DC-3 at Midway, interior view

DC-3 at Midway, interior view, a photo by Koston Photography on Flickr.

THE INTERIOR OF MOST OF THE DC-3s looked much like the photo taken by Mr Koston.
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My first flight was in a DC3 from NAS North Island to NAS Alameda. A night flight and still recall the beauty of San Francisco as we landed. Enjoyed numerous flights thereafter in both DC3 and DC 4s. They were planes that always made me feel comfortable, probably because of the low altitude in contrast with the 707s, etc. Would still prefer the props for casual flights.
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The photos of Mr. John Koston live on, providing many viewers with historical views and views that create fond memories of their lives as related to the photos.

C-121 Constellation N494TW : MATS

C-121 Constellation N494TW : MATS, a photo by jwm1049 on Flickr.

...the Constellation and the Military Air Transport Service, both dear to my heart in that they took me on some great trips in the USA and Japan back in the early 60s...
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C-121 Constellation N494TW :... by jwm1049

_

Untitled

Untitled, a photo by utoutokumasan on Flickr.

This is an example of the thousands of excellent compositions that exist in Japan for the photographer with the eye for Art Photography. While there are thousands of people who would not see the beauty in a photograph of this nature, the photographer, UTOUTOKUMASAN, saw this scene and mastered it in the lens. It is a work I highly admire, one of the many reasons I am anxious to return to Japan.

Old photograph

Old photograph, a photo by utoutokumasan on Flickr.

Old photograph by utoutokumasa
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Yes, I notice a new smile that still seems youthful, a good time for a new Japan that will become so much of a super economic and commercial power. It is like a photo of young people who know there is a bright new future for their nation, on the threshold of a new era...

Edited FINAL TOUCH....2

Edited FINAL TOUCH....2, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

"As pages close in the chapters of our lives, so did this day close a chapter in my life. From that moment on, that day would serve as a time-line in my every thought, in my personal calendar and clock of all that happened prior to that date and hour and all that would happen thereafter." From one of the closing chapters in my novel, AN AMERICAN WANDERING, by Robert L.Huffstutter

She lived with her mother in a Totsuka complex. Her father had been killed in the war in Burma. World War II never mattered to us or our feeling toward the other...
It was only through a message I gave a taxi driver the night before my unexpected departure that brought her to the pier that early morning. She had no phone, thus my only hope was that a taxi driver would deliver my message to her that I had been rescheduled to leave two days earlier than planned.

I was unable to leave the base the night before departure--rules. So, would she show up to say good-bye? Did the taxi driver simply take my ten dollars and her address and do no more?

The next morning as I stood on the pier in uniform with my seabag, a taxi pulled up. She had tears in her eyes. We had an hour to talk and embrace on that last morning of our lives together. The taxi driver had done his duty and I am forever greatful for his most honorable deed
All of my experiences will be published, sooner or later, in AN AMERICAN WANDERING. I have not yet secured a publisher for this work, but as every writer who is not a celebrity will admit, publishers for personal novels are hard to find. Yes, there are lots of celebrity autobiographical works, political dialogues, political theories, and works about our role in the world, but the novels or works of the everyday American are far and few between.

Bar in Chitose Japan 1958

Bar in Chitose Japan 1958, a photo by asachitose on Flickr.

Bar in Chitose Japan 1958
Bar White Bear Chitose Hokkaido Japan Photo from Milt Kessler 1958
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This is truly a rare photo of a bar that has probably been gone for many years. I can imagine the fun of the northern nights in this Northern island. It reminds me of what I would imagine some of the rustic and early bars in Alaska looked like in that era. Thanks for adding this photo and all of the photos you have added. These images are historical. Thank you, Robert

Ainu 1958

Ainu 1958, a photo by asachitose on Flickr.

THIS PHOTO OF AN AINU MAN taken in 1958 has a photo credit listed as Milt Kessler. Taken in Hokkaido, Japan 1958. Thanks to Asachitose for permission to post this photograph in my online blog about Japan.
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I was under the impression that the Ainu were much different in their physical features than the Japanese. I see no distinctive differences here. Nevertheless, they are a fascinating people. I need to read more, but there is so much interesting material about nations and people I find it hard to find time to learn all I want. Maybe we should live much longer. Hopefully, we will someday. Robert

Japanese_flag-Love

Japanese_flag-Love, a photo by Admin de L'Art on Flickr.

