Tokyo Rockabilly dancers in full color
Tokyo rockabilly dancers in color? I used to photograph them rollers in black and white. But not this time. I chose to capture them in color. It worked about well. Why? Well, this time, I saw something new.
The group I’ve photographed most is Strangers. Occasionally, I’ve seen Fairlady and Lebels. This time, I saw a new group. Well, for me, they were new, Fallen Angel.
Fallen Angel members obviously liked leather! That reminded me of many years ago when those outfits were standard. In recent years, most dancers at Yoyogi Park wear simple blue denim. That’s been my experience.
Perfect weather saw a big turnout of Tokyo rockabilly dancers. The men and women ranged anywhere from about twenty to sixty, and maybe older. Age doesn’t matter. They all share a passion for their subculture.
They have a strong sense of community. Many have been coming to Yoyogi Park for years. It is where they connect with others who share their love of rockabilly. Close bonds are formed with one another and newcomers are welcomed.
I only had limited time, so I didn’t have a chance to talk to the dancers. Whether Fallen Angel is old or new, I don’t know. In all my visits to Yoyogi Park on a Sunday afternoon, I’ve never seen them. If you know, please tell us.
Anyway, the rockabilly dance scene at Yoyogi Park is a vibrant and unique subculture. It showcases the energy, passion, and spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. While it has faced some challenges in recent years, it remains a beloved part of Tokyo’s landscape. They are a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Why did I photograph Tokyo rockabilly dancers in color?
The answer is simple. In the past, I saw most dancers in simple blue denim. That isn’t an eye-catching material. On the other hand, some onlookers’ clothes were very bright and colorful which was a distraction. I wanted to strip that away. That was my motivation to use black and white.
Black leather is compelling. Eyes go straight to it. Color photos seemed to be the correct choice. What do you think?
Well, that’s it for this article. I will be back to shoot the Tokyo rockabilly dancers later this year. Please leave your questions and comments below.
For more people articles, look at:
External websites about Yoyogi Park rockabilly
- Strangersharajuku_official (on Instagram)
- 《STRANGERS》80年代の原宿歩行者天国時代から続くロックンロールストリートパフォーマンスチームの「夢」(Japanese article with great photos)