“At its best, Japanese cooking is inextricably meshed with aesthetics, with religion, with tradition and history. It is evocative of seasonal changes, or of one’s childhood, or of a storm at sea.”
~M.F.K Fisher
Octopus on a Stick
Market Day
Something’s Fishy
“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
~ Elliott Erwitt
Snail’s Pace
So Many Balls
Over the Barrels
5 For 1000
Eat Now
Today’s Fare
“Even sea bream is not delicious when eaten in loneliness.”
~Japanese Proverb
Carp
Ready to Work
“I know once people get connected to real food, they never change back.”
~Alice Waters
Triple Fish Eye
Another Day
Blow Says Hello
Jane Lurie Photography 
Remind me so much of my time when I visited Japan! Market is always the best!
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Thanks so much, Tangosbaking. They are fascinating to visit and photograph. Happy you enjoyed these photos and I appreciate your visit.
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Great photos! I was in Nishiki market just a week or two ago – love it there!
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Stunning photos. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to reading more of your blog. I hope you’ll visit us here @surreyKitchen.com. Happy Easter. Xxx
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Thanks very much, Emma. I’m happy you enjoyed these. I will pop by. Happy Easter!
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These pictures look amazing! never been to Japan but have spent quite a lot of time in Asia, and the markets always mesmerize me. Whenever im abroad my favorite thing to do is hang out at the local markets and take stupid amount of pictures and stuff my face with..most of the time i dont even know what 🙂
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Hi Dipmaker, ha! Your comment really made me smile. I love markets, too, for all the same reasons. Such photographic gems. Thanks so much for your response. 😊
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I really enjoyed your pictures! Thank you for sharing. If you’d like, I also have a blog about Japan and if you’re interested, please follow me!
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Hi Chexednut, Thank you. Glad you enjoyed and I will check out your blog. Appreciate you stopping by.
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Another day. Perfect caption! My pics are no where near as good as yours! Hmm many some day 🤟
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Thanks so much, John. Glad you like them. I’d take a look at yours but looks like you are gone…
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We usually give the heads to our son to eat when the fish comes complete! Love the pics!
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That’s great, Emily. 😁 Glad you like the photos–thank you and for following, too. Will pop over to your blog now.
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Lovely photos! The market is always such a rich source of day-to-day life subject matter, no matter where you are!
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Hi Derrick, Thank you- so glad you enjoyed these. I sure loved being there and love markets, too. (Sorry for the late reply!)
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Lovely post. I love visiting local markets..ad they send a vibe special to them.
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Hi Raastha, Thank you. I agree, markets are wonderful and vibrant. Pleased you enjoyed these and I appreciate you stopping by.
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You have an amazing collection of pics. Hoping I get to know the world better through them.
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You’ve made my day. 😊 And I hope you have a great one!
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I am glad, I did that. Wishing you bring to all of us many more such wonderful stories. Love, Vannie from India.
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Very nice to “meet you”, Vannie.
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Did you enjoy the food in Japan? I think I might lose weight if I visited there! You’ve done a wonderful photojournalistic/food photography job here! ‘So Many Balls’ reminds me of the famous scene of Lucy and Ethel in the chocolate factory … the Japanese version!
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Hi Denise, Too funny that you thought of Lucy and Ethel– I sure did. 🙂 We loved the food in Japan – had a lot of Ramen, Sushi, Tempura- all so fresh and beautifully prepared. Happy you enjoyed this market day – it is a fun challenge to document these fascinating places when traveling. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
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I love how I can almost smell that ‘fish market’ smell just by looking at these photos. Great images 🙂
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Thanks so much, Christian. That’s a great compliment that the images took you there. I can attest that there were a lot of interesting odors. 🙂 Your visit is much appreciated.
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Chinese food is exquisite! I like the diversity of flavors and textures.
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Thank you, Nanyi. I love Chinese food, too, and Japanese food is quite different in flavors and preparation. Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
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Hi Jane, I just accidentally stumbled upon your website trough a comment you made on another blog. And what a discovery this is!!! Love your photography! Not sure if I’m fond of all the Japanese fish though 😉 But boy, how well did you capture all this! Got you on my ‘to follow’ list 😉
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Hi Borniet, How nice! Thanks so much for visiting and I’m glad I opened your eyes to Japanese fish. I appreciate your kind comment and follow. (PS. What is happening with the link to your blog?)
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Wild, Jane! I love Elliot Erwitt’s quote. You always find good ones! But I’m not sure Alice Waters’ is totally appropriate to Japanese food. 😉 Maybe that’s just my cultural bias. The photographs certainly reflect a unique market experience, and you sure had fun with the titles this time! (Carp, really??)
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Thanks, Lynn. It’s nice to know that some people read quotes, they are fun to find. 🙂 I think Alice most likely loves the freshness and attention to detail in the cuisine. Pleased you like the images, it was fun to tell this story. Doesn’t the carp look yummy?