This is an uplifting image and one that I know is true to the nature of Japan.

Japan is a nation that is peaceful, joyful and one that will surely overcome their recent natural disasters.

Look how quickly Japan grew into the second largest world economy out of a heap of ashes.

I love Japan with all my heart. I spent almost three years stationed in Japan in the early 60s and not one time was I ever shown the least disrespect. I traveled alone much of the time the first year I was in Japan; I went into the darkest areas of Tokyo at midnight, and not once was I ever fearful. Japan is the only nation on earth where this could have happened. To this day, I remember this, a fact that continually increases my respect and love for Japan.

waiting for a train

waiting for a train a video by humbletree on Flickr.

waiting for a train
I like hanging out at train stations in Japan and watching the trains and people come and go. So I wrote a simple boy-girl song where its one of those ships passing in the night kind of things but in this case a simple smile shared, lingers on. The song came first and then I made it a point to get some shots on our last Tokyo visit to fit the song. Most of them were from the Takaido station on the Inokashira line running between Shibuya and Kichijoji, west of central Tokyo where we stayed with my wife's cousin for a few days. Some of you may also recognize a few shots from Shimbashi, Shinagawa, and Tamachi

Tokyo Woman

Tokyo Woman a video by humbletree on Flickr.

Tokyo Woman
Among the many sights of Tokyo, the style conscious Japanese woman in heels with her keitai (cell phone) in hand, is one of the more fascinating and photogenic. I was never satisfied with Deep Purple's "Woman from Tokyo" hit of the 70's as a proper tribute so I decided to do my own song which has been a work in progress for 2 years or more. This latest version is combined with 60+ images collected over a similar 2 year period of trips to Tokyo. Some of the shots were taken on the run or from the hip and present only a fleeting, blurred vision of this elusive creature. The Beach Boys had their California Girls and Lenny Kravitz his American Woman. This is my humble offering to Tokyo Woman.

Tokyo woman, I wonder what you hear
with your keitai denwa pressed against your ear
Tokyo woman, kakko ii desho
Tokyo woman, doko iku no?

ANOTHER LOOK AT ENOSHIMA

ANOTHER LOOK AT ENOSHIMA, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

It always rained in Enoshima before I left, usually in the late afternoon. Of all of the locations in Japan where there was true serenity, this was one of them. There were many areas where I felt in tune with Nature and my spirit, in tune with the spirit of the nature of all things. Sometime, I hope to write about each of those special places in Japan where there was love and peace.

sketch of Mt Fuji.............1960s

sketch of Mt Fuji.............1960s, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

A SKETCH OF MT FUJI from a Japanese Inn or my apartment. It could be either, afterall, it has been 50 years since I viewed this spectacular mountain. This is a bittersweet sketch, one that took awhile to do...and here's a great song to go along with this sketch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgxGSZyZIVU&feature=related

BEATNIK BOB 1958

BEATNIK BOB 1958, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

About my new set, ADVERTISEMENTS FOR MYSELF:

Who remembers Norman Mailer's book, ADVERTISEMENTS FOR MYSELF? Well, at nearly 70, I figured it is time to advertise myself. How will I ever gain the fame of an artist or writer if I do not advertise myself?

Ginza

Ginza, a photo by Atom Malchick on Flickr.

ONE OF THE BEST PLAIN AND SIMPLE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE GINZA...this is truly an art photograph, but this is only my opinion. Thanks to Atom Malchick for shooting such marvelous photos of Japan.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku, a photo by Atom Malchick on Flickr.

SHINJUKU BY ATOM MALCHICK...

Oh, man, your photos are just cool, really cool. I am going to have to get on a JAL real soon. You shoot some winners. Thanks for sharing these masterpieces.

This is one of my favorites, but there is something about Japanese bars in the narrow alleys that has always attracted me from the time I first saw one, in August of 1961.

