Tokyo defies categories. Immense, dense, noisy and yet strangely
peaceful in places, the Japanese capital is an inexhaustible playground
for any photographer. Cédric Puisney has stayed there several times,
notebook and camera in hand, to bring back images that tell the story
of a city in perpetual motion.
Shibuya, organised chaos
The famous Shibuya crossing is one of the most photographed places
in the world — and for good reason. Hundreds of people cross paths
at every green light, in a perfectly choreographed ballet. Cédric
loves to photograph it from above, using long exposure, to transform
the crowd into a luminous and abstract flow.
Asakusa, old Japan
A few metro stops from Shibuya, the Asakusa district seems to belong
to another era. The Senso-ji temple, surrounded by red lanterns and
incense smoke, offers a unique atmosphere. Cédric always goes there
at dawn, when tourists are still absent and the raking light sculpts
the rooftops of the pagodas.
Nature at the gates of the city
What few visitors know is that Tokyo has natural spaces of remarkable
beauty. Shinjuku Gyoen Park, in full cherry blossom in April, is one
of Cédric’s favourite spots. The pink petals falling on colourful
kimonos create naturally perfect compositions.
Tokyo is a city that must be earned. You have to walk through it,
accept getting lost, look up and see where no one else looks. That
is what Cédric has always done — and it is what makes his photos unique.