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The carp looks like barbecued spare ribs, yummy ones…. Yes, attention is something the Japanese are very good at. 🙂
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Agree…the carp looks meaty. 🙂
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Even though I don’t eat any animals, I can appreciate your photo’s 😉
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Thanks so much, Noortje. I’m glad you saw these as a feast for the eyes and not necessarily for one’s stomach. 🙂 Fortunately, there are lots of wonderful vegetarian options in Japan.
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Like the octopus
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Thank you, Amy. That was a favorite sight for me, too. Appreciate you stopping by! 🙂
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A great collection of images, it’s the first one that is my favorite.
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Thanks, Amy. The best part of that scene with the octopus on a stick was seeing little kids eating them like it was candy. I wish I would have captured that. Happy you enjoyed this series. 🙂
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Those are great, though have to say as a vegetarian I find them slightly unsettling..
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Hi Andy, Well, it is said that we eat with our eyes first, so I can understand your feelings. Glad you enjoyed this peek into Japanese markets. Thanks so much.
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What wonderful, vibrant market scenes, Jane! I can’t choose one or two favorites because each is so fascinating.
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Thank you, Susan. I’m so glad you found these captivating. It was exciting to photograph. 🙂
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Great documentation of Japan’s food culture, Jane, so different from our own, so intriguing!
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Thank you, Eliza. That’s exactly what I hope to accomplish. Travel photography opens up the world. I’m so glad you are intrigued. 🙂
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fabulous shots…love all of the little details…& people….YUMMY!!👍
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Thank you, friend! It’s such fun to experience and photograph these amazing places. 🙂
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Totally agree I love the detail in the first photo the most. A very cool way to capture the markets 🙂
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I feel like I go on a journey when I look at your photos. I have never been to Japan, so this is especially exciting. I know I have said it before, but I just love your people photos.
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Ali, What a wonderful compliment, thank you so much. Taking you on a journey is what I hope for in my photos and I’m very happy you enjoy my portraits– one of my favorite subjects when traveling. 🙂
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Your photos are intriguing but I agree with Linda Wyatt. I would definitely lose weight there.
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Thanks, Jane. I am sure you would have loved the food in restaurants. Amazing flavors and preparations. Fun to open up viewers’ eyes to the markets. 🙂
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I think I would have starved in Japan! Interesting displays of a little bit of everything !
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Thanks, Linda. I am certain you would have found many delicious meals. Glad you enjoyed strolling the market with me. 🙂
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That’s is so cool story
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Thank you so much, CLB.
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Gorgeous photos, just wish that the whole world ate bamboo instead, I do eat some selected plenty-full fish and wish I did not….the way the Japanese, and others, kill even whales and dolphins pains me.
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Hi Paula, Thank you. I certainly agree with you about overfishing and environmentally sustainable practices. There is no reason to kill whales and dolphins and many other creatures, for that matter. It is a worldwide issue.
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Ha! And I was just thinking nothing looked appealing, particularly the triple eyeless fish. I do, however, love how you captured life at the market including quote about finding the special in the ordinary.
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Hi Lisa, I am glad to open your eyes 😳to the wonders of Japanese markets. That favorite quote sums it up for me. Thanks very much, as always. 🙂
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Great places for shooting, those Asian markets. Fine series! 🙂
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Indeed, Harrie. It was a visual wonderland. Very pleased you enjoyed these—thanks so much. 🙂
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Amzing shots of food and food prep in Japan, Jane. Looks like lots of effort goes into making good food over there. I think those balls may be octopus/takayoki balls…and I absolutely love those 😊
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Hi Mabel, Thank you so much. The care and attention to detail and presentation in Japanese cuisine is impressive. Thanks for identifying the balls- I wasn’t sure. I had skewers in Japan but I’m sorry I didn’t try these! 🙂 Appreciate you stopping by.
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Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing!
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Hi Liz, Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed them. I see you are well traveled in Asia- hope these brought back good memories.
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Wonderful collection Jane – so vibrant and evocative. Is this in the fish market in Tokyo or in Nishiki?
Alison
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HI Alison, These were made at Nishiki. It was so crowded, I was surprised I could get any. Sadly, the famous market in Tokyo was closed and being relocated when we were there. Happy you enjoyed these – much appreciated coming from your experienced eye. Thanks so much. 🙂
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This is a culture on which I have not yet admitted. Something strange, far away, unapproachable. Thanks for the trip there.
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Thank you, Detlef. It’s a great compliment that I’ve opened your eyes to something new with my photographs. I appreciate your response.
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An excellent series. I must admit that my internal prejudices of fish markets make it difficult to select a favorite. Maybe I should find a shrink and address this. Nah! And I eat a lot of fish.
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Hi Tim, Glad you like the photos and I am sure I share your concerns— assuming they are in the realm of environmental issues of sustainability. I love fish, too. Thanks for looking and sharing your thoughts. 🙂
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Jane, you’re welcome. Yes I share your concern about the environment.
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What a trip that must have been! But most of all I liked the part of your quote: “everything to do with the way you see them”! So very true…
Another pleasurable post!
