I love the name "mottainai" flea market. Mottainai is a spectacularly descriptive Japanese word that unfortunately doesn't have an English counterpart. Loosely translated it means wasteful, but in reality it means so much more than that. These Japan photos make me so nostalgic (or natsukashii)!
Even more photos of this flea market to make me jealous!! I love all the "Americana" available, but I would love to see some "old" Japanese items for sale. Everyone looks so happy here….is it a special event or something?
I can't help but think the old man in the jean ensemble could be a cartoon character. His expression is so comical. And I love the house-purse in the fourth last photo!
The flea market, or at least your photographic representation of it, presents a very Americana affair. Seeing how people appropriate, and re-interpret Americana (or any other nationalist period from any place) is always interesting. I think Tokyo is particularly adept at owning, and adding a unique Japanese twist / aesthetic to events (flea market), and fashion.
The belt she is holding up with the gingham check dress is great – good eye! I also like that she isn't dressed in that strange little girl style – there's something creepy to me about that affectation.
These flea market pictures are quite wonderful except the one here in p.3 with the guy doing a peace sign. I can't put my finger on it, but he looked gross. Maybe it was the mustache.
I love the name of the market "mottainai". It means wasteful, but the connotation of the word is positive and it means that you shouldn't throw out the item since it's still useful. Someone's waste can be someone else's gem. You have great photos. I commented on the other post and I accidentally clicked "publish" many times…. I'm sorry. It wasn't intentional.
I love how the outfit of the girl in the 4th picture down seems to portray a character. I get a kind of antique-eclectic-country vibe here. So calm, so cute, so chic. Very unique but on her it just seems to work :)
Joanna Roman the very thing that caught my eye and made me chuckle. A Louis Vuitton tote bag worn as a backpack…clever and also so practical at a flea market , I'm sure! Love the photos of the day!
The elderly man in the blue overalls seriously killed someone… red stain marks all the way to the pocket.. i suspect that's where the murder weapon was placed.. murder she wrote, anyone?
the 1st photo is very interesting. each peace of clothing on the girl looks like something a grandma could wear, but when put together in an outfit along with house on her neck it looks…unique, interesting, chic!
lumikha
April 27, 2010 at 2:39 pm
looks like so much fun!!!! :) did you buy anything?
Ganymede Girl
April 27, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Haha her expressions are really cute.
http://ganymedekids.blogspot.com
Michael
April 27, 2010 at 3:03 pm
I like that everything is just spread out on the ground, seems very laid back
FASHION SNAG
April 27, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Love the 4th photo! Cute stuff in that pic. x
http://www.FashionSnag.com
Gianluca Senese
April 27, 2010 at 3:14 pm
The last picture is so funny..!
http://www.nobodyknowsmarc.blogspot.com
Prutha
April 27, 2010 at 3:16 pm
love the house purse!!! how cute is that!!
http://donotshoeme.blogspot.com/
be.aoi
April 27, 2010 at 3:17 pm
love the outfit of the lady with the dress. beautiful pictures!
Naomi B
April 27, 2010 at 3:18 pm
I want those sparkling converse…NOW!
http://nayloveslondon.blogspot.com/
ElodieVeryPetit
April 27, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Amazing pics ! Must have been great !
Yoko
April 27, 2010 at 3:26 pm
I love the name "mottainai" flea market. Mottainai is a spectacularly descriptive Japanese word that unfortunately doesn't have an English counterpart. Loosely translated it means wasteful, but in reality it means so much more than that. These Japan photos make me so nostalgic (or natsukashii)!
Izzen
April 27, 2010 at 3:33 pm
super-cute!
http://izzenxoxo.blogspot.com/
John W.
April 27, 2010 at 3:46 pm
gingerbread house purse?!
J.
http://niobid.blogspot.com/
O Bernas
April 27, 2010 at 3:50 pm
love the 5th photo..
so nice..
:)
Christina
April 27, 2010 at 3:56 pm
These are darling. The artist in his cover-alls, priceless. Love!
couldihavethat
April 27, 2010 at 3:58 pm
I want to be there rummaging…
Dancing Branflake
April 27, 2010 at 4:24 pm
I agree… I want to know what you bought.
lobosbaa
April 27, 2010 at 4:27 pm
such fascination with american culture.
