Can man

An empty can collector carries cans in the heavy rain in Tokyo on Friday.

This man has seen a lot. There is a depth of soul about people like this with their understanding of the system we are swimming in.

There is a can crusher that can be attached to the bicycle so they can carry less bulky loads.

Tough life.....

Wonder what he gets (how much money) for all that effort??

There is a can crusher that can be attached to the bicycle so they can carry less bulky loads.

As is often the case, In Japan there is a "proper" way to crush cans and recycling facilities will complain if the cans are flattened incorrectly. For example some will require the cans to be flattened on the long side in the shape of katakana mu (ム). I have not seen can crushers that do it this way, so it is probably just more convenient for him to bring the cans as he finds them.

If you look at the photo carefully you will see that the cans have already been crushed, but not very well!

In Japan there is a "proper" way to crush cans and recycling facilities will complain if the cans are flattened incorrectly.

Surely, even in Japan this cannot be true.

When they are collected by regular dustbin lorries they are randomly crushed by the hydraulic crusher.

And to recycle cans they are shedded then melted down.

If you look at the photo carefully, you will see that the shirt he's wearing is already drenched with sweat from the August humidity after a typhoon visit.

If you look at the photo carefully, you will see that the shirt he's wearing is already drenched with sweat from the August humidity after a typhoon visit.

If you look at the photo carefully, you will see that it is raining. Also the caption “An empty can collector carries cans in the heavy rain”.

Would like to know how much he earns a month ?

After a quick check, seems he might get 200-300yen per kilo.

Tracing Footsteps—When Rain Transforms the City

By : Ali Syarief

Beneath the heavy downpour that swept Tokyo on Friday, a can collector, struggling to navigate the slippery streets, emerged in a photograph. Shrouded in the damp mist enveloping Japan’s capital, this figure silently witnesses a rare and meaningful scene. The photo, titled “Can Man,” is more than just a depiction of routine; it reflects our collective awareness regarding cleanliness, beauty, and social responsibility towards the environment.

Rain, typically regarded as a refreshing element of the landscape, here cloaks Tokyo in a profound silence. In this setting, a can collector moves with dedication, each step marking a commitment and awareness of the city’s cleanliness often overlooked amid urban hustle and bustle. This image teaches us a valuable lesson about how we perceive and handle waste as well as the beauty of our surroundings.

The presence of the can collector in the heavy rain serves as a strong reminder of individual responsibility in maintaining environmental cleanliness. While Tokyo’s society is known for its awareness and discipline in cleanliness, this image highlights that this task is not just about proper waste disposal. It also involves appreciating every effort, no matter how small, in preserving the city’s beauty.

In every drop of rain falling from Tokyo’s sky, there is a message about vulnerability and strength. Just as the cans collected by the man represent small fragments forming the whole, our existence in this ecosystem is made up of tiny pieces contributing to the greater good. Every action, no matter how small, like disposing of trash properly, has a significant impact on the beauty and health of the environment.

The can collector, in his simplicity, symbolizes the relentless effort to keep the environment clean and tidy. With each can be collected, there is hope that the city will continue to shine even under the rainy clouds. He teaches us that beauty is not just found in existing conditions but also in the continuous effort to maintain it.

Rain, often seen as a barrier to activity, here becomes a backdrop highlighting the dedication of the can collector. This photo reminds us that every element in our city’s ecosystem—from people to waste—plays a role in creating a harmonious and clean environment. Sometimes, we just need to look deeper to find beauty and meaning in the daily activities that are often overlooked.

At the end of the day, when the rain subsides and Tokyo shines again, we are reminded that maintaining cleanliness and beauty is not only an individual responsibility but a collective one. Through this reflection, let us strive to make our environment a better place, remembering that every small action has the power to create significant change.

Usually, people who collect empty cans in Japan are poor elderly.

One of five elderly people is in poverty at recent years Japan despite still economy super power.

But, far-rights begun scapegoating elderly people at society where inequality spread by misrules, it stimulates ageism, make to reduce social welfare per person, and causes incorrect hostility against elderly, not criticism to LDP government who continue to neglect citizen.

God bless this fellow. He is just doing his best to survive.