I have visited Tokyo three times in recent years, and each time has brought a renewed sense of wonder and excitement. This huge megalopolis of nearly 40 million people, stretching across hundreds of square kilometers, is not easy to grasp at first. Yet, when one slows down, wandering through narrow, village-like streets, meeting residents, shopping alongside them, and commuting as they do, a sense of familiarity begins to emerge. Despite its apparent differences, Tokyo can at times feel similar to Paris or New York City. And yet, the distinct character of Japan quietly permeates the city’s modernity: indecipherable loud neon signs, the elegance of kimonos, finely crafted objects and pastries, and the constant rhythm of intensely busy railway and metro stations. Photographer Richard Koek went through a similar experience after spending several years in New York City. At first, he struggled to grasp the city and find his bearings, but gradually its meaning revealed itself. His photographs, now exhibited under the title “Tokyo Tokyo” at the SieboldHuis in Leiden, stand as a testament to his many stays in Tokyo. An intimate portrait of a city and its people, steering as far as possible from clichés. I was particularly attracted, among many, by his views of quiet streets, peaceful cemeteries tucked within residential areas, a crowded bookstore, and the busy walkways of Shinagawa. After visiting the large scale exhibit at SiboldHuis, one thought comes across my mind: when will be my next trip?
