Looking for something?

Tap outside or press close

WorkPhotography

Street photography series captures loneliness in the crowded city of Tokyo

This engaging travel series was shot on the streets of Tokyo by Amsterdam-based photographer Julie Hrudova. However, despite some of the images appearing colourful and light-hearted, there is a darker side to their theme.

Written By:
A blue roller coaster ride winds through a dense Tokyo cityscape filled with apartment buildings under clear blue sky

Hrudova explains: "For a city that's very populated and organised, it's a city of loneliness, which is a saddening factor in contrast to so many playful elements associated with Tokyo.

"The single person household is increasing and the Japanese even have a word for this section of society, combining 'lonely' and 'group'. I sensed this in the urban atmosphere, and tried to capture it in the daily city life."

Represented by the Hollandse Hoogte agency, Hrudova has worked with a variety of publications, including CBS News and VICE News. Her work has also been exhibited in numerous shows, on an international scale. You can check out more of Julie's work at juliehrudova.com and on Creative Boom.

All images courtesy of Julie Hrudova

A solitary figure in dark clothing walks through a futuristic corridor with bright magenta neon lighting on both sides, conveying urban isolation in Tokyo
Neon-lit urban plaza at night with illuminated trees, a tall red and blue pole structure, and a large video screen displaying a figure against red curtains, flanked by modern apartment buildings
Person in dark clothing crouches beside a bollard on an empty Tokyo street lined with shuttered storefronts displaying brand names and signage
A solitary figure in dark clothing stands at exercise equipment in a Tokyo park lined with tall trees and surrounded by residential buildings
A lone security guard in blue uniform stands in a Tokyo subway station corridor framed by concrete pillars, with shops and signage visible beyond
A silhouetted figure visible through a lit window of a yellow-tiled Tokyo building at night, with a bicycle parked below and Japanese signage visible on the window frame
Person in black coat and heels walking away across a Tokyo street, their face obscured by their puffy jacket held overhead.
Taxi driver looking out the window of a turquoise and white Tokyo cab on a busy street
Man in business suit and face mask standing by a window overlooking a busy Tokyo street
Tokyo skyline at dusk with densely packed buildings and lights illuminating the sprawling urban landscape against a twilight sky
Pedestrians walk past a Disney Store on a Tokyo street, with shoppers visible among the storefront displays and signage
Share

Further Reading