Living in Tokyo for roughly two decades, you’d think the novelty would wear off—but this city never stops surprising me. From the quiet hum of early-morning trains to the neon chaos of Shinjuku at night, Tokyo’s rhythm is a constant source of inspiration. Daily life here is a blend of tradition and modernity: vending machines on every corner, temples nestled between skyscrapers, and festivals that bring streets to life. Even mundane errands feel unique, whether it’s navigating crowded markets, exploring new ramen shops, or watching the seasons change in meticulously tended parks. Tokyo’s energy, contrasts, and subtle details make every day a story waiting to be told. It’s a photographer’s dream and a constant reminder that familiarity doesn’t dull magic—it sharpens it.
Still testing the 10-24mm on the X-H1, and while I still can’t push beyond 1/4s, it does feel like the hit rate at this limit is noticeably higher thanks to the IBIS. The added stabilization seems to make a difference in consistency, even if the ultimate threshold hasn’t changed much. Overall, it’s a solid improvement…
With the ZhongYi Optics 35mm f/0.95 at the front and the Fuji X-H1 at the back, I captured an old sushi restaurant in Tokyo glowing softly at night. The fast lens perfectly highlighted the cozy, nostalgic vibe of the place, with its wooden signs and warm lighting creating a scene full of character. The APS-C…
With the ZhongYi Optics 35mm f/0.95 at the front and the Fuji X-H1 at the back, I captured the entrance of Temmaru restaurant in Kagurazaka at night. The warm glow of the lights, the shallow depth of field, and the creamy bokeh brought out by the fast lens make the scene feel inviting and cinematic….
Using the Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II at the front and the Fuji X-H1 at the back, I captured a red bicycle glowing under the streetlights in Kagurazaka at night. The APS-C sensor with IBIS, combined with this ultra-fast manual lens, really is a dream setup. The shallow depth of field and creamy…
With the Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II at the front and the Fuji X-H1 at the back, I captured the old rooftops glowing softly at night in Kagurazaka. The APS-C sensor, paired with IBIS and this ultra-fast manual lens, feels like the perfect combo. The stabilization makes low-light handheld shots a breeze, and…
Using the Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II up front and the Fuji X-H1 at the back, I captured the Yebisu sign glowing at night in Kagurazaka. The APS-C sensor paired with IBIS and a fast manual lens feels like a dream combo for me. The stabilization lets me push the limits in low…
Train platform: the place where a working day typically begins in Tokyo. Commuters line up in neat rows, coffee in hand, as the rhythm of the city kicks into gear. It’s a scene of order, routine, and quiet anticipation before the rush of the day unfolds.
Gastrobar… as in gastroenteritis?! 😂 Not exactly the most appetizing association, but I guess they’re aiming for “gastronomy meets bar” vibes. Still, they might want to rethink that branding—doesn’t quite roll off the tongue for a place serving fancy food and drinks!
I know I’m repeating myself, but in 10–20 years, Tokyo—and Japan as a whole—will look very different with so many small, traditional shops disappearing. These places are more than just businesses; they’re part of the city’s character and history. It’s bittersweet to think about how modernization and changing lifestyles might reshape the streets we know…
Tried the 35mm f/0.95 at night, and the creamy bokeh is absolutely lovely—it handles low light like a dream! That said, it does make me wish even more for an X-T3 with IBIS (in-body image stabilization). Having that extra stability would make this kind of shooting even better. Fingers crossed Fuji delivers soon!
