Power lines are without a doubt an inseparable part of the Japanese urban landscape. While the country is subject to frequent earthquakes, subterranean power line systems are still a minority. Only 7% of Tokyo’s central 23 wards currently have subterranean power networks. It seems that the abundance of overhead power lines won’t end soon. This visual network inspired the Japanese painter Akira Yamaguchi for his series, Electric Pole.

He presents scenes of life around these electric poles, each one seeming to have its own identity, history, cultural importance and influence. He revisits the idea of a landmark and gathering point in the city by mixing tradition and modernity in his representation and in his painting.