What is Normal?, a photo from Tokyo, Kanto

Photographer's Note

My friend from Tokyo took me into this fantastic market that had everything from desserts and fresh vegetables to packaged octopi! When I saw these I just had to take a picture, and she asked me why I was taking it. I explained that we don't see anything like that in the US. Later, I was looking through her vacation photos from a trip to California, and amongst them was a picture of gallons of milk from a grocery store. I asked her why she took that photo, and she said, "because they are so big!" I had a good laugh at that - I just think it's interesting that what is normal to one culture is strange to another, and what is an ordinary or boring photo in one album is exotic in another.
I am thinking I should have cut off the bottom grill though.

fmfelman, MLINES heeft deze opmerking als nuttig gemarkeerd

Critiques | Translate

verswe (7330) 2005-07-14 0:34

I like these octopussies, in many ways!

shopgirl (164) 2005-07-14 1:19 [Comment]

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dom_inik_m (1717) 2005-07-14 4:16

Nice way to feature repetitive patterns in a - relatively - complete disorder!
And you've certainly made your point with your most appropriate title and note.
The definition of normality, common values and potential differences is totally subjective, especially on TE where exoticism tends to be the most valued perception. How strange...
The eye of the beholder, always! ;-)

PS I think the grill has its own purpose, here, but it would look better once the lens distorsion is corrected. I'll try to get a hand at it and post the result as a workshop.

digiboy (0) 2005-07-14 17:43

Great photo. Interesting observation too. Its funny, whenever I show my photos too Japanese, the photos they like are often the ones that gaijin dont seem to understand. For example, my Japanese friends always seem to like my urban landscapes, while my gaijin friends seem to my more traditional shots of temples, sakaura and momiji. I suppose because, like your note, these things seem exotic to most gaijin.

Robbi-chan (2) 2005-08-07 15:16

Oishii! I loved this food, when I was in Japan - and I am missing it here. No doubt an image which you find in every typical Japanese supermarket or convenience store.

nopoint (878) 2005-09-22 14:06

Nice capture! The color and the subjects are great! These octopus are very expensive in Japan...Cheer

rkhk (35) 2005-09-27 23:15

Funny subject and observation~
May I tell the reason why the price are different?
The weight of them are differnt and USD1=JPY113. So, they are not a big price difference. Isn't it? :P

fmfelman (118) 2006-01-02 15:54

I really like your note! It's perfect. It's always interesting to learn about the differences between cultures. I am stuck by it on an almost daily basis. Tour photo is sharp, but I agree with you about removing the bottom grill. If you scroll up and frame the page without the grill, it gives a different perspective to the shot. Good work!

MLINES (12516) 2006-01-26 4:14

Tootsie, I know that feeling. Allthrough the region we see sights like this and often far worse! The good news is when it is cooked and prepared we can forget what it was like and just how yummy it is now. Your capture is good as it is an extraordinary view for visitors. Good on you.