Maybe it is the Sapporo, the Ashai, The Suntory, the Ocean Whisky, I don't know, but it just might have to do with the beauty of the beautiful young ladies who bow, smile and say something like?

What is the phrase for welcome?

Ginza

Ginza, a photo by Atom Malchick on Flickr.

This photograph of one of Tokyo's most well-known landmark is absolutely the definition of perfection in black and white photography. My greatest congratulations to Mr. Malchick for his perfect works. The last time I walked by this building was in December of 1963. It appears to have been refurbished. The light is most spectactular.

"THEN and NOW" #`1 of 2 -- T. ENAMI'S PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO - A Quiet Day on Benten Street, Yokohama, ca.1900-05

"THEN and NOW" #`1 of 2 -- T. ENAMI'S PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO - A Quiet Day on Benten Street, Yokohama, ca.1900-05, a photo by Okinawa Soba (On the Road for a Week) on Flickr.

MR.OKINAWA SOBA..............This is one of my favorites. It is the presence of our two flags and the history of our two nations from this date until the present that so fascinates my mind. Who could have known the road that would be taken and who would have ever believed that our two nations, after all that happened, would become the allies and true friends we are today. Japan and the U.S. are two very different nations, yet so much alike in so many ways.

Some wonder how Japan and the U.S. were able to re-establish such a great relationship after 1945. It is simple: Japan, though it is full of mystery and tradition, is a nation where mental brilliance is a personal goal. That, combined with common sense and the ability to take private and corporate free enterprise to the maximum, is one of the secrets of their success. The fundamental explanation for Japan's success has much to do with character and honor.

"THEN and NOW" #`1 of 2 -- T. ENAMI'S PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO - A Quiet Day on Benten Street, Yokohama, ca.1900-05

"THEN and NOW" #`1 of 2 -- T. ENAMI'S PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO - A Quiet Day on Benten Street, Yokohama, ca.1900-05, a photo by Okinawa Soba (On the Road for a Week) on Flickr.

"THEN and NOW" #`1 of 2 -- T. ENAMI'S PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO - A Quiet Day on Benten Street, Yokohama, ca.1900-05
A hand-colored postcard view of Enami's studio at No.9 Benten street, ca.1900-05. Usually called "Benten Dori" on the old photo and postcard captions, "Dori" is simply the Japanese word for "Street".

In this view, we are looking in a Northwesterly direction. Many views can be found showing this same stretch of street when it was decorated with flags and lanterns during festival times, war celebrations, and commemorative events. In such shots, hardly any store signs can be seen. Enami chose a quieter day to get this shot.

Notice the two men looking into Enami's studio windows, were many formats of his sample photographs are on display. Wonder what the pictures are ?

Here are some other BENTEN STREET images on my stream, with additional caption commentary : www.flickr.com/search/?w=24443965@N08&q=BTSYOKO&m...

FOR A LOOK SOME OF ENAMI'S AMAZING OUTPUT FROM THIS LITTLE STUDIO DURING THE YEARS 1892 TO 1929, SEE : www.flickr.com/photos/24443965@N08/collections/7215761388...

There is also another photo studio up ahead on the corner, with pictures on display as well. In fact, along with all of the souvenir shops, there are so many photo studios on this street, that it can be rightfully called "Photographers Row".

NOW ---- Jump 100 years into the future ! www.flickr.com/photos/24443965@N08/2413960428/

KYOTO : JAPAN : PANORAMA Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto 清水寺

KYOTO : JAPAN : PANORAMA Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto 清水寺, a photo by zoompict (pro account expire soon) on Flickr.

JAPAN AIRLINE With Mt. FUJI View- JAPAN : 富士山 :

JAPAN AIRLINE With Mt. FUJI View- JAPAN : 富士山 :, a photo by zoompict (pro account expire soon) on Flickr.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfCzq5cxjT4&feature=related

BENTEN STREET in OLD YOKOHAMA, JAPAN

BENTEN STREET in OLD YOKOHAMA, JAPAN, a photo by Okinawa Soba (On the Road for a Week) on Flickr.

I LOVE THE LANTERNS IN OLD YOKOHAMA
What I would give to be able to walk that street then, like a trip back into time.

