymore but if you walk toward Isezakicho and Kannai, that’s equivalent to the Kabukicho red light district of Shinjuku. Still, I don’t feel any of these places are that dangerous. I’ve walked around in the early mornings (after midnight) alone at Susukino in Hokkaido, Nakasu in Fukuoka, Kokubuncho in Sendai and Shinsekai in Osaka (which is considered one of the most dangerous towns in Japan in the past) and have never felt any danger. I conclude that Japan is one of the safest countries in the world – bar none.
we came across this old interesting building "Golden Theatre" and thought it was pretty cool so walked up two flights of flimsy, rusted stairs to the rooftop to shoot some photos. the stairs felt like it could collapse at anytime.
Pink Lion Soapland (brothel) still in business
walked into this adult shop. very cheap goods! check it out! a power drill! the perfect anniversary present for your wifey or girlfriend! we all need a little excitement in our lives!
Mika and her 5D mark II + 24-70 USM 2.8. She got a cool "douchebag" sticker on her lens hood
How to get there: From Yokohama station, take the Keikyu Main Line Local and get off at Koganecho. You can explore this area, then walk through Isezakicho and finally toward Kannai. Each area is only a 10-15 minute walk from each other with lots of things to see along the way.
Mika is a pro-photographer , mainly focusing on fashion photography. I picked her brains out with a video interview so Ill upload it soon . Stay tuned.
Ontoshiki interacts most on his Facebook page. If you have any questions, please ask him there.
It was an honor to have been photographed by Ontoshiki. He is extremely gifted, perceptive and versatile as an artist and professional photographer. His work always tells a story but at times with a stream of consciousness sense. I was completely at ease demonstrating my art in front of his camera as he was never invasive but he captured images that were powerful, beautiful and piercingly perceptive.
"Whether he is an artist or not, the photographer is a joyous sensualist, for the simple reason that the eye traffics in feelings, not in thoughts." - Walker Evans
Nothing sums up Ontoshiki better than this.
One of the advantages of living in Tokyo is that it has given me the opportunity to meet a wide range of extremely talented artists and wonderful souls.
Ontoshiki (otherwise known as Justin Vun) is one of them: an Australian photographer, a talented professional, an artist, a visual sensualist and a gifted storyteller. All this informs his photography and is easily read in his work.
There is a stream of consciousness narrative in his work that as he puts it, "spans both Eastern and Western cultures and philosophies".
Anyone who appreciates fine photography HAS to follow Ontoshiki. He did me the great favor by coordinating photo session for my other vocation within Chinese martial arts. (Please see Ki Martial Arts Studio). I found it so amazing Ontoshiki articulated many of the fine aspects of my martial art, going beyond words and conventional demonstration with his visual voice.
He is a brilliant photographer and artist. It was a wonderful experience working with him. "
I am truly in awe of his work and his ability to see. His work is inspirational. Plain and simple. I am honored that I can call him a friend.
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