In contrast to last week's ruins, here's a look at the ultra modern side of Japan. This is the Abeno Harukas building in Osaka, said to be the tallest skyscraper in Japan. I shot this when I visited Osaka back in December 2016.

Shot at the Azuki Castle ruins in January 2016.

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.)  

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...

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?

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...

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....

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.