Traces of Time

1 of 5 pieces, cross stitch on linen
170 cm x 270 cm
2002/2003

Tokyo

Novel by Nils Viga Hausken

During my stays in Tokyo, I have often wondered how so many people can live and move around in that metropolis without anyone coming to harm. Millions of people travel in and out of the city daily and thousands of cars stream in from the provinces on roads so narrow that only with great difficulty is it possible to get from one part of town to another. Tokyo teems with busy people, hurrying people who are apparently, all on their way to either an important appointment or assignation.

It was most practical for me to travel by train because I could cover long distances in a relatively short space of time. The railway stations in Tokyo are kept immaculately clean and nobody hangs about in the transit hall without a good reason. Most of the stations have ticket dispensers installed. I noticed that certain dispensers are rarely used, while there are often long queues at all the others.
Gradually it dawned on me why. The vacant ticket dispensers are reserved for travellers who are in a particular hurry.

Translated by Jane Power

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Work of artist Nils Viga Hausken
Work of artist Nils Viga Hausken
Work of artist Nils Viga Hausken