"Early Evening in Shibuya."
Description
"In Japan, especially in large cities, one can observe a remarkable phenomenon of tolerant coexistence between very different lifestyles, subcultures and "orientations". They use the same public space without bothering each other. This is less due to active "respect" in the sense of appreciation, but rather to the deeply rooted social principle of harmony and the avoidance of harassment or intrusiveness. This automatically creates an atmosphere in which everyone can do their own thing as long as they do not disturb public order. However, this "respect" is often more of a social indifference. People leave others alone, but do not necessarily support or celebrate their way of life. It is a passive tolerance based on avoiding conflict, not active respect. I observed this very clearly one early evening in a side street in Shibuya. Two small groups were standing together chatting while a skater tried a "heelflip" over and over again in their midst, making a loud racket."Try it!
