Viron Shibuya
Viron Shibuya: A little slice of Paris in Tokyo. Yes, it’s on the pricey side, but their Oignon Soup? Absolutely worth it—rich, hearty, and downright phenomenal. Bon appétit!
Author: Benoist
Shibuya Folks
15 minutes of ethnology in Shibuya: a visual dive into the human symphony of Tokyo’s busiest district. From fashion-forward locals to fleeting moments of connection, it’s a kaleidoscope of life and culture. All colors as captured—no edits, just raw, vivid reality.
Shibuya Rain
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—I absolutely love the colors straight out of the L lenses. This shot with the 50mm f/1.2L is no exception. The tones are rich and vibrant without feeling overdone, and the lens’s rendering at wide aperture adds that magical, buttery quality. A joy to work with every…
Connecting | Learning | Living
Shinjuku Station
Really happy with the perspective in this shot of the platforms at Shinjuku Station. The long focal length compresses the scene beautifully, while the large aperture adds a dreamy depth of field, making the lines and details pop. It’s a classic combo that never fails to deliver.
Selfie Plane
Back from Korea, and the flight was relatively uneventful—except for my neighbor, a Japanese lady, who dedicated a solid 10 minutes to taking selfies. Different angles, expressions, and probably filters too. Impressive commitment, though I couldn’t help but wonder if she actually found the perfect shot and perhaps more importantly, would anyone care?
Gangnam Style
A quick walk around the hotel in Gangnam reveals a lively yet curious scene. The streets are buzzing, but it’s hard not to notice a certain uniformity among the faces. The influence of plastic surgery is clear—many women carry similar features, as if beauty itself had been standardized.
Tokyo International Airport
A JAL B777 waits for takeoff at Haneda Terminal 3, its polished fuselage gleaming under the airport lights. The iconic red crane logo stands proud on the tail, symbolizing precision and tradition. Ground crew and vehicles buzz around, finalizing preparations, while the calm before departure fills the air—a quintessential Tokyo International Airport moment.
Fresh Coffee Latte
Tried out the 42.5mm lens for a food shot, and I’m impressed! The wide f/1.2 aperture perfectly isolates the latte, making the creamy foam and intricate art pop against a beautifully blurred background. The lens captures every detail—the rich texture of the froth and the subtle color gradient of the coffee. Definitely a winner for…
Chinese High Speed Train
The first-class cabin on the high-speed train between Nanjing and Shanghai offers spacious seats and a smooth ride, but the experience falls short in one glaring area—cleanliness. The seats, while comfortable, could use a serious refresh; visible stains and worn upholstery detract from the premium feel you’d expect. It’s a shame because the journey itself…
Nanjing Railway Station
The high-speed railway station in Nanjing is massive, a testament to China’s infrastructure ambitions. Everything about it feels grand, from the sprawling halls to the endless platforms. While all the signage around the station is bilingual, with English translations thoughtfully included, the ticketing system seems stuck in a monolingual bubble. The ticket counters, displays, and…
Chinese Taxi
Hopping into a taxi in China is always… an adventure. The “pleasant” aroma of air fresheners battling other, less identifiable scents sets the tone. And the driving? Let’s just say it’s not for the faint-hearted—lanes are suggestions, horns are conversational tools, and speed limits seem optional. It’s a ride that keeps you alert, with a…
Service with a Smile
Good Service as Always on ANA Flying with ANA is always a pleasant experience. From the warm, attentive cabin crew to the small thoughtful touches like neatly arranged meals and hot towels, they know how to make a flight comfortable. Even in economy, the service feels premium, with a genuine focus on passenger care that…
Haneda Boarding
Boarding for ANA flight in Haneda, Tokyo International Airport.
Fatty Tuna
Chūtoro, the medium-fatty cut of tuna, is a true delight for sushi lovers. It strikes the perfect balance between the rich, buttery texture of otoro (大とろ) and the lean, clean taste of akami (赤身). Its marbled appearance hints at its melt-in-your-mouth quality, delivering a luxurious flavor that’s not overpowering. Whether served as sashimi or atop…
Yurakucho
Yurakucho Station, bustling with its usual energy, offers a perfect snapshot of Tokyo life. The constant flow of commuters, the rhythmic hum of trains arriving and departing, and the occasional roar of a Shinkansen passing overhead create a dynamic atmosphere. The contrast between the sleek, high-speed train and the station’s older, industrial charm makes it…
Shibuya Crossing Girl
Took the Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 out for another spin, keeping it wide open at f/1.2 in daylight thanks to an ND4 filter. This time, I focused on moving subjects in the lively streets of Shibuya. The shallow depth of field was incredible for isolating individuals in the chaos, especially the last person crossing—it’s where the…
Commuting Scenes
Testing out my new 42.5mm lens on the trains and subways offered a perfect mix of candid moments and vibrant details. The tight focal length and wide f/1.2 aperture let me isolate subjects beautifully, from a passenger lost in thought to the texture of a worn-out handrail. The creamy bokeh transformed the background clutter of…
Reform
An old house, full of charm and history, stands on the brink of transformation. Preparing for a リフォーム, or renovation, means saying goodbye to worn tatami mats, aged wood, and faded walls as they make way for a new look while preserving some of the original character. It’s fascinating to document the transition—the peeling paint,…
Office Walk
The Nocticron 42.5mm wide open at f/1.2 in daylight, paired with an ND4 filter, delivers beautifully creamy bokeh and razor-sharp focus on the subject. It’s a lens that thrives in creating dreamy separation and buttery backgrounds—even under bright conditions. Definitely hard to argue with those results, wouldn’t you say?
Shibuyette
Taking the 135mm f/2 for a spin in Shibuya delivers stunning street shots once again. The lens captures the lively essence of Japanese fashion and style, with sharp details and creamy bokeh that makes each frame pop. Perfect for isolating subjects against the bustling backdrop of Tokyo’s streets—timeless results every time.