Shimbashi
Ah, more platform shots—music to my eyes! There’s just something endlessly satisfying about the symmetry, leading lines, and atmosphere of train platforms.
Shooting
Street photography in Japan offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, with every frame telling its own story. From the neon-lit chaos of Shibuya’s scramble crossing to the serene alleys of Kyoto, the streets pulse with life, culture, and individuality. In urban centers like Tokyo or Osaka, the mix of cutting-edge architecture and everyday moments—people hurrying to work, street vendors serving snacks, or cyclists navigating narrow paths—create endless opportunities for candid, compelling shots. The fashion stands out too. In areas like Harajuku, you’ll find eclectic, colorful outfits, while in Ginza, it’s all about refined elegance. Seasonal changes add another layer to the scenery: cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant festivals in summer, golden foliage in autumn, and snow-covered streets in winter. Capturing these elements through a fast lens like the Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 or a classic 135mm f/2 allows for stunning depth and sharpness, making every subject pop against the dynamic backdrop. Street photography in Japan is more than just visuals—it’s about the rhythm of life, the unexpected encounters, and finding beauty in the small, fleeting details of daily life.
Memory Lane
Memory Lane (Omoide Yokochō) is the perfect place to reminisce about life before the pandemic—its narrow alleys packed with smoky izakayas, the lively chatter of locals, and the nostalgic charm of Tokyo nightlife. Sharing these earlier shots is a great way to relive those moments while we wait for normalcy to return. And yes, getting…
Kimono Smile
Coming of Age Day at Meiji Jingu is a sight to behold! The vibrant kimonos, intricate patterns, and elegant hairstyles are a celebration of tradition and beauty. Add the genuine smiles of the young women embracing this milestone, and it’s a scene filled with warmth and hope for the future. Truly a special moment to…
Auto Focus
Testing the R6’s eye-tracking AF with the EF400mm f/5.6L in the bustling chaos of Shibuya sounds like a fun challenge! It’s great to hear the lens pairs so well with the R6, maintaining its reputation for quick and accurate focusing even on a modern body. The sharpness and speed you described make it clear why…
Shrine Maiden
A young Miko gracefully performing her duties at a shrine in Tokyo, a serene moment that captures the spirit of tradition. Fun fact: this shot was taken at an impressive 25,600 ISO and later cleaned up using DeNoise AI from Topaz Labs. The results are truly stunning, with incredible detail and minimal noise—modern tools working…
Connecting | Living | Shooting
Shimbashi
A station agent carefully retrieving an item from the tracks—a quiet moment that speaks volumes about dedication and safety in Japan’s rail system. It’s these small, routine acts that keep everything running smoothly. Calm, efficient, and reassuring to witness.
Hong Kong Bites
A quick Hong Kong stopover with the X-H1 sounds great, but those camera freezes must have been frustrating. Heat and humidity could definitely be culprits—Hong Kong can be tough on gear, and Japanese summer will put it through an even bigger stress test. Fingers crossed it holds up better next time. At least you got…
Temple Entrance
The entrance of Tokyo Daijingu, one of my favorite shrines in Tokyo, is always a beautiful sight. The peaceful atmosphere, traditional architecture, and intricate wooden torii make it a perfect escape from the city’s bustle. It’s not just a place to visit but to experience a piece of Tokyo’s spiritual heart.
X-H1 IBIS
With IBIS on the X-H1, even small prime lenses can be stabilized: here the 23mm/f2 handheld at 1/4s. Long exposure with motion blur creates such dynamic and artistic shots. Whether it’s streaking lights, flowing water, or blurred movement of people, it adds a sense of energy and time to an image. The effect transforms everyday…
Iidabashi Blossoms
A few random shots of this year’s Cherry Blossoms around Iidabashi, my home. Took a few random shots of this year’s cherry blossoms around Iidabashi, my home. The sakura are as stunning as ever, adding a soft, pink glow to the familiar streets. It’s always a treat to capture their fleeting beauty in the neighborhood…
South Exit
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…
Platform Light
The light on this JR platform in Tokyo is just perfect! The interplay of shadows and highlights creates such a cinematic feel, turning an ordinary moment into something special. Tokyo’s train stations always seem to have that unique atmosphere that’s a joy to capture.
Snowboard Girl
Snowboarding in Japan seems to be as much about style as it is about the slopes! For many young women, it’s a chance to show off their color coordination and makeup skills, often more so than their actual snowboarding abilities. The outfits are on point, and even on the coldest days, they manage to look…
Sengen New Year
Picking up omikuji at the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja (北口本宮冨士浅間神社), or simply Sengen Jinja, was a serene experience. The soft, golden light of the early afternoon streaming through the trees added a peaceful and almost magical atmosphere to the shrine. A perfect moment to reflect while discovering what the omikuji had in store.
Connecting | Living | Shooting
Lost Tourist
Spotted a lost tourist in Shinjuku Station on a cold Tokyo morning. With maps in hand and a puzzled look, they stood out amidst the rush of commuters. Shinjuku’s labyrinth of exits and platforms is a challenge even for locals, but on a chilly morning, it adds an extra layer to the adventure!
Shinjuku Station HDR
I’m not usually a fan of HDR, but I wanted to show what the X-T2’s sensor can do with just one shot. The dynamic range is impressive—it lets you lift the shadows without introducing much noise, something I couldn’t achieve as easily with my old 5D Mark III. It’s great to have that extra flexibility…
Waiting for Train
Captured various people waiting for trains in Tokyo, specifically in Shinjuku and Akihabara. Why, you ask? Turns out there’s a demand for these kinds of shots on Shutterstock! It’s interesting how everyday moments, like commuters standing by the platform, can be turned into stock photo gold. Sometimes the ordinary is what people are looking for.