11-25-11 Ameyoko: A visual assault (in a good way)

I have lived in Japan for almost seven years, but by no means do I consider myself any kind of expert about Tokyo. Last week, I wrote about revisiting an old favorite of mine. This week, I ventured to an area I have only walked by (about 100 times) but never entered. The vibrant and unique shopping area near Ueno Station known as Ameyoko.

The busy and hectic nature of this place during the day has it's charm, I'm sure. At night however, the amount of color here is truly awesome. The abundance of neon is only part of it. The numerous shoe, accessory and backpack shops (and one army surplus store) provide enough color to rival some botanical gardens.

Arno (my shooting partner with Ameyoko knowledge) and I shot this area for only about two hours. I went prepared with a couple of lenses, flash and compact tripod but used only one item. A 30mm prime (no zoom) lens. Visual documentation below.

This place is a maze! Thankfully Comrade Arno (costume by the army surplus shop) has a better sense of direction than I do in this technicolor labyrinth.

Thanks for viewing, reading or glancing at. Be back next week!

Mike

11-18-11 A Stroll Through The Park - Koishikawa Korakuen

Last week's entry was kind of a memorial of sorts for myself. This week, is more of my true intent of maintaining this blog. Every Friday, rain or shine, I intend to be out there taking making pictures. Different locations, different gear or different techniques. I like to wander to new places or revisit favorites. In this case, I chose to return to one of my favorite spots in Tokyo, Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens.

This place is always a nice change, since here I can work on landscape and wildlife images. Quite different from the street photography I've been doing as of late. A very refreshing, quiet and peaceful place where it is easy to spend a few hours of your day. If the weather is fine, that is. Luckily, yesterday turned out great. A bit overcast at the start, so a few of these images (unfortunately) have really white skies. But that's better than rain, I guess.

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens

Pondside Maple with Stone

Closer view.

Shooting another shooter.

Letterbox View.

Mother and Daughter pondside.

Leaves! That is all.

Less leaves.

Ducks are my entry-level bird photography subject.

Thanks for stopping by to have a look/read. I'll be back next week. Cheers!

Mike 

11-11-11 Gimme Shelter

November 11, 2011 was just another day. Personally, I can't wait for 22-22-22! Right? I mean, how cool is that gonna be?!?! Ha!

On this cold and rainy Friday, I decided to spend some time getting images in Tokyo Station and the neighboring OAZO Building. "Why take pictures there?" Exactly 8 months ago, a catostrophic force of nature struck Eastern Japan. My story of what happened on March 11, 2011 is insignificant compared to the devastation in the Northeastern Tohoku region of Japan. The damage in Tokyo was (relatively) minor, however the trains were disabled overnight. Considering my journey home would be an 8 hour walk crossing 3 rivers, Tokyo Station would be my shelter for the night.

Now, here comes my reason for going back to take pictures of this particular location. On that tragic day, I had no camera with me. Only an iPhone with a low battery that eventually died. "What kind of photographer doesn't have a camera with them?!" Since that day, I have tried to always have a camera with me. Sometimes, I don't use it at all and it just makes my bag heavier. A minor inconvenience.

The pictures below show various locations throughout the area. One image is special to me. The image of the Com Pho noodle shop from ground level is where I slept on an unfolded cardboard box. My home for one long, cold night. But I was thankful for the roof over my head. Sadly, others were not as lucky.

As Japan rebuilds and recovers, my heart goes out to the people have lost a home or a loved one.

がんばろう日本！！！！

Mike