Like Tears in the Rain

Perhaps one of my best shots this summer came out of the blue- a seemingly crying statue summed up my feelings as the summer draws to a close.

Parked (Temporarily)

I've always thought that everyday life provides some of the best opportunities for seeing art- this rain scene was like looking into a living gallery for me.

When Will the Rain stop?

I gained new courage in the arts of street photography just from being in the group. I thought this girl's Ayumi Hamazaki look really shows the Shibuya spirit.

Flash of Red

In Harajuku, I was lucky enpugh to go to my first 'Flickr Meet', arranged by Dave golden from California. Thanks, Dave, it was a great time!

Multiple Explosions

More fantastic fireworks followed, to the delight of the thousands assembled there.

Waiting for the Fireworks to Start

Another trip to the sea, fresh breezes cooling the summer air.

Yukata in the Sunset

Another trip was to Kisarasu, for the fireworks there. Girls in beautiful summer yukatas were everywhere, in a tradition that lives on.

A Special Time

In appreciation of the island's beauty, many monks made it there home. Here a mother and daughter rest in the shade of a temple garden, contemplating life's mysteries or deciding where to go for lunch- or even both- I'll leave it up to you!

Matsushima Sunset

A glorious sunset ended the day in style.

Matsushima Bridge

The tranquil beauty of a Matsushima bridge. This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited, I even went back a second day for more. The lush greenery and lapping ocean blend together so nicely and the fresh seafood is incredible.

Matsushima Trio

I was even lucky enough to find some models in the evening there!

The Boat to Matsushima

A trip to the nearby island of Matsushima took me into the refreshing seas. Here a seagull chases us, in hopes of food treats.

Tanabata Matsuri Decorations

Lanterns and origamio decorated whole swarths of the city, like a fantasy-land come to life.

What's That, Grandpa?

The wonder of Tanabata festival, which I went all the way to Sendai for. Tohoku festivals are an amazing sight.

Electric Lights

We were dazzled, we were astonished- we were, in short, highly impressed.

Fractal Fireworks

Seen afterwards on the camera screen, this explosion shows it's fractal design- somthing light an electrical fir-tree, dancing in the night sky, before winking out of our dimention for evermore.

Birth of a Galaxy

The displays were just stunning, seemingly depicting the vivid life of the sosmos, right here before us. Gasps of astonishment cooed out with each colourful climax.

Summer Fireworks Explosions

Summer brings another kind of flower to Japan- these 'fire-flowers' of the river-side fireworks displays. Finding the perfect spot seemed to be virtually impossible, but we did find a good one, from where we could enjoy the blazes of light and colour, as well as the magical atmosphere they bring along.

Sankeien Garden, Yokohama-38

We had lunch in the shade of this garden- green and leafy, the perfect place in summer.

Sankeien Lotuses 1

The harsh summer sun is too much for many flowers to endure, but these water lotuses were in full bloom, in Sankeien Garden, in Yokohama. Their delicate colours go well with the rich green.

Just the sight of them cools one down and the ancients must have had a lot of sense planting them there.