Man, I can get lost in your photos. One can only imagine the glow one would experience walking this street after dark, especially if one had several of the small cups of quality sake. Yes, the sounds, the aromas, the sound of the sami-san, going back in time...good-bye.

What a trip it would be. Thanks to Okinawa Soba for his most excellent collection of old photographs of a Japan of a by-gone era, the 1880s through the 1900s. Browse his Flickr photostream and you will be fascinated beyond belief.

IMG_1068

IMG_1068, a photo by timeismonye12 on Flickr.

A MOST UNIQUE VIEW...a little bit of Heaven is in view here. Great photograph.

Tokyo lights by night (Music: Uno by Ludovico Einaudi)

Tokyo lights by night (Music: Uno by Ludovico Einaudi) a video by Kona Photos on Flickr.

PRAY AND HOPE THAT NO MORE NATURAL DISASTERS HAPPEN IN THIS MOST BELOVED LAND OF PEACE AND BEAUTY
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Tokyo lights by night (Music:... by Kona Photos

8th Army HQs, Yokohama

8th Army HQs, Yokohama, a photo by Mustang Koji on Flickr.

8th Army HQs, Yokohama
Another view of Eichelberger's 8th US Army Headquarters in Yokohama, Japan where my dad was stationed. He was part of G-2, Military Intelligence Service, ATIS (Allied Translator and Interpreter Service). Circa 1947
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THANKS TO MUSTANG KOJI for sharing photos his father took of his duty stations while serving in the U.S. Army during the Occupation of Japan. Mustang Koji's photostream is full of rare photos of Japan, his family and his dad's tour of duty. Many thanks.
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Note both the Coca Cola and the Pepsi Cola signs on this building next to one of Yokohama's landmark buildings.

YOKOSUKA PIER, DECEMBER 1963

YOKOSUKA PIER, DECEMBER 1963, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

SAYONARA SONG, YOKOSUKA DECEMBER 1963

USS GENERAL W.A. MANN AP-112,sailing from Yokosuka to San Francisco

USS GENERAL W.A. MANN AP-112,sailing from Yokosuka to San Francisco,

photo from Wikipedia.

SAYONARA SONG, DECEMBER 1963 AN AMERICAN WANDERING It was a cloudy morning on the day in December of 1963 when I said goodbye and boarded this huge transport for the trip home. It was a day I will not forget. The vessel arrived in San Francisco ten days later on my 22nd birthday. As all of us might have a tendency to do, this is one of the time frames I use when remembering certain seasons of my lifetime. Perhaps there are those who do not store memories in compartments and open them by simply recalling the month and year we might want to remember either for a few moments or for hours of entertainment and reflection. I did not go straight to the train station or airport, I flagged a cab and found a cheap hotel downtown and spent the next three days unwinding with Canadian Club. When I became bored with my own company, I found nearby bars to frequent. Conversation was cheap and entertaining. It was then that I began writing my poetry again, in spiral notebooks and on bar napkins. Sure, it was good to be back in the USA, but the emotion of returning did not compare with the emotions I experienced from leaving Japan. Leaving a joyful lifestyle where there was love and a lifestyle I enjoyed to return to a land of strangers where the lifestyle was indifferent to my values created an immediate state of despondency, one that has remained, more or less, throughout the ages. Time is of no consequence; time does not heal sorrows. When one day is gone, it is gone in an instant and does not matter if it has been gone for only 24 hours or decades; it is no respecter of persons and their emotions. Time is not a sentimental element; time has no energy or mercy--it is immune to the suffering of one individual or generations. Time and emotions are as distant from the other as is life from death. The above is from a passage in a novel I am writing, AN AMERICAN WANDERING.

Ginza

Ginza, a photo by Atom Malchick on Flickr.

ONE OF THE BEST GINZA PHOTOS I HAVE SEEN...The contrasts are perfect, the composition is perfect, and the shot deserves much praise. I can see this in a large photo book about Japan. In a New York minute, this is the one of the best TOKYO shot I have seen in 60 years.

