a·ban·don·ment Noun /əˈbandənmənt/ 

Synonyms:
noun: desertion, dereliction, renunciation

In Japan, abandonment seems like a convenient and easy way to dispose of something like a bicycle, or an appliance. There are special pick-up days for different kinds of garbage, but some require special arrangements, or occasionally a fee. It seems some people just don’t want to bother.

Everyday, I see those things tucked away behind a bush, or nonchalantly left somewhere out of sight. For bigger things, like a car, or even a home or building, owners may even just leave them just as they are. Abandoned places are called “haikyo”. Go here for a rather extensive look. I’ve yet to set foot in one myself, but other photo blogs have shown some rather interesting finds.

Back home, I might find abandoned places or things, but usually they are in run down sections of town. Then there is Japan: an orderly, fairly tidy place. Yet, it’s not uncommon to spy an abandoned building in a nice area, or a car that is perennially parked with flat tires and peeling paint next to luxury car.

I can only surmise that with high land premiums, and the rather stiff fees that can go with dealing with large, unwanted things, it’s simply cheaper to just walk away.

So, I’m going to do a little photo series of abandoned things, not random rubbish, but curiously deserted things.