OMOIDE YOKOCHO

Yokocho translates to “back-alley”.. narrow, smoky, (and dirty) maze-like corridors lined up with tiny izakayas, bars, and restaurants. Tucked away in Tokyo's concrete jungle, they are outdoors, indoors, or underground and it is the place where the locals eat and drink. There are some very famous Yokochos, one of which is the "Omoide Yokocho" located in the city’s busy district Shinjuku. It began as an illegal drinking quarter in the late 1940s and swiftly rose to prominence as a top location for inexpensive drinks, yakitori, and hostess bars. It's also commonly known as the "Piss Alley".. back then, the area wasn't very built up and due to the lack of restrooms, patrons simply discharged themselves on the neighboring railroad tracks, and Piss Alley quickly acquired its moniker. Restrooms eventually were installed, but the whole place is still as “showa” as it gets. Everything looks and feels like the good old days, the food is served fast and the Super Dry flows easily. Therefore in this series, all photos remain raw and candid like this place.. no straightening, no cropping, no retouching.