Photo of the Week: Mountains
It’s no secret I’m in love with the mountains of Japan. Looking at this, how could anyone wonder why? (Taken from atop mount Sengatake in Mie prefecture, January 2016.)
Photo of the Week: Samurai & Sakura
A samurai statue under the shade of a Sakura (cherry blossom) tree. April 2017.
This week’s photo is a bit of a change, as it was shot analogue, not digital, using my Holga toy camera. I like the unpredictability and imperfection you get with a Holga, including light leaks and discolouration. There’s something warm and friendly and fun about it.
Photo of the Week — Nagoya Castle Sakura
If you saw my recent newsletter, you’ll recognize this photo. Taken earlier this month, this is what Nagoya Castle looks like during the short-lived cherry blossom season. Lovely, isn’t it?
Sumo Surprise! (Photo of the Week)
Last summer, I went with a student and another guy to see some sumo wrestlers training together outside a local temple where they were staying. These were lower-ranking guys, but still pretty powerful, and interesting to watch up close. What’s surprising to some is that it’s not always the biggest wrestler who’s the most powerful.
Photo of the Week — Osaka-Sayama
If I were more on-the-ball, these weekly photos would be more topical or seasonal. Maybe someday. In the meantime, here’s a random photo from May 2015, taken in my Japan “hometown,” Sayama City in Osaka prefecture. Way back in 2002, Sayama was my first home in Japan. It’s not very big or well-known, even in Japan. But it’s a lovely little suburban city, and it’s conveniently close to Osaka city. This photo was taken at Sayama Pond, and shows a typical shinto shrine out in the water, with the PL Tower (of the Perfect Liberty religious group) far-off in the background.
Photo of the Week — Achechi Sation
This photo was taken Ena, Gifu, back in November 2015. More specifically, it’s Achechi Station, where this little, old-fashioned one-car train still comes and goes. That’s my friend Makiko waiting for departure time.