Japan Images: Masked Ameyoko Lady
Monday, March 1st, 2010
I shot this image of one of the market stalls littering the Ameyoko; a busy street market that runs along the main railway line in Ueno, Tokyo.
If you’re ever in Japan, as well as some other Asian countries, you’ll see people, both old and young, wearing masks out in public places. It’s not something I have ever seen in Australia, the US or Europe.
The markets feature plenty of different products on sale ranging from fresh seaweed, octopus, dried shrimp (the pink piles on the stall) plus your standard meat and vegetables.
Alongside the produce, there are also many shops with the latest t-shirts, jeans and shoes – pretty much anything you can think of is available in the area.
Ameyoko, Ueno: Photo Location
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I always found the use of masks entertaining. I’m sure it helps to stop bodily fluids from other people speaking / sneezing / coughing / etc from going into your mouth or nose, but your eyes are still unprotected. Also, airborne viruses could go straight through that material anyway.
I agree with Brad. But the photo is good!
and that granny looks very cute…
Yes I find it quite odd. You have to wonder whether they go home and scrub off all the germs from their hands that have been touching the hand rails on trains, vending machines and whatever else is touched throughout the day.
Can’t see the point myself ^_^