JAPANESE POSTERS, A NEW SERIES

MY FIRST DAY IN JAPAN, 17 AUGUST 1961

MOTOMATCHI BEFORE NEON AND TOYOPETS

US Military Personnel on Leave In Sasebo Japan 1945/46

US Military Personnel on Leave In Sasebo Japan 1945/46, a photo by captainpandapants on Flickr.

ONE OF THE GREATEST PHOTOS OF SAILORS ON LIBERTY IN JAPAN I HAVE EVER SEEN. Congratulations to the photographer, CAPTAINPANDAPANTS.

U.S. Troops during the occupation era. The buildings that one sees in this photo will give the viewer a sense of what most of Japan looked like prior to the war. Personally, I like the old-fashioned architecture, the wooden structures, the tile roofs and the unique angles and lines. It was, for sure, a different world. Not all westerners appreciated the Oriental ways and means. To me, they were a visual joy, a myriad of structural pleasantries. The mystery of the orient, in my opinion, is partially due to the nature of these buildings.

Tokyo Rocks

Tokyo Rocks, a photo by Peter Bellars on Flickr.

Tokyo Rocks

As the quakes continue in the North and Tokyo sways in response, we all wonder how long this cycle will continue. Few people are celebrating the cherry blossoms this year - there is a strange sobriety in the air yet ,when the sun comes out, the women strolling in the streets remind me that, come what may, Tokyo rocks.
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Yes, I would imagine there is much anxiety, but it is good to know that life is continuing in that people are still out and about, especially lovely young ladies like the one in your photograph. Great capture.

Help Japan Brighton University Peace Cranes

Help Japan Brighton University Peace Cranes, a photo by Dominic's pics on Flickr.

Help Japan Brighton University Peace Cranes
Illustration by Chihiro Kyozuka

A group from Brighton University (including the renown Art School), England raised funds in support of the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami 東北地方太平洋沖地震, in Japan.

Their activities included running Origami Peace Crane workshops. The full text of a document accompanying a display exhibit of some of the Peace Cranes made - including details of the charities supported - can be read in the description here.

The full text of the poster reads:

PLEASE DONATE FOR AFFECTED PEOPLE BY EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI IN JAPAN

"We are a group of Japanese student in University of Brighton, On 11th March 2011, the biggest earthquake and tsunami have occurred in north east of Japan is seriously damaged. The earthquake is still continuing.....

In order to support this earthquake disaster, we are collecting donations to send to British Red Cross. We would very appreciate your help. Thank you for your concern.

Arigato!" [Thank you!]

If you are based in the UK also visit:

Red Cross [British Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal website]
or just Donate...

Oxfam [Great Britain / UK - Japan Earthquake and Tsunami website]
or just Donate...

Part of a set / Slideshow. セットの一部 / スライドショー

も参照してください / See also:
Help the Tsunami Victims [Oxfam, Brighton]
Support for Japan [University of Sussex, Brighton]
Help Japan [Oki-Nami / ジヤパニ一ズ・ダィニソグ restaurant window]

night ride through chinatown

night ride through chinatown, a photo by owenfinn16 on Flickr.

Yes, a night ride through Chinatown would be the perfect RX for joy and happiness. You appear to be enjoying your time and I wish you the best. Cool bike. I like the way you have parked it to include the vast array of neon in the background. If there was ever a poster that created images of fun, this photo would be perfect. Robert
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THANKS TO JAMES, OWENFINN16

Tokyo Auto Salon

Tokyo Auto Salon, a photo by ジェローム on Flickr.

Beauty in business promotions is a basic in Japanese advertising campaigns. The winning smile of this young lady creates an immediate interest in what appears to be a new line of passenger vans. But first, I must get to Tokyo. Thanks to TOKYO AUTO SALON for such a delightful promotional photograph.
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Tokyo Auto Salon by ジェローム

JAPANESE POSTER SERIES #1 BY HUFFSTUTTER

JAPANESE POSTER SERIES #1 BY HUFFSTUTTER, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

NO COPYRIGHT AND FREE FOR USE BY ALL WHO CHOOSE TO USE THIS WORK FOR POSITIVE PURPOSES, RESALE, DISTRIBUTION, ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS, ETC. BY-LINE REQUIRED. THANKS, ROBERT

THIS IS NOT MY WORK OR PHOTOGRAPH: see credit below

THIS IS NOT MY WORK OR PHOTOGRAPH: see credit below, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

Minami-za@Kyoto

Minami-za@Kyoto, a photo by takeratta(tm)* on Flickr.

