Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen

A picnic at Shinjuku Gyoen is a delightful way to spend a day, immersed in the beauty of nature while enjoying some tasty treats. The park’s expansive lawns and serene gardens provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal outdoors. Whether you prefer to spread out a blanket under the shade of a tree or…

Ramen Time

Ramen Time

Japanese ramen is a beloved dish that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Originating from China, ramen has been adapted and perfected in Japan, becoming a staple of Japanese cuisine. The dish is composed of wheat noodles immersed in a savory broth, which can be flavored with soy sauce, miso, or salt, among…

Walking the Dog

Walking the Dog

Strolling with the furball, leash in one hand, M11 in the other, testing out the 35mm APO lens… Oh, the Leica APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH—now that’s a lens that’ll make your photography nerd friends drool like a puppy over a fresh bowl of kibble. This optical marvel is like the love child of precision engineering…

Minimum Focus Distance

Minimum Focus Distance

The Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH is renowned for its exceptional minimum focusing distance (MFD) of just 30 centimeters. This close focusing capability allows photographers to capture stunning close-up shots with incredible detail, making it an extremely versatile lens for a wide range of photographic scenarios. The ability to get so close to subjects opens…

Orchids

Orchids

Our kitchen window is adorned with three orchids that bloom regularly. They thrive in that spot, providing a calming view while washing dishes. Apparently we managed to create an ideal microclimate: the right amount of light, consistent temperature, and just enough humidity—it’s like we’ve hacked the perfect formula for orchid happiness!

Japanese Cashiers

Japanese Cashiers

Ah, Japanese cashiers—the unsung heroes of retail efficiency and customer service! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Japanese cashiers, where precision meets politeness in a symphony of transactional excellence. First off, Japanese cashiers are renowned for their speed and accuracy. Ever noticed how they can ring up your items faster than you can say…

Roppongi Hills

Roppongi Hills

Got my Nokton 35mm back from Voigtländer—finally focuses to infinity like it should. Took them two months to sort it out. Took it for a spin in Roppongi. Roppongi Hills was a solid test ground—towering skyscrapers, polished architecture, high-end shopping, sleek cafes… Plenty of contrast, reflections, and deep shadows to play with.

Land Cruiser 70

Land Cruiser 70

The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series is the kind of vehicle that doesn’t care about trends, comfort, or fuel efficiency. It’s built for the toughest environments on Earth, the kind where lesser SUVs crumble and die. This machine is a rolling monument to Toyota’s engineering stubbornness, refusing to modernise in any way that would compromise…

Ginzan Onsen at Night
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Ginzan Onsen at Night

Ginzan Onsen at night is pure magic, like stepping into a scene from a Ghibli film. Nestled in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, this hot spring town transforms after dark into an ethereal vision—warm lanterns glowing softly, their reflections shimmering on the Ginzan River, while the beautifully preserved Taisho-era ryokan exude a timeless charm. And…

Day in Ginzan Onsen

Day in Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen is one of Japan’s most picturesque hot spring towns, buried deep in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’ve stepped into a nostalgic postcard or an old Japanese film, this is the place. The town is lined with beautifully preserved Taisho-era (1912-1926) wooden ryokan (traditional inns), which…