Shibuya Past 12
by EVANS, Erik
Research Topic: Tokyo’s nightlife after midnight
Photos Taken: All original, between 12 a.m. – 4 a.m.
This photo series explores the contrast within Tokyo’s nightlife after midnight — where some streets are completely still while others are full of movement, music, and sound. I used the Three Basic Shots (close-up, medium, and long) and applied the Two-thirds Rule to create balanced compositions that reflect the energy and emptiness I experienced in the same nights.
My goal was to spotlight the artists performing in Tokyo’s underground music scene while also showing the moments of silence that follow — the streets, alleys, and tunnels that become quiet once the events end. These photos were all taken after 12 a.m., during my own nights out, often right after shows or while walking back home. These images show the variety of moods that exist in the city at once — from intimate performances to empty, glowing streets. I explore a contrast between vibrant underground music scenes and the stillness of empty streets, spotlighting how the same hour can feel wildly alive in one block, and peacefully abandoned in the next.
Photo 1: Medium Shot — Mavi Performing in Tokyo
Mavi is a Southern alternative hip-hop artist performing in Japan for the first time. I captured him mid-performance, using a medium shot to show his expressive movement while keeping the background dark and minimal. It focuses on his energy while still including the crowd around him.
Photo 2: Long Shot — Empty Tokyo Alley
This shot shows a completely empty alley in Tokyo, glowing with neon signage. I took it after a night of drinking and live music, when the streets felt unusually quiet. It’s a long shot that captures the full atmosphere — still, colorful, and slightly surreal.
Photo 3: Close-Up — DJ Sylas Performing
This is a close-up of my friend Sylas, captured during his late-night techno set. You can see his focus and hands on the mixer. The shot isolates him from the rest of the space to highlight the quiet, intense concentration behind a live performance. This also shows his nonchalant aura that he processes and emits to the audience.
Photo 4: Long Shot — Person Walking Through Tunnel
Outside another venue, I saw this person walking alone through a lit tunnel. It’s another long shot that shows scale and emptiness — one figure surrounded by architecture and light. The scene felt unexpectedly peaceful right after being in a packed room.
Photo 5: Medium Shot — Experimental EDM Artist
This medium shot shows an experimental EDM artist performing in a small, red-lit venue. The lighting gave the space a specific tone — intimate and slightly offbeat. I framed it to focus on the performer while keeping the crowd out of view.
Photo 6: Medium Shot — Genre-Blending DJ
This final image is a medium shot of a DJ mixing house, rap, and electronic music. His reflective jacket and posture stood out under the light. The shot keeps the viewer close enough to feel involved but leaves some context in the frame.
This is brilliant, Erik. The concept and plan were executed to the fullest. The work is original and the perspective is fresh. These photos are healthy seeds for a longer piece – for instance a photo essay or documentary project. Thanks a lot.