When it comes to memory, we share our familiar histories, especially when we see photographs of families or young people in their school class photos. Most of us share that aspect of life no matter where we come from. Near my Meguro home, I keep my view of a photographer’s studio, which means I have to turn left to reach my home. Many streets in Tokyo do not have names, so everything is visual. The signpost is this specific business that always displays photographs from many years ago. Exactly when I’m not sure, but I presume they all took place in this neighborhood of Meguro. I love this location because there are few chain stores here, except My Basket, a local small market chain with primarily vegetables and instant Ramen noodles. There is also a public bath, various Beauty Shops, fish and meat markets, and a few restaurants. And best of all, no Starbucks!
But back to the photographer’s studio, I keep returning to its display window because I start imagining a narrative to go with the images. And then I have dark thoughts of the faces here; many are not with the living. So, in a manner, it is also a memorial to those who stood in front of this photographer’s camera. The other funny thing about this place is that it never seems to be opened. The store is a ghost; maybe I’m the only one who can see the shop.
My in-laws have a retail furniture shop, KARF, that is exceptional. Their main headquarters is in Meguro, and I take great pride in writing their slogan. My furniture is a self portrait of who I am. I wrote this for them sometime in the early 1990s—my first and last job as a Mad Men. Writing something for the family is nerve-shattering because I don’t want to disappoint them. In truth, I don’t feel I exist unless it is a response from some other - either individual or a group. I define myself in front of an audience. Without friends or just people, I’m an empty vessel. There is a saying, and I remember the artist Bruce Conner asking me this question: how do you separate a tree from a forest? Hmm, I feel I got this phrase or question wrong, but if one is in the know, then you know. It is thought the phrase came from the 16th century, but even that, I’m not sure. To be honest, I’m not sure about many things.
My day ended at a restaurant in Meguro called Kurata, which is very close to the Musashi-Koyama Station. It’s a Soba restaurant, but very high-end and gourmet tasting. The meal started with a sashimi tuna with rice inside it, with a small slice of seaweed. A bowl of mushrooms and Japanese radishes is covered in little fish eggs. All were very delicate, with leaves from the Fall decorating the plate. That, and two glasses of sake, made me go boom-boom. The Soba was served with sesame sauce and bits of walnut blended. A perfect meal, and all through it, I wonder how the next day will come upon yours truly.
this artist intrigues me Tosh.. maybe you could meet him and find out what a parkour is all about..
https://lurfmuseum.art/blogs/news/0041