Many AMG 53 and 63 models in Japan likely never get the chance to truly stretch their legs, often serving more as status symbols than performance machines. In Tokyo’s dense traffic and tightly packed urban areas, there’s little opportunity to unleash the full potential of these high-performance vehicles. Instead, they’re more about presence, both visual…
In Japanese supermarkets, nearly everything is carefully wrapped in plastic, reflecting a cultural focus on cleanliness and presentation. From individually wrapped fruits to vegetables packaged in neat trays, the attention to detail is striking. However, there are a few notable exceptions: corn and onions, often left unwrapped and displayed in their natural state. Their hardy…
A family visit to temples during New Year is a beautiful way to embrace the fresh start with tradition and tranquillity. Temples come alive with an air of reverence and quiet celebration as people flock to offer their first prayers of the year, a practice often called hatsumōde in Japan. Families queue patiently to toss…
There’s something hypnotic about the way a train platform comes alive through a large aperture lens. The shallow depth of field transforms a mundane moment into a dreamy tableau, isolating the details that would otherwise blur into the chaos of daily life. Or maybe it’s the gleaming edge of a train track, the leading lines…
First introduced in 2018, Sparking Elian was Evian’s stylish answer to the growing popularity of sparkling waters, but with their signature alpine twist. You’d think, “Evian’s already fancy enough, do they really need bubbles?” Apparently, yes! First time to come across this in Tokyo.
A pocket-sized restaurant in Tokyo is a treasure trove of culinary charm. These tiny establishments, often tucked away in narrow alleys or between towering buildings, are all about intimacy and flavour. With only a handful of seats, sometimes just a counter, the chef is often within arm’s reach, preparing each dish with precision. The vibe?…
Tokyo Midtown, approaching its 20th year, remains a shining beacon of modern architectural brilliance. Located in the bustling Roppongi district, this meticulously planned urban complex seamlessly integrates towering glass structures, thoughtful landscaping, and functional elegance. The centrepiece, Midtown Tower, is a staggering 248 metres tall, making it one of Tokyo’s highest skyscrapers. Its sleek façade…
Coming of age is a significant milestone in many cultures, marking the transition from youth to adulthood. In Japan, this is celebrated on Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day), held annually on the second Monday of January. It’s a time for 20-year-olds to don their finest traditional attire—typically colourful furisode kimonos for women and…
Ah, cameras on lamp posts—welcome to the high-tech neighbourhood watch of the 21st century! It’s like your streetlights have decided to moonlight as security guards. These unassuming sentinels, perched high above, are quietly capturing the comings and goings of daily life. From tracking a stray cat’s midnight adventures to monitoring the occasional delivery driver who’s…
Napoleon Bonaparte and the Louvre share an intriguing connection, particularly through the Egyptian collection. His Egyptian campaign (1798–1801) wasn’t just a military endeavour; it was also a scientific and cultural mission. Napoleon brought along a team of scholars, engineers, and artists, known as the savants, to study and document Egypt’s history and culture. This mission…
The Venus de Milo, an enduring symbol of ancient beauty, is a masterpiece of Greek sculpture from around 100 BCE. Discovered on the island of Milos in 1820, it is thought to depict Aphrodite, the goddess of love, though some theories suggest Amphitrite, a sea deity. The statue now resides in the Louvre Museum in…
The Louvre isn’t just about the art—it’s a masterpiece in itself. The building’s architecture is stunning, from its grand façades to the intricate details inside. Don’t forget to look up—the ceilings are works of art on their own. Painted panels, gilded mouldings, and ornate designs tell stories of a different era, adding to the museum’s…
La Joconde, or the Mona Lisa, reigns as the star attraction at the Louvre, surrounded by crowds eager to catch a glimpse of her mysterious smile. The room is packed, with people jostling for space and cameras held high above heads. Honestly, I’d rather spend my time exploring the less crowded galleries, soaking in the…
Another favourite area of mine in the Musée du Louvre is the collection of Greek and Roman statues. Wandering through these galleries feels like stepping back into the grandeur of ancient civilisations, surrounded by the timeless beauty of marble and stone. The sculptures are breathtaking in their detail and craftsmanship, from the elegance of the…
The Cour Marly in the Musée du Louvre is a breathtaking space where art and light come together in perfect harmony. Nestled under a glass ceiling that floods the courtyard with natural light, this airy gallery showcases an impressive collection of marble sculptures. It feels like stepping into an elegant garden frozen in time. The…
The Musée du Louvre, an iconic symbol of art and culture, stands proudly in the heart of Paris along the banks of the Seine. Housed in a grand former royal palace, its glass pyramid entrance glints against the historic architecture, offering a striking blend of the modern and the classic. During my military service, I…
A vibrant fête foraine in Paris, alive with colour and charm. Strings of twinkling lights crisscross the evening sky, casting a warm glow over vintage carousels, towering Ferris wheels, and bustling game stalls. The aroma of sugary crêpes and caramelised nuts mingles with the cheerful shouts of children and the hum of lively accordion music….
A close-up of a gentle wave rolling onto the shore in Ishigaki, captured during the golden days of last summer. The water is crystal clear, revealing tiny, frothy bubbles that sparkle like glass beads under the sun. They form at the crest of the wave, clinging together before quietly bursting and vanishing into the shimmering…
The winter blue sky in Japan is something special—clear, crisp, and vibrant. It’s the best time of year to enjoy that perfect shade of blue, especially with summers becoming unbearably hot and autumn and spring more unpredictable thanks to global warming. Winter’s stable weather feels like a gift, offering the kind of skies that make…
After buying your ramen at the vending machine, you take a seat at the counter, hand over your ticket, and wait as the magic happens. The sound of noodles boiling, the clatter of bowls, and the aroma of rich broth fill the air, building the anticipation. While waiting, I couldn’t help but appreciate how sharp…