Hitomi Watanabe
Tekiya (Signed)
Posted by Jiyusha, 2017
Size: 15.5 x 23.2 cm
Languages: Japanese
Hardcover
Good condition
ISBN 978-4-88503-826-6
Toward the end of the 1960s, Hitomi Watanabe became acquainted with a group of tekiya (street vendors). These street vendors—an integral part of folk festivals and downtown landscapes—appear from nowhere, then soon move on. Watanabe followed and photographed them for three years.
“They were restless men, full of fervor, madness, and laziness. I rushed home to grab my camera and went right back to photograph all these people as soon as I got back. After about 10 minutes, I was surrounded by these men. A middle-aged lady shouted at me, saying, 'If you take any pictures, you'll be beaten to death!' While I was expecting an immediate punch from someone, this man who seemed to be one of the bosses of the group approached and, with his overwhelming body odor, told me to take his picture. It was like a godsend to me. That's how I began my career as a street photographer.” - Hitomi Watanabe