The world of perfect night taxi drivers in Tokyo

"Who Drives a Car in Tokyo" is a series of non-stop portraits of taxi drivers and their passengers in the capital of Japan, a city where manners are paramount, even in the private space of a taxi.

Photographer Oleg Tolstoy lives in London. His interest in social interactions and human behavior has defined the themes of his projects that bring a fresh perspective on modern life.

"When you travel a lot, you usually find that taxi drivers are enthusiastic talkers," the photographer comments – " at home in London or in New York, it is rare that you get out of the car without saying something. However, in Tokyo, interaction is kept to a minimum. The formality of the situation is fascinating: drivers wear formal suits and white gloves, the car doors open automatically, and they never expect a tip."

"I soon discovered that this aloofness is not only a personal trait, but also a professional one: drivers with a rating of "yūryō untensha" - excellent drivers-have their own stands at the main stations and special markings on the taxi. We humans naturally crave connection, but even in this tiny enclosed space, the boundary between driver and passenger persists. I was intrigued by these professionals who spend most of their time in silence, despite often sitting less than a meter away from another person."

With this photo project, Oleg Tolstoy became a finalist in the Lensculture Street Photography Awards 2018. Other works of his can be found on his personal website and on Instagram.