DANCHI Dreams – Photo Essay, Japan

Japan is a very picturesque city. Rich, colourful and bright, contrasted with edgy shadow and capricious cityscapes, Japan is a perfect place for any photographer to go exploring in. Translated into English as “a large cluster of apartments”, Danchi started popping up in 1960 to work with the increasing population.

From three storey apartments to vast complexes, the aesthetic of the Danchi is like a symbol of Japan’s unity and identity. New Zealand-born, Tokyo-based photographer, Cody Ellingham, launched his series DANCHI DREAMS in May at an old art gallery in Koto. His amazing exploration through the concrete and rubble of the city traverses 40 different group houses and manifests a real post-war feel.

Photography by Cody Ellingham