Anonymous
April 27, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Even more photos of this flea market to make me jealous!! I love all the "Americana" available, but I would love to see some "old" Japanese items for sale. Everyone looks so happy here….is it a special event or something?
Javier
April 27, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Wow, that market looks so amazing!
Yoli
April 27, 2010 at 4:31 pm
I need to be on a plane to Japan. It is all your doing.
men's t-shirts
April 27, 2010 at 4:42 pm
I hope you took the Coco-Cola tray…too good to leave!
Henri
April 27, 2010 at 4:45 pm
I really like the guy in the all in one.
http://henrineuendorf.com/
caroline lee
April 27, 2010 at 4:55 pm
oh my goodness, she is my hero, and you have done her the utmost justice with your lovely photos. What an inspiration you both are!
Anonymous
April 27, 2010 at 5:07 pm
What kind of camera is she holding?
Kristijonas
April 27, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Very colorful… otherwise, this woman looks atrocious.
Caroline
April 27, 2010 at 5:38 pm
very nice optimistic colours.
kagitsune
April 27, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Rei has a great style and an even greater smile. :D I love those blues!
And yes, Gingerbread house purse. Reminds me of Emily Temple Cute (another Japanese lolita brand). ^^
Louis
April 27, 2010 at 5:56 pm
adoro l'idea di usare l NEVERFULL di LOUIS VUITTON come uno zaino!!!
http://louis-myfashionshow.blogspot.com/
Alginus
April 27, 2010 at 6:16 pm
nice picture :-)
http://eletronic-x.blogspot.com/
Takeru
April 27, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Great pics and Rei san looks very cute!
Anna
April 27, 2010 at 7:02 pm
Oh I've just returned from two weeks in Japan and ALL of your posts make me really miss it!
Nedda Ebo
April 27, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Tokyo looks sooo fun! I love their style over there so much.
Mustart x
kampiscines
April 27, 2010 at 7:17 pm
oh wow. the flea market looks amazing with lots of cool people! keep the pictures coming and thanks for the share!
kampiscines.tumblr.com
Hari
April 27, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Wooow…your photos are changing ! and I love it ;) Bravo Scott!
Hari from France,
http://harilay.free.fr
Anonymous
April 27, 2010 at 7:36 pm
cool ive been to flea markets in india and here.
read my blog at http://ohgeeitsgreat.wordpress.com/
Milt-fresh_best-dressed
April 27, 2010 at 7:55 pm
LOVE THE HAT ON THE GENT IN THE FOURTH PIC. WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THAT IN MY COLLECTION.
Anonymous
April 27, 2010 at 8:12 pm
i want nothing more than to go to this flea market
Yamila
April 27, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Yeah, looks like so much fun.
Amazing pics, color, color, color!!
Joan
April 27, 2010 at 9:17 pm
I can't believe you stumbled across vintage american memorabilia!
Hello Dasein!
Sunshinemom
April 27, 2010 at 9:35 pm
I like the lady in the pics. She looks like a pixie – naughty and cute!
Christine
April 27, 2010 at 10:38 pm
She looks like a young Yoko Ono :)
Anonymous
April 27, 2010 at 11:26 pm
Aw, Rei seems like the Japanese version of Amelie… too cute ;)
Anonymous
April 27, 2010 at 11:53 pm
I think you found your element, here!
J.
April 28, 2010 at 12:27 am
I can't help but think the old man in the jean ensemble could be a cartoon character. His expression is so comical. And I love the house-purse in the fourth last photo!
Anonymous
April 28, 2010 at 12:48 am
PS Rei's quirky, gamin face is absolutely gorgeous. Was she your escort/guide around the markets or is she a model?
Linda B.
Rikke
April 28, 2010 at 3:30 am
Beautiful vivid colors and tone
kristina - no penny for them
April 28, 2010 at 4:00 am
wow, what a treasure chest! i do love this series you shot at the flea market – just brilliant.
Cecylia
April 28, 2010 at 4:24 am
Wish I was there!! So envious!
SuzieM
April 28, 2010 at 6:21 am
love all these pictures. so special…
Joanna Roman
April 28, 2010 at 7:16 am
haaaa!!! Louis Vuitton bag worn as a backpack! That's great sence of distance towards THE BRAND!
