This series unfolds around an arrival in, and a departure from, Tokyo.
In between, we glimpse the city through the faces of those we encounter: in the streets, on public transport, and among the stalls of the old Tsukiji market.
These images come from my two journeys to Tokyo, twelve years apart. The work captures fragments of stillness. Fleeting moments of everyday poetry that reflect a culture shaped by silence and contemplation. While these images mirror my gaze, they also invite each viewer to discover their own meaning within them.
Presented as a video installation, the project features 135 photographs woven into a visual dialogue between both trips. Original music and sound design are by Rodrigo Leão, with editing by Ricardo Casal.
BPI All in One, Monumental, Lisbon, January 2025
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Shortly after returning from my most recent trip to Japan in March 2025, I attended a tribute performance for Sakamoto at the “Museu do Oriente”. This performance stood out not only for the excellent introduction to Sakamoto’s work by Zilda Sanches but also for the special connection the musicians had with the composer’s work, including Rodrigo Leão, whose work I deeply admire and who collaborated with the Japanese composer on two tracks from the Cinema album, released in 2004.
This series tells a story marked by an arrival in and departure from Tokyo. In the interval, we observe the city through the faces of the people: on the streets, in public transportation, and at the stalls of the old Tsukiji market. Resulting from two trips to Tokyo, separated by a twelve-year gap, these are fragments of silent moments, glimpses of poetry in everyday life, reflecting a culture of silence and introspection. These images are a reflection of my perspective, but they are also an invitation for each viewer to find their meaning.
When the challenge to create a piece for this space came up, I thought of inviting Rodrigo Leão. With great generosity, he accepted, adding a unique musical dimension to this project with a new mix of the tracks Death of God and Casa Original. The editing was done by Ricardo Casal, whose knowledge of my photographic work was essential in shaping this project.
Luis Mileu
