It could easily be because I have grown up overlooking a working harbour but, to me, the machine like landscape which surrounds such a place is most evocative, specially at sunset.
Our arrival to Tokuyama was quite timely, as was the one to Matsue, and Kochi , because we were able to catch the moment in which the sun transformed the sky entirely.
This is the Shopping arcade of Tokuyama in the Prefecture of Yamaguchi.
Tokuyama has been an industrial town since it became a naval coal station in the beginning of the 20th century but due to global changes, like many others, is looking to find a new identity.
Ever since my first trip to Japan when I discovered these arcades, I have found them to be very useful if only a bit under utilised.
Very few businesses spill out to engage passers by and coming from a town where the rain was such a permanent feature that it shaped the architecture surrounding our public squares , i see the value arcades can provide to support high street activity even when the weather is against you.
Ironically, when i worked in large developments, while clients wanted us to find a way to encourage "cafe culture" retail specialists were set against other than shops which were in line with the rest of the building. This, of course, at a time when buildings were getting taller and the impact of wind in the ground floor of our city was getting rather uncomfortable.
Thinking back i cannot but wonder if the impact of climate change and online shopping may have made the reconsider.
Has any of you noticed any changes in their projects?