LUV IT :)
Anonymous
April 28, 2010 at 9:15 am
The flea market, or at least your photographic representation of it, presents a very Americana affair. Seeing how people appropriate, and re-interpret Americana (or any other nationalist period from any place) is always interesting. I think Tokyo is particularly adept at owning, and adding a unique Japanese twist / aesthetic to events (flea market), and fashion.
-hurac
Martijn Mendel
April 28, 2010 at 10:20 am
hah the first photo is so cute!
Anonymous
April 28, 2010 at 11:08 am
The belt she is holding up with the gingham check dress is great – good eye! I also like that she isn't dressed in that strange little girl style – there's something creepy to me about that affectation.
Anonymous
April 28, 2010 at 11:47 am
These flea market pictures are quite wonderful except the one here in p.3 with the guy doing a peace sign. I can't put my finger on it, but he looked gross. Maybe it was the mustache.
Nyrha
April 28, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Very beautiful pictures!
And that converse shot is so lovely!
Sognatrice
April 28, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I wish I were there!!
The (im)Perfect Harmony
deadbeatdad
April 28, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Rei is my favorite subject of yours! She's got great style and energy.
Going to a flea market in Japan is a dream of mine, but I probably wouldn't fit into anything.
Chuzai Living
April 28, 2010 at 9:30 pm
I love the name of the market "mottainai". It means wasteful, but the connotation of the word is positive and it means that you shouldn't throw out the item since it's still useful. Someone's waste can be someone else's gem. You have great photos. I commented on the other post and I accidentally clicked "publish" many times…. I'm sorry. It wasn't intentional.
Anonymous
April 29, 2010 at 2:28 am
I *love* the girl in #4.
Middleseason
April 29, 2010 at 4:30 am
I love market. Great atmosphere!
Anonymous
April 29, 2010 at 7:18 pm
I love how the outfit of the girl in the 4th picture down seems to portray a character. I get a kind of antique-eclectic-country vibe here. So calm, so cute, so chic. Very unique but on her it just seems to work :)
Edgar
April 29, 2010 at 7:21 pm
I loved those picturesssss
HilaryInspired
April 29, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Joanna Roman the very thing that caught my eye and made me chuckle. A Louis Vuitton tote bag worn as a backpack…clever and also so practical at a flea market , I'm sure! Love the photos of the day!
http://www.hilaryinspired.wordpress.com
Yeji Jun
April 30, 2010 at 12:04 am
omg. these pictures are just like art work from any galleries in Chelsea. nice job.
http://www.everythingandart.com
Just me and my bon genre!
April 30, 2010 at 9:33 am
The elderly man in the blue overalls seriously killed someone… red stain marks all the way to the pocket.. i suspect that's where the murder weapon was placed..
murder she wrote, anyone?
love his look though, very comfy & blue..
fashionforsaturdaybrunch.blogspot.com
dehl
April 30, 2010 at 1:07 pm
wowww… my stunning grandpa… ahahha….
Glamour-Och-Fläskpannkaka
May 1, 2010 at 9:08 am
lovely bohemican style!
Poivre Monkey
May 3, 2010 at 7:17 am
the old man is beautifull
http://bulbizar.blogspot.com/
Traveling Frog
May 4, 2010 at 11:07 am
the 1st photo is very interesting. each peace of clothing on the girl looks like something a grandma could wear, but when put together in an outfit along with house on her neck it looks…unique, interesting, chic!
Ingeborg Olea Viken
May 5, 2010 at 5:08 pm
I love the hippie-ish couple!
Anonymous
May 6, 2010 at 12:08 am
i love the converse pic! if i ever get the chance at going to tokoyo i will go there :)
The Swank Bank
May 6, 2010 at 10:03 pm
What an absolutely fabulous series of photos!
LimtdEdition
May 20, 2010 at 12:55 pm
I thought it was very unique how she carried her LV tote as a backpack! =)
Zbarsky
July 3, 2010 at 5:41 am
great hat!!! works so well with the blue jacket!
john
July 8, 2010 at 8:24 pm
unique style in some of the photos..but then it is in Japan. They have crazy fashion there.
Martine
March 9, 2012 at 11:38 am
I really believe that she is the cutest woman on earth. I have a total girl crush on her.