Jason Walter Welch – New York City / Tokyo

Delivery Man, Shinjuku Alleyway. Tokyo

In December, I’m going to show a photo essay I worked on in Japan called The Contrast Society. It’s a glimpse of life in Japan – the visual contrast and the traditional structure of society. It’s what I experienced while living in Japan and what I continue to feel as someone who is now forever linked to this island country. But before we get there, I’ll share a few more images that didn’t quite make the cut.  Yes, Shibuya is a shopping mecca. It’s high volume and fast paced. Not quite Times Square. But something like that. This particular area of Shibuya is no man’s land. It stands between two very busy intersections. It’s dark and gritty – my kind of territory. Here’s a man that I’m sure has a story or two to tell. Wish I knew more.

Today was the first day I had been in lower Manhattan since Hurricane Sandy. Power is on, finally. Most business have reopened. And the streets are crowded with children, mothers and fathers. Yet, there is this simple reminder – an image from outside of a church in Chinatown – of the adversity that people have endured and the faith anchored in us all to press on.