Weirdo
Spotted something strange near the south exit of Shinjuku Station—a guy was, well, humping his bag in plain sight. Definitely not your typical Tokyo moment! Let’s just say the city never fails to surprise with its share of oddities.
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.
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.
Rainy Walk
It’s been raining non-stop for days here in Tokyo. The city takes on a completely different vibe—streets glisten, umbrellas fill the sidewalks, and the gray skies add a moody touch to the usual bustle. A bit dreary, but there’s always something atmospheric about Tokyo in the rain.
Shibuya Rain
Testing the weather resistance (WR) of the X-T2 on a rainy day in Shibuya—it handled the wet conditions like a champ! Raindrops didn’t faze it, and I was able to capture the vibrant energy of Shibuya in the rain without worrying about the gear. A solid performer for unpredictable weather!
Rainy Ebisu
A rainy Friday night in Ebisu—wet streets reflecting the glow of city lights, umbrellas bobbing through the crowd, and a calm, almost cinematic atmosphere. The sound of raindrops and the gentle buzz of conversations from nearby izakayas make it a perfect mix of cozy and moody vibes. Tokyo at its best in the rain. 🌧️✨
Zeiss Biogon 35 ZM
Ever since I got my X-T2, I’ve been tempted to try some Leica M-mount lenses. While I appreciate the performance of my XF lenses—they’re sharp, distortion-free, and reliable—they sometimes feel too clinical and lack a bit of personality. Plus, I’m not a fan of their handling: the metal coating feels slippery, focus-by-wire can be frustrating,…