Yanaka Cemetery
Nikon FM2 with a Zoom Nikkor lens
Photographer: Toshimichi Shiratori
I met Mr. Shiratori along the sakura lined street that goes through the massive cemetery in Yanaka. I commented on his nice little FM-2 and asked what film he was shooting- he told me his camera was loaded with Tri-X. We both agreed that sakura look best shot in black and white, and then got into the thing on everyone’s mind who shoots film in Japan- the recent unbelievable price hikes on Kodak and Ilford products. He lamented that bulk rolls of Tri-X went from 5000 yen ($45) a few years ago to 35,000 yen ($300) this spring. I suggested going with B&H (or Adorama or Freestyle) for future film purchases- this is the only real option anymore in Japan for film. For many, with $10 for a single HP-5 roll, the days for popping into Yodobashi for a roll or two on a whim are over.
Regardless, Mr. Shiratori told me he has his own black and white photo studio- Shiratori Photo Service, that he started back in 1967. It’s over in Katsushika-ku, in East (best) Tokyo. You can see some of his work in an online gallery- I’m rather keen on his portraits. This encounter with Mr. Shiratori was a nice way to end a 15km photo walk last week.