Harajuku Corona Photo Diary: Wednesday, April 22 & Friday, April 24

Documentary photos of daily life in Tokyo during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All photos ©Aaron Paulson. These pictures are available for use under limited license.*

In the “Before-Time,” Harajuku was the place to be seen, and to people watch, for fashionistas young and old.Whether intentional or serendipitous, it’s strategic location between teenybopper Shibuya and the slightly older crowd in Shibuya made it the go-to place for runway chic and street cred style alike.

Unfortunately, in the Corona Era, most brand shops and indy boutiques alike are closed for the duration. There seems to be little left to draw locals and tourists alike to main street, side street, and back alley nooks and crannies of this iconic neighbourhood. In a neighbourhood which once jumped with the exuberance of a J-pop video, it’s easy to maintain social distancing without even trying.

Harajuku Station & Area

Harajuku has a new building, not pictured, set between the old JR Harajuku Station and the Meiji Jingu Mae Metro Station.

Neighbourhod Map. The buildings are still there, but the people…? (photo Aaron Paulson)

Yoyogi National Gymnasium, one of the 2021 (?) Olympic sites (photo Aaron Paulson)

Meiji Jingu Shrine, a Tokyo landmark, remains open during the state of emergency (photo Aaron Paulson)

Light traffic on Omotesando Dori (photo Aaron Paulson)

Who needs crosswalks? (photo Aaron Paulson)

Today’s Special: Dragon and California Roll (neither of which is actually Japanese…) (photo Aaron Paulson)

Oriental Bazaar Souvenir Shop closed (photo Aaron Paulson)