Shogi is Japan’s version of chess, but with a brutal twist—captured pieces switch sides and can be redeployed against their former owner. It’s a game of relentless warfare, where no piece is ever truly out of play. The board is a 9×9 grid, slightly larger than a chessboard, and the pieces are pentagonal wedges with…
A sushi master (or itamae, meaning “in front of the board” in Japanese) is a highly skilled chef specialising in the art of sushi-making. Becoming an itamae isn’t just about knowing how to slice fish and roll rice—it’s a gruelling, years-long apprenticeship that demands precision, patience, and an almost religious devotion to technique. Rice is the foundation of…
After using the JPEGs straight from the Leica M11, I started noticing how film-like the high ISO files looked. Unlike many digital cameras that aggressively smooth out noise, the M11 retains a fine, organic grain structure, giving images a textured quality reminiscent of classic film stocks. The noise doesn’t feel artificial or obtrusive; instead, it…
Inokashira Pond is the centrepiece of Inokashira Park, located in Kichijoji, Tokyo. It’s a picturesque spot, especially famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. The pond is part of the Kanda River water system and has been around for centuries—it even supplied drinking water to Edo (old Tokyo) during the early Edo period. A fun (or mildly ominous) fact: the…
The ride to Kamba La Pass is as thrilling as it is breathtaking—literally. As the vehicle winds its way up the steep, twisting road, the air grows noticeably thinner, and the effects of high altitude begin to set in. At 4,794 metres (15,728 feet) above sea level, altitude sickness is a real concern, especially for…
A night out at an izakaya is an experience that blends great food, endless drinks, and a lively atmosphere. These Japanese gastropubs range from smoky, dimly lit joints packed with salarymen to sleek, modern venues with digital ordering systems. The moment you walk in, you’re hit with a chorus of staff shouting “Irasshaimase!” welcoming you…
Some of Tokyo’s trains have gone full sci-fi mode—no more crumpled paper ads on the sides. Instead, it’s all sleek LCD screens, bombarding you ads. The trains themselves are unsettlingly clean, almost too perfect, with no gum under the seats, no forgotten newspapers, and no sun-bleached posters that overstayed their welcome. It’s impressive, sure, but…
Ah, the 28mm Nokton—great choice. That lens has some serious character, and on the M11, it’s a proper street photography weapon. The colours you get from that combo are just stunning, especially wide open. And yeah, the M11’s size is a huge plus—big enough to feel solid, small enough to carry everywhere without screaming, “Look…
The Voigtländer Nokton 75mm f/1.5 Aspherical is a beautifully crafted portrait lens designed for Leica M-mount cameras, offering an exceptional combination of compactness, fast aperture, and gorgeous rendering. With a classic telephoto focal length and an ultra-fast f/1.5 aperture, this lens is perfect for portrait photographers and rangefinder enthusiasts who want excellent subject isolation, creamy…
A UFO Catcher is a type of arcade claw machine, originally popularised by SEGA, where players attempt to grab prizes using a mechanical claw. These machines are a staple of arcades in Japan and other parts of Asia, often featuring plush toys, figurines, and exclusive collectibles. Unlike traditional claw machines, UFO Catchers often have a…
