ハイキョ ライフ
15 September 2015 ● less than 1 min read ● 1 image
The word 'haikyo' in Japanese literally translates as ‘abandoned place’. Japan is full of haikyo due to a number of reasons including its rapid industrialization during the twentieth century, extensive damage during WWII and perhaps the biggest reason - the collapse of the 1980s real estate bubble.
With a lot of research and a bit of luck all sorts of interesting abandonments can be found up and down the country including abandoned homes, schools, hospitals, mines and even whole villages. They are great places to escape for the day and explore.
I can't quite put into words the feeling I get when I am alone at these locations, wondering among the remnants of a life forgotten by time, scattered with personal possessions left to rot - hopefully these images help purvey my interest in such places to you though.
NOTE - All images shot in Japan except one location which was in Taiwan.
More here: http://www.benbeechphoto.com/galleries-haikyo-top/
English photographer living/shooting/working in Tokyo. I enjoy using both analogue and digital methods to make photographs.
Great selection of shots, Ben! I recognize a few of them from our trip to the old mining town. That clinic!!!
Yes, that was quite a trip huh, especially that final apartment block with the supposed last resident who refuses to leave haha! But the clinic shots posted above, are actually from a different hospital, not that one we visited together in the mining village.
I love these images! I would make an effort to do some haikyo if I had the time, looks really great.
Cool, i've been several times in Nicchitsu, Red clinic, Furin Hotel , H Clinic...etc.. this is my project. We may organize a trip together?
http://www.kokeshidesign.com/photography/?gallery=haikyo
Stephen Smith - Thanks! I'm glad you like the photos :-) Japan is a fascinating country for haikyo exploration, you should give it a go if/when you find the time!
Riccardo Parenti - Thanks for sharing your album, I recognize a few of those places! At present I have no plans for haikyo trips, maybe in the future though
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