Melon Store sunset its mosaic tile fascia intact

its mosaic tile fascia intact beneath layers of graffiti

dust catching in shafts of light above the worn surface

copper strands exposed where the wiring was pulled down

to house the workforce of Chichibu Mine

Metal extraction ceased in 1978

Melon Store sunset its mosaic tile fascia intactA closed roadside melon direct sales building in Yubari, its roller doors down and green canopy awning torn and sagging. The signage advertising Yubari melon remains bright against a flat grey sky. Yubari King is a GI registered agricultural product, its cultivation tied to the volcanic ash soil and temperature swings of this corner of Hokkaido. Part of the Streetscapes of Yubari series.