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Dramatic, minimalist street photography that captures the quieter side of Tokyo

Picking out the enticing patterns and symmetry of Tokyo's streets and surrounding architecture, while playing with light and shadow – Japanese photographer Hiroharu Matsumoto's minimalist images form beautiful compositions that pay perfect homage to the world's largest city.

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All images courtesy of Hiroharu Matsumoto

All images courtesy of Hiroharu Matsumoto

Instead of the usual hustle and bustle that we've come to expect from Japan's pulsating metropolis, Hiroharu captures lone individuals against dramatic backdrops, perhaps depicting the loneliness that one can often feel – even in such a busy, vibrant place.

Amazingly, Hiroharu only picked up a camera in 2015 – and opts for minimalist street photography where "light and shadow are felt in beautiful composition". You can discover more of his dramatic works at www.hiroharumatsumoto.com. Or follow his progress on 500px.

Solitary figure walking across sweeping curved architectural steps with dramatic shadows cast by railings in black and white
A solitary figure walks through a symmetrical corridor of concrete pillars and tiled flooring in stark black and white, diminishing into the distance
A solitary figure in dark clothing walks across a sunlit tiled courtyard beside a dark building, their shadow stretching across the pavement
Solitary figure walking across a geometric patterned plaza with white grid lines dividing the textured ground in black and white
A solitary figure walks across a brightly lit underground platform at night, casting a long shadow on the textured ground below
A solitary figure on a unicycle stands against a wall of uniform vertical lines in stark black and white composition
Silhouetted figure lying horizontally against a striped wall with geometric shadows cast across the surface in black and white
Lone figure in dark clothing walking across a zebra crossing with bold black and white stripes
Black and white geometric floor pattern with concentric diamond shapes and curved lines, with a solitary figure and building edge visible
Solitary figure stands on a geometric patterned plaza with illuminated rectangular tiles and metal posts casting dramatic shadows in black and white
A solitary figure walks across a large geometric pattern created by contrasting tiles on a Tokyo street, shown in monochrome
A solitary figure stands in a stark, minimalist concrete space with geometric walls and dramatic shadows cast by overhead lighting
A lone figure walks across a vast wet surface marked by dramatic concentric circular patterns, casting long shadows in black and white
Solitary figure walks through a stark modern building's underpass with dramatic shadows cast by sunlight filtering through concrete columns
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