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Thanks so much, Gunta. Every part of the trip was a visual delight. That quote hits home for me, too. I think of photography as documenting a time and place and helping the viewer to see the special moments in the everyday. 🙂
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Real food! Love all the colour and variety here, what a feast for the eyes. Having said that, the snail photo is probably my favourite.
Thanks, Jane!
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Hi PC, Thank you! Yes, real food and very different from what we experience in our markets. Very exciting to see how it is presented. Happy you like the snail photo– definitely my fave. I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts. 🙂
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So, what did you sample??? 🙂
I’d go for the tempura, sushi (if they had), maybe try octopus on a stick, take home a nice piece of ahi tuna for later. The blowfish, my mom would say, “Take a pass on that. You need a chef that knows how to prepare it.” She’d likely take a pass on the carp too. But, she’d linger over the fresh fish, and take something home.
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Hi David, We had great food experiences. I didn’t buy from the markets but we had wonderful meals in restaurants. Sushi, tempura, ramen, baked goods, skewers, Kobe…. all fresh and beautifully prepared. Sounds like you would be very happy in Japan! 🙂
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Loved it Jane. I get to go to a Japanese market weekly and this tugged at me.
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Thanks, Bob! So glad you liked these– it’s a healthy way to eat– glad you have a market nearby. 🙂
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It’s a fascinating world, Jane, but I think I might go hungry. 😦 😦
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Hi Jo- I think you would find many delicious foods…the amazing thing is how thoughtful and beautiful the presentation of food is. Even children’s lunchboxes are works of art. Thanks so much for strolling with me. 🙂 🙂
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Being a true southerner, I’ll stick to my pimento cheese sandwich and fried bologna! However, you made it very photogenic 🙂
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Haha, ML. I bet someone from Japan would be wide-eyed at those southern delicacies. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed a walk through the market. Thank you so much!
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wonderful people at work and food photos – 🙂
and the little shields the ladies are wearing (below the chin) in the one photo is super smart and more food prep should be done by covering the nose and mouth – but esp. the nose!
the 4th photo down is the show stopper photo for me – such a nice portrait and the mono and lines – tasty good shot.
—
“I know once people get connected to real food, they never change back.”
so true, so true
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Hi Yvette, So glad you like that monochrome shot — it was a nice everyday moment to capture. The markets and food halls in Japan are incredible. Alice Waters knows. Thanks so much for your visit and responses. 🙂
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😊
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Blimey Jane I think some of your images should come with a warning 😬😳🤢. Seriously though great images, do the vendors mind you photographing them? they don’t look as if they are posing.
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Thanks, Brian! Why, are you afraid? 🤣 Glad you enjoyed the images– I am as respectful as possible with street shots and if they catch me and say no, I don’t pursue. I’m usually pretty stealthy and it doesn’t come up very often.
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Fantastic scene at the market. My daughter wants to visit Japan. I will have to show her your photos. Very cool.
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Thanks so much, TMax. I hope you make the trip with your daughter, it’s a fascinating country to visit. I did a number of posts on Japan in November if you scroll down my feed. I appreciate your interest in my work. From your website, it looks like you are a photography teacher- that’s great! 🙂
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Well normally your wonderful captures would have me salivating Jane but I must admit the difference in the Japanese palate and mine became very apparent to me with this one! You’ve captured the spirit and flavor of the foods beautifully
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haha – same here, Tina – I did not realize it until I read your comment – ((chicken wings, anyone? – or a nice skewer))
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Ha Yvette– We had plenty of those and Ramen multiple times. 🙂
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🙂
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Hi Tina, Thank you so much. And you’ve articulated one of the main goals of this post. 😉 Glad you enjoyed it. We had some great food experiences!
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I want to catch the next flight over!
Sent from my iPad
>
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Thank you, Sue! I’m glad you found them enticing. 😊
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Wonderful impressions, Jane.
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Thanks so much, Rabirius. What a fun time photographing the markets. 🙂
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Something very fishy about this collection 🙂 Wonderful mix of color and b/w!
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Haha- indeed, Freeka. Loads of fish in Japan. 🙂 Happy you enjoyed these. Thanks so much.
PS. did you happen to catch my pig portrait in the last post?
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Yes! What a colorful piggy. I miss D.O.G. so much (my pigster who we had to put to sleep last Nov) I’m just getting the hang of Instagram (yikes!) and just started following you and oh boy…there’s party pig again. Happy Year of the PIG!
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I’m so sorry about D.O.G. 😢
Thanks for following me- will look for you! 🐷💕
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Yeah! I’m freekasfotos … and getting ready to crank up my blog again. Sigh. I need a nap 🙂
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How many of these dozens of foods did you try?
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Many, Steve, but in restaurants. I loved seeing school kids eating octopus on a stick for an afternoon treat.
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Somehow I don’t think octopus on a stick would go over well in American schools.
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Sad but true, Steve.
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Reblogging to my sister site Timeless Wisdoms
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Thank you, Ana. Glad you enjoyed this series.
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We need to be reminded of real connection to real food!
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We sure do, Ana. Local markets are a good place to start. Thanks so much for stopping by. 😊
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😊
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