One of the best lantern and symbol photos of Japan I have seen. This is truly the essence of Japan in one photograph. Hopefully, the photographer will permit me to exhibit this in my blog.

WATERCOLOR OF YOKOHAMA PIER 1870s era... By Robert L.Huffstutter

WATERCOLOR OF YOKOHAMA PIER 1870s era... By Robert L.Huffstutter, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

It has taken me over a month to get back into a state of mind that will permit me to paint. Perhaps it is the season, a very cool spring. Perhaps it is my past haunting me about a day on a pier in Yokosuka long ago when I made a promise to return. Why does Fate return in time to make us account for promises never kept? Well, as a painter and a writer, I share my heart and soul with my viewers. Thanks, Robert

YOKOHAMA PIER 1870S, Time Travel Composition, watercolor and ink by R.L.Huffstutter

YOKOHAMA PIER 1870S, Time Travel Composition, watercolor and ink by R.L.Huffstutter, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

Waiting

Waiting, a photo by AnotherSaru on Flickr.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgmm6D-W3eM&feature=related

THE SUMIDA RIVER AT TWILIGHT TIME: JAPANESE WOOD BLOCK

THE SUMIDA RIVER AT TWILIGHT TIME: JAPANESE WOOD BLOCK, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgmm6D-W3eM&feature=related

MY FIRST REAL ART EXHIBIT IN LATE 1960s

The viewer will note two of the paintings on the right are all about Japan. The one on the far right is a watercolor, the one with the ship's smoke stacks represent the Kiawa Maru anchored or docked in the harbor of Yokohama. It has been there a long time, at least since the end of the occupation. It made a great background for many of the photos I took and has served as the unique backdrop for many tourists' snapshots since then. Things change, thus I wonder if it will continue to remain in the harbor as a reminder of a different era. I hope it remains. Someday, if and when I get back, I would like to go aboard the ship and have dinner, coffee and let my mind relax and return to an era of great enjoyment, 1962 and 1963. There are those who ask why I dwell on the past. It is simple, one will dwell on the pleasant memories one enjoyed. If I loved Japan so much, why didn't I return? As time passes, I find myself asking myself that question more frequently. My only response can be,"Fate." Yes, it was Fate that kept me in America; it was Fate that kept me from returning to Japan. There were other reasons too, reasons I will reveal in an upcoming novel of an autobiographical nature. Each of us has a novel in our mind. Some of us will write that novel while others will deny themselves that pleasure for one reason or another. I must write my novel, it is almost complete and I want to get it between the cover and the back page while I am still around to sign a few copies, hopefully in Yokohama and Tokyo. Exactly when should you expect to see my book on the shelves? Let me say, "within the next year." There are arrangements to be made: finding a translator, finding the right publisher, and scheduling a tour once it is off the presses. I eagerly await the day when my JAL flight leaves San Francisco for Narita.

城卓矢 骨まで愛して 1966

THE STAIRS AND STONES OF JAPAN

Untitled, a photo by OwenFinn on Flickr.

The stairs and stones of Japan have always fascinated me. My fascination began with my first day in Japan and continues. It is as if every stone is special and has a specific place reserved for its placement.

You have shot some unique photographs. Thank you for sharing these visual pleasures and reminders of a time I enjoyed almost 50 years ago. Robert

Untitled

Untitled, a photo by OwenFinn on Flickr.

THIS PARK was a popular park in the early 60s. Many memories flood my mind as I see that the same ship is still anchored in the harbor. You have captured more than you might imagine with this photo; you have unlocked old memories of a romance long ago. Thank you for sharing this photograph.

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, a photo by photosapience on Flickr.

Just taking a review and your photo weighs heavily on my mind. My deepest sympathy to the people of Japan for such a natural disaster. I truly weep for this tragedy.