Shibuya Crossing isn’t about loving the chaos. It’s not about revealing the high-energy buzz of a thousand people moving like a choreographed wave. It’s about something quieter, more profound—a moment of connection in a sea of strangers. You find yourself drawn here for the spectacle and the stories unfolding every step. The variety of characters, the fleeting glances, the entertainers weaving their rhythm into the city's pulse—there’s no other place quite like it. 

It was our last evening in Tokyo, and I suggested one final stroll through Shibuya: a little shopping, some people-watching, and a bowl of steaming ramen. As I packed my gear, I took my Mamiya 645, loaded with Ilford HP5 Plus, strapped securely to my chest. It was a gamble—no digital crutch, no instant gratification. I tried to guess every setting, capturing Tokyo’s rhythm one imperfect frame at a time.

There’s a magic to shooting on film that digital can’t replicate. With my digital cameras, the temptation to check each shot is irresistible. But with film, there’s patience, anticipation, and an undeniable charm in the imperfections. A missed autofocus and a slightly off exposure are part of the process. It feels like the essence of creation itself, raw and unfiltered.

One image stands out among the many frames I shot that night: a girl smiling. Her expression was a burst of happiness amidst the orchestrated chaos of the crossing. Her joy felt unspoken but understood, an anchor in the swirling current of faces and footsteps.

Her smile reminded me of the beauty of that moment—standing at Shibuya Crossing, surrounded by people who were indeed present. They were snapping selfies, reframing their shots, soaking in the experience just as I was. For a moment, everyone seemed united in their love for this city, its energy, and its unrelenting vibrancy.

Tokyo can stay with you long after you’ve left its neon streets. I felt its pulse, heartbeat, and soul that night in Shibuya. It’s a place that welcomes imperfection, embraces chaos, and celebrates the joy of simply being there.

I know I’ll be back. Until then, I’ll carry the memory—and the hope—of Shibuya Crossing, its energy etched into my soul and a roll of film waiting to be developed.

All images are mine and under copyright.

For everyone interested in the technical side of life:

Camera: Mamiya 645 Super + Secor 80mm
Film: Ilford HP5 Plus 400 120 mm
Lab: Jack’s Lab - Redeem your code here