Tokyo-based photographer Kisara Okada discovered an unexpected photographic opportunity while walking through the bustling Marunouchi business district last month on her way to an osteopathy appointment. The extended neck of a construction crane caught her attention, inspiring her to capture what she describes as one of the "small wonders that exist alongside our everyday lives."
The Marunouchi area holds significant historical importance in Tokyo's urban development. During the Meiji era, when the district was transformed from grassland into a commercial center, city planners used London's street layout as their model, according to Okada. Even today, visitors can still find high-rise buildings throughout the area that preserve traces of that Victorian-era architectural influence.
The district continues to evolve as part of ongoing redevelopment efforts. "Today, the area is undergoing redevelopment, so I wanted to show part of that process," Okada explained. Her photograph captures this moment of urban transformation, documenting the construction activities that are reshaping one of Tokyo's most important business districts.
Okada's approach to street photography focuses on what she calls "sites of miracles that the city has overlooked." She deliberately keeps her editing process minimal, explaining, "I don't want to create painterly beauty; rather, share the small wonders that exist alongside our everyday lives." This philosophy drives her to find extraordinary moments within ordinary urban scenes.
The timing of her photograph added another layer of meaning to the image. It was the first day back after the summer holiday break, and the intense heat had driven most people indoors, leaving the street benches empty. However, Okada spotted one solitary construction worker in the scene. "Their work is tough – they must continue no matter the weather, but I think he was almost at the end of his shift," she observed, highlighting the human element within the urban landscape.
Reflecting on the final image, Okada expressed her appreciation for the complex visual narrative it contains. "I love how you can discover many layers in a single frame, and how nature and manmade come together," she said. The photograph demonstrates her ability to find meaningful compositions that reveal the intersection of Tokyo's historical past, present transformation, and the daily lives of its residents.
