I take these pictures because I truly respect the resourcefulness that these homeless people possess. Using scavenged materials and simple blue tarps, the Yodogawa homeless population has built a community next to the river. By doing so, they have secured themselves one of the best views available in Osaka
The homeless of the Yodogawa don't bother anyone- I have never heard of anyone being molested or even bothered for spare change. Often they hang out, have a couple of drinks, and barbecue. At other times you can see them tending gardens, fishing, practicing their golf, clamming (yes, people do eat clams from the river!), or walking their dogs.
Their dogs are dangerous, though. There are wild packs that roam the banks, and it is best to be wary if you are walking around this area. It is best not to venture out around this area alone, especially at night time, and certainly if you are a female.
Anyhow, for the duration of my stay, I will be posting pictures of these amazing homes as I take them. As I don't want to upset anyone, I'll only be able to take a few at a time or risk being obvious.
Honestly, these homes are amazing- the homeless have accumulated or fabricated everything that they need (refrigerators made out of coolers, outdoor kitchens, and furniture among many other things), and maintain a relatively comfortable life. You can check here for periodic updates.
Comments (5)
That is so nice of you to remember the homeless
people cause there is alot of them out there.
and i feel sorry for homeless people ... if you can leave me a comment back ..
Thanks Autumn:)
Posted by: Autumn | January 17, 2006 8:47 PM
Posted on: January 17, 2006 20:47
There are a lot of homeless people in Osaka, but the ones next to the Yodogawa seem to be getting by alright. I'm not so sure about the ones who live next to the freeways, parks, and train stations though- that looks like a pretty rough place to live in comparison to the riverside.
Posted by: Adam | January 17, 2006 10:32 PM
Posted on: January 17, 2006 22:32
Great commentary and pics, Adam. Do be careful of both stray dog packs (we got surrounded by one in Oakland when you were a tyke, and I had to put you up on a car hood while I put out Killer Mom energy) and the sometimes unpredictable nature of stray, homeless humans. Respect is good; wary caution is a given. btw, do they have homeless shelters or food banks for the poor/homeless?
Just wondering.
Posted by: YoMama | January 18, 2006 1:34 AM
Posted on: January 18, 2006 01:34
what does the river have for fish? Is it worth fishing? Fresh or brackish water? Questions, questions, questions.
Posted by: latimeria | January 18, 2006 3:25 AM
Posted on: January 18, 2006 03:25
There are no homeless shelters that I know of over here, but I haven't thoroughly researched this topic yet. From what I've seen, people just make do with what they can scavenge.
As for fish in the Yodogawa, it is so full of mullet that on some mornings, it looks as it they were raining up from the bottom of the river. Bass fishermen also frequent the areas near the water processing plant. Near the mouth of the river, you can catch sea bass in the right season, but that is way down stream from my area. In any case, I would not advise eating any fish caught from the Yodogawa.
Posted by: Adam | January 18, 2006 9:04 AM
Posted on: January 18, 2006 09:04