Microcosm / Megalopolis
MICROCOSM / MEGALOPOLIS - ALONE IN THE WORLD'S BIGGEST CITY
"Microcosm/Megalopolis" explores the striking contrast between vast super-cities, specifically the Tokyo/Yokohama area, and the small, personal moments that happen within them. These cities are often compared to massive living beings—millions of people, each impacting the city's rhythm and energy - just like cells in a body. Yet, even in such a crowded metropolis, it’s easy to feel lonely and overlooked, especially for someone visiting for the first time.
This project aims to capture the city's little moments of everyday life. By highlighting the small details of how people act and the quiet beauty of urban spaces, I want to show how people are connected to and separate from the bustling city around them.
Each picture in this series reflects that people are part of a larger story, even when lost in their own experiences. A city's vastness can often create a sense of isolation, particularly in a crowd. This project is about that feeling of being anonymous and finding beauty in the unique journeys of individuals, even in one of the largest urban areas in the world.
I was dealing with some injuries during this adventure. Just two weeks before going to Tokyo, I broke two ribs in a cycling accident and sprained both wrists. I was worried that I might have to cancel my trip, but thanks to two weeks of rest and recovery, I was able to travel with minimal pain. However, the accident made me reconsider how I would take photos while traveling, so I opted to use a single lightweight camera and a small point-and-shoot camera most days to keep my bags light - especially since I would be on foot all day .
I spent a couple of weeks exploring Tokyo and the nearby city of Yokohama to experience this urban giant fully — and I still feel like I barely scratched the surface. I stayed in Nihonbashi, a historic area known for its mix of traditional shops and modern skyscrapers. It’s a fascinating blend of the old and the new, giving visitors a peek into Japan’s rich history while showcasing its contemporary culture. I also took a short trip to Kamakura/Enoshima to relax in a quieter part of the coast.
Every day, I wandered from curry shop to curry shop (I’m obsessed with Japanese curry like some people are with famous ramen shops). The fantastic public transportation made exploring many parts of the city easy, including areas not often visited by tourists. I also relied heavily on Tokyo's convenience stores—it's true, the food at 7-Eleven in Tokyo is as good as travel shows claim!
My journey through Tokyo and Yokohama reflected the balance between being an individual and embracing the city’s collective life. Despite the overwhelming size and feelings of isolation often found in urban settings, I discovered a shared humanity in every scene I observed.
See the rest of the project here.
