For Vol.04 of our monthly photographer series FRAMED, we take a deep dive into the work of Lee Chapman (@tokyotimes_lee). Living in Tokyo since the late 90s, the process of documenting his new home in Japan transformed photography from a mere hobby into a professional passion. We have a chat about his inspiration, workflow, and relationship with the streets of Tokyo.

What exactly are you looking for when wandering the streets of Tokyo with your camera at the ready?

To be honest, I’m very rarely looking for anything specific. I simply start out from a chosen train station (possibly because of the light, or perhaps simply down to my mood), and see what the walk brings. I always feel that heading out without expectation allows me to be as open as possible to wherever the day takes me, and whatever it may produce.

How do you experience this journey of connecting with strangers and documenting a part of their lives?

It’s those people, places and stories that have come to mean the most in my photography. Apart from Shinjuku, which I still have a huge soft spot for and where the accompanying photos were all taken, the vast majority of my work is in the older parts of Tokyo, and due to the age of many of the residents and structures, there are stories everywhere. Stories that more often than not are readily shared.

Becoming a regular face due to repeated visits makes such interactions a little easier in some instances, but generally the people I meet are happy to talk about their lives and have their pictures taken. Experiences that are always a privilege, and the resultant photographs have become much more meaningful over time as many of those I’ve chatted to and photographed are sadly no longer with us.

What brought you to the idea of taking people on photo tours through Tokyo?

My photo tours are almost always done in Tokyo’s older, distinctly local neighbourhoods, and as such they are areas that aren’t very well known. That’s even the case when it comes to many residents, and it was taking Tokyo-based friends around such places, and seeing their reactions, that helped me come up with the idea.

That less explored element in itself means I can offer something different from the usual, more touristy sights, plus the abundance of stories to be experienced and friendly faces often encountered allows me to share a side of Tokyo few visitors get to see and photograph. Local residents are also very receptive. Admittedly they are sometimes surprised that foreigners want to see where they live and grew up, but they are nonetheless very welcoming.

Of all the stories you encountered when shooting, is there one that stands out for you personally?

It’s really hard to choose one, as unfortunately an increasing number of the people I’ve photographed and heard stories from have since passed away – from the likes of a 93-year-old bar owner and an elderly lady peering out from under her former shop’s shutters, to a rickety restaurant owner in business for over 60 years. All were chance encounters that resulted in a precious experience, encompassing the present and also the many decades they had lived through. In that sense they are all incredibly touching, and to have the memory, as well as a small, photographic record of each encounter, makes them even more special.

Check out more of Lee’s work on Instagram.

If you want to explore Tokyo together with Lee, have a look at his photowalk page, where you can book an afternoon or full day of exploration.

Be sure to check out Lee’s book titled Tokyo Conversations.

All other info you can find in this linktree.