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.

Bonsai Exhibit in Tokyo

Here's something you'll probably only ever see in Japan- a bonsai exhibition, being lovingly cared for after-hours by the attendants. This was taken in the Tokyo Metropolitan Arts Center, in Ueno park, Tokyo, just after seeing an exhibition there of articles from the French Louvre.

What I love about being in Japan is the chance of seeing something like this at any moment. Yet the real meaning- in which one of those bonsais is definitely superior and worthy of the top prize- is lost in translation on me. It is a mysterious world that I will never understand, but at the same time it is all enticingly familiar.

Turkish Restaurant in Tokyo

The interior was just like being in Turkey. Well, I've never actually been to Turkey, but this is how I imagine it! They even have a translating Turkish into Japanese and when I said how good the meal was in Turkish, they were so pleased they gave me a free tea. These photos were taken after that gift!

Cook in Turkish Restaurant in Tokyo

Some say he looks like Mario, but this is a cook in a Turkish restaurant in Takadanobaba, in Tokyo. Delicious kebab plates, by the way.

Asakusa Artist

Interestingly, the two places came together in the paintings of this old man.

Yasukuni Shrine

Another place I made my way to was the controversial Yasukuni shrine.

Seeing the exhibits makes you wonder if modern technology makes it inappropriate to to romanticise certain things.

Asakusa

Having Spring break off and new train lines near my apartment has meant I've been out with my camera again. Recent trips have been to a variety of places (which you can read about on me blog, Perfect Futures). Here's one from Asakusa, the heart of old Tokyo.

Time for a stroll... 

Sometimes Tokyo is just too surreal.. 

A Day in Tokyo

Now for the next day...Here we are near my friend's apartment. Right in the middle of Tokyo. Skyscrapers everywhere. Today I'm using my Tokina 12-24mm F4 DX lens.