Japan 2018

Tokyo Skytree is even more impressive in person. You simply cannot fathom how tall it is in the bustling city that is Tokyo.
Friday, October 26, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
17mm  ·  f/8  ·  1/200s  ·  ISO 200

The view from Skytree is impressive. The city expands in all cardinal directions and earns its place as one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.
Friday, October 26, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
97mm  ·  f/8  ·  1/250s  ·  ISO 200

Zooming in, you see buildings, temples, and other signs of Eastern life that stand out fo this Westerner.
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
200mm  ·  f/8  ·  1/320s  ·  ISO 200

A family looks on as they shop for groceries. Seafood and fish are plentiful in every shop, very unusual compared to life in the US, even the PNW on the coast.
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
23mm  ·  f/3.5  ·  1/100s  ·  ISO 400

Shibuya Crossing is an impressive sight to behold, with police looking on and facilitating the movement of thousands of people at a time.
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
100mm  ·  f/1.8  ·  1/60s  ·  ISO 1600

Performer at the Yokosuka Mikoshi parade. The athleticism and gracefulness were on full display.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
62mm  ·  f/1.8  ·  1/800s  ·  ISO 100

On the other hand, Eastern sensibilities and traditions continue to confuse the West.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
54mm  ·  f/1.8  ·  1/800s  ·  ISO 100

Participants in the Yokosuka Mikoshi Parade in 2018 carry their burden loudly.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
100mm  ·  f/1.8  ·  1/800s  ·  ISO 100

This man moved with purpose and intentionality combined with grace.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
90mm  ·  f/2  ·  1/320s  ·  ISO 100

The desserts were ... interesting.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
50mm  ·  f/2  ·  1/125s  ·  ISO 100

Two men posed for this gaijin at the 2018 Yokosuka Mikoshi Parade
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
55mm  ·  f/2  ·  1/800s  ·  ISO 100

Civic and cultural events like this at the Yokosuka Mikoshi Parade in 2018 are unique, especially to Westerners. Everywhere you looked you saw modern mixed with legacy and tradition.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
100mm  ·  f/8  ·  1/160s  ·  ISO 100

Before entering Kotoku-in Temple in Kamakura, there are specific and culutral rites and procedures followed at the Chōzuya. I spent a lot of time figuring out how to not insult my host nation before visiting; it was far less formal and ceremonial than I was anticipating.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
100mm  ·  f/2.2  ·  1/160s  ·  ISO 100

A side look at part of the Chōzuya.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
100mm  ·  f/2.2  ·  1/100s  ·  ISO 100

The great Buddha at Kotoku-in in Kamakura was impressive to see in person.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
100mm  ·  f/2.2  ·  1/640s  ·  ISO 100

These two Japanese women brought classic attire and current tech together in a fascinating way.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
50mm  ·  f/3.5  ·  1/500s  ·  ISO 100

An older man is lighting a brazier. There were many such locations throughout the temple.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
50mm  ·  f/2.8  ·  1/250s  ·  ISO 100

The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
21mm  ·  f/4  ·  1/320s  ·  ISO 100

Water and bamboo or other materials are a common decoration at Kotoku-in.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
17mm  ·  f/2.8  ·  1/100s  ·  ISO 200

The ema at Kamakura has a distinct impression that does not translate well to western cultures.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
50mm  ·  f/2.8  ·  1/160s  ·  ISO 200

Statues and other artifacts were prevalent across the shrine. It was unclear to me what they meant or represented.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
50mm  ·  f/2.8  ·  1/100s  ·  ISO 200

Is someone or their ashes present here? I simply do not know.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
21mm  ·  f/4  ·  1/40s  ·  ISO 200

The grounds were well kept and buildings well maintained. This shrine is clearly important to those who treasure it both materially and financially.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
35mm  ·  f/8  ·  1/100s  ·  ISO 200

Folks spread across Yuigahama Beach in Kamakura near sunset.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Canon Canon EOS 7D
50mm  ·  f/7.1  ·  1/160s  ·  ISO 200