Is Japan really as weird as I think it is?

Yes, yes it is.

Design Festa Performance © 2006, Juniper Stokes

Taken at Design Festa, a celebration of weird Japanese art held bi-anually in Odaiba, Tokyo.

For more: アートイベント デザインフェスタ | Art Event Design Festa.

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Crow, Yoyogi

Time to get back on my Photo Fridays!

Crow in Yoyogi, Tokyo © 2006, Juniper Stokes

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A Perfect Picnic

Life has been a bit hectic lately, and I haven’t been able to post nearly as often as I would like to. I’m working on a few longer posts that should be finished soon, but for now, I at least wanted to add another “Photo Friday” . . . even if it is Sunday. Maybe I need to rethink that category name . . . .

Anyway, with life’s rapid pace and winter on its way, this photo of an idyllic summer picnic caught my attention. I took this photo back in 2006 while wandering through the open spaces behind Meiji Shrine in the Yoyogi/Harajuku area of Tokyo. It never ceases to amaze me that in Tokyo you can be struggling through a crowd of tourists and anime-esque teenagers one minute, only to find yourself in a park like this the next. Tokyo truly is an amazing city.

A Perfect Picnic © 2006, Juniper Stokes

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Shibuya Crossing

Happy photo friday! You’ve heard the rumors, and they’re true: Tokyo is crazy-crowded. Here is a shot of Shibuya Crossing . . . on a quiet afternoon.

Shibuya Crossing © 2006, Juniper Stokes

During my first three months living in Tokyo, knowing I would have to face crowds like this was often enough to prevent me from venturing outside my apartment. By the time I left, this was nothing, and I can still “crowd walk” like a pro. It’s amazing what we can get used to as humans.

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Fall Colors in Japan

One of my favorite aspects of Japanese culture is the attention it places on all things seasonal. Spring’s cherry blossom season may be one of the most famous examples of seasonal Japanese celebrations, and I was never one to miss out on the noon–midnight parties that celebrate this short but wonderful time of year. Still, the fall was always my favorite season in Japan. Summer’s humidity had finally relented, winter’s chill had not yet taken hold, and red maples and golden ginkgos decorated every street and park, celebrating the rare and perfect weather gifted by the autumn months.

Every fall, along with many of my Japanese cohorts, I had my camera out in full force. I made special trips to various parks after work and mountains on the weekends. I would go on long bike rides in search of perfect fall beauty. And my efforts were rewarded. In honor of the season, and a bit of “natsukashii” (kind of like nostalgia), I am dedicating this “Photo Friday” to fall in Japan.*

*I know you know this, but these are totally and completely all mine and copyrighted. Yes, they’re beautiful, but please don’t use them without my permission and giving me credit. Arigatou!

 

Singular Fall © 2010, Juniper Stokes

© 2008, Juniper Stokes

© 2007, Juniper Stokes

clouds, water, and fall © 2006, Juniper Stokes

no set of Japan-based images is complete without tiny, cute animals © 2007, Juniper Stokes

© 2010, Juniper Stokes

© 2007, Juniper Stokes

god holds ginko © 2010, Juniper Stokes

© 2009, Juniper Stokes

bamboo and fall colors © 2007, Juniper Stokes

red maple © 2010, Juniper Stokes

meshing © 2007, Juniper Stokes

trail of gold © 2009, Juniper Stokes

© 2007, Juniper Stokes

Tachikawa © 2007, Juniper Stokes

© 2010, Juniper Stokes

autumn carpet © 2009, Juniper Stokes

© 2009, Juniper Stokes

rainbow fall © 2006, Juniper Stokes

© 2009, Juniper Stokes

autumn reflection © 2008, Juniper Stokes

© 2007, Juniper Stokes

© 2009, Juniper Stokes

© 2010, Juniper Stokes

© 2007, Juniper Stokes

wine country, fall © 2007, Juniper Stokes

it’s me! taken by a friend, obviously

floating partners © 2008, Juniper Stokes

© 2010, Juniper Stokes

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