Japan Photos 2025

[johnnyG]

This blue flowers, above, are an intermediate stage in their development. These two shots show the next phases--the bloom wilting and the development of (what I think is) a seed pod, and then the pod when all of the flower has fallen away.

Separately, I went to an exhibit of high school art works at the 21st Century Museum (free). It was surprisingly good, much better/fresher than the pro/expert stuff in another section (¥500). This is one that I liked, a painting of a girl diving into some water after a fish:

 

[thomas]

Today, Bashō has a companion.

 

[johnnyG]

I'll guess that the addition there on the roof, is not legal.

A few more windows.

Tried, without success, to avoid reflections.

I left this a little bigger, so the tools were more visible.

 

[thomas]

I found this beauty on the morning dog walk. She wouldn't budge until I touched her tail.

 

[johnnyG]

Sorry for posting a non-japan photo, but I was browsing and noticed the flag under my user name had changed automatically.

This is a reunion of sorts, or people whose paths crossed in Seoul in the mid-80s, give or take. Eg, the guy at the end (white hair) and I taught in the same uni program in '84, and the guy to his right dates back farther--he and I were in the same peace corps group in Korea, '74-'76.

This is on the south end of Phuket (Rawai). The fellow in the black shirt owns a place nearby. To my left and right are a couple who now live in the Philippines. Guy with white hair, Hawaii. My peace corps buddy, northern cali. And there was a toast at the beginning to some who are no longer around.

Sorry for the interruption, we return you now to your normal Japanese programming.

 

[thomas]

Enjoy your days and the nostalgia, @johnnyG!

 

[イェンス]

Pizza vending machine at Konan-Yamate Station in Kobe.

 

[イェンス]

Here is the complete album!

+63

Osaka Expo 2025

• イェンス
• 12 Jun 2025
• 72

Impressions of the Osaka Expo 2025

 

[イェンス]

Revisiting one of my favorite places in Japan.

 

[イェンス]

Osaka in June 2025. More photos in the Osaka gallery.

 

[イェンス]

Nara in June 2025. Again, more photos in the Nara gallery.

 

[イェンス]

I visited Uji after Nara.

 

[johnnyG]

Yesterday's walk--not at all scenic...

 

[イェンス]

A few more shots from Kyoto :

 

[イェンス]

And Osaka one more time.

 

[mdchachi]

Just saw this insane sight at Haneda immigration a few hours ago. It was at least 30C (86F) degrees outside and at least 24C (75F) inside. And this guy is wearing a puffy winter coat.

 

[johnnyG]

Planes can be chilly. On return to japan recently I chose long pants instead of shorts and was glad I did. (with a t-shirt)
I ended up using one of those mini blankets they pass out.

 

[mdchachi]

Planes can be chilly. On return to japan recently I chose long pants instead of shorts and was glad I did. (with a t-shirt)
I ended up using one of those mini blankets they pass out.

That's true but this was at the front of the immigration queue after walking from the plane for at least 500m and queuing for at least 30 minutes.

 

[johnnyG]

Tried to re-do this first one, and while left-right alignment of the secondary window is not bad, up/down needs more attention. I'll try again some day--with a tripod. Which will also allow me to be more out of any reflections in the glass. (No reflections in this, but I was juggling two things--avoiding reflections, and getting the windows aligned like I wanted.

And, an old fire pump: (maybe the cart part is newer?)

 

[thomas]

Tried to re-do this first one, and while left-right alignment of the secondary window is not bad, up/down needs more attention. I'll try again some day--with a tripod. Which will also allow me to be more out of any reflections in the glass. (No reflections in this, but I was juggling two things--avoiding reflections, and getting the windows aligned like I wanted.

Very nice! Have you ever tried a polarising filter?

 

[johnnyG]

@thomas I can live with the ordinary reflections, such as on the right side here. But it's when I've included myself, just left of center, that it's really disruptive. That's what I'm trying to avoid. (and I do have a PL filter)

The camera and I are positioned higher and slightly left here, so I'm reflected in the window. Above, I'd positioned myself slightly right and down, and held the camera to my left. which was a little awkward handheld, even tho the screen on the back of the camera I have can be moved/angled. I think a tripod would solve this, or at least be the next step.

 

[mdchachi]

@thomas I can live with the ordinary reflections, such as on the right side here. But it's when I've included myself, just left of center, that it's really disruptive. That's what I'm trying to avoid. (and I do have a PL filter)

The camera and I are positioned higher and slightly left here, so I'm reflected in the window. Above, I'd positioned myself slightly right and down, and held the camera to my left. which was a little awkward handheld, even tho the screen on the back of the camera I have can be moved/angled. I think a tripod would solve this, or at least be the next step.

View attachment 128778

Easily fixed with photoshop or an AI filter

 

[mdchachi]

Savvy high margin product at 7-11. Just a glass of ice for your high ball or ice latte that you buy separately. Almost $1.

I didn't buy the ice but I did buy one of these new smoothie products that we saw introduced on tv.
You buy a cup full of frozen berries, etc.

then put it in the smoothie making machine and wait a couple minutes.

stick on a cover and straw and your done. Not bad for $2.50. I recommend it. Great for this hot weather.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

I've been using Photoshop almost since it came out to do my avatars and pictures I save off the internet. I decided to update my old program and was a bit shocked the new program was $284US and way more complicated to use than my old one. It is amazing with so many features to use.

 

[mdchachi]

I've been using Photoshop almost since it came out to do my avatars and pictures I save off the internet. I decided to update my old program and was a bit shocked the new program was $284US and way more complicated to use than my old one. It is amazing with so many features to use.

That must be the pro version. I think they have cheaper versions. Years ago they had a stripped down version called Adobe Elements. I've also thought about updating, but I use it so rarely these days that it's never seemed worth it.