OLD MOTOMACHI, OPEN SHOPS 1962, YOKOHAMA By R.L.Huffstutter

OLD MOTOMACHI, OPEN SHOPS 1962, YOKOHAMA By R.L.Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

OLD MOTOMACHI, OPEN SHOPS 1962, YOKOHAMA By R.L.Huffstutter

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 19 Jan 11, 2.17PM PST.

BAR TIGER, THE GREATEST LITTLE BAR IN SAGAMI OTSUKA 1961

BAR TIGER, THE GREATEST LITTLE BAR IN SAGAMI OTSUKA 1961
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

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BAR TIGER, THE GREATEST LITTLE BAR IN SAGAMI OTSUKA 1961
NO MEMBERSHIP CARDS REQUIRED, JUST A YEN FOR A GOOD TIME...
SEXY-BAR-MAIDS PR-FEMALES YEN SAGAMI-OTSUKA BAR-TIGER ATSUGI JAPAN-1960S FUN-SPOTS OPEN-ALL-NIGHT BEAUTIFUL-WOMEN GREAT-TIMES GRRRREAT-TIMES

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 14 Jan 11, 11.17AM PST.

Omotesandou - 表参道

Omotesandou - 表参道
Originally uploaded by pjacobs13

Omotesandou - 表参道
Tokyo's Champs-Élysées (or 5th Avenue), looking very festive as the New Year approaches.

Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
東京都渋谷区

Uploaded by pjacobs13 on 31 Dec 10, 4.05AM PST.
MY GRATITUDE TO PJACOBS13 FOR THIS MARVELOUS PHOTO'S APPEARANCE IN BLOGABOUTJAPAN...

THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG

Thank you for visiting this blog. It's my favorite blog and the one I tend to as much as possible. There are many imperfections within this blog; there are words spelled in error and grammer that needs attention, so thanks for your patience. My initial purpose for beginning this blog was to simply share my experiences enjoyed in Japan during my tour of duty. It was only 28 months, but they made a lifelong impression on both my mind and heart.

This blog is made possible through the cooperation of the photographers and artists who have permitted me to include their works in my blog. Where possible, I have tried to give credit to those who created works and photography more than a century ago. Many of the photos of the really vintage nature are from the 19th century. Many of the 20th century works are from the archives of government cites, Wikipedia and other sources.

Naturally, where my photos and art are displayed, you will see my byline. As far as followers, I would like to have many; I want to share this blog with all who have interests similar to my own. So, if you enjoy my blog, please comment or become a follower and receive updates each time new material is posted.

Tokyo Woman

Tokyo Woman
Originally uploaded by humbletree

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?

Uploaded by humbletree on 20 Jul 09, 5.46AM PST.

Street in Yenoshima

Street in Yenoshima
Originally uploaded by New York Public Library

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Street in Yenoshima
Digital ID: 110029. Kusakabe, Kimbei -- Photographer. 188-?-189-?

Notes: Number in Negative, 1011

Source: Japan. / Kimbei Kusakabe. (more info)

Valley in Kaho Town

Valley in Kaho Town
Originally uploaded by pokoroto

Valley in Kaho Town

Uploaded by pokoroto on 14 Sep 08, 7.37PM PST.
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The depth of this photograph is difficult to describe.
It is the various hues and shades of green that affords visual pleasures unexpected; the finely manicured fields seperated by hedges and shrubs suggest pride and constant care of the fields.

This aeriel view is a treat in that it enables the mind to see the reality of agriculture and its associated beauty above and beyond the field or mere hilltop levels.

The depth of this photograph is difficult to describe but the photographer has captured an image of unique beauty, one of mistique and awe.
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La profundidad de esta fotografía es difícil de describir. Se trata de los matices y tonos diferentes de verdes que ofrece placeres inesperados visuales; los campos y elegante manicura separados por setos y arbustos sugieren la atención el orgullo y la constante de los campos. Esta vista aérea es un placer, ya que permite a la mente para ver la realidad de la agricultura y su belleza asociados por encima y más allá del campo o los niveles de mera cima de la colina. La profundidad de esta fotografía es difícil de describir, pero el fotógrafo ha capturado una imagen de singular belleza, una de las Mistique y temor.

VINCENT VAN GOGH'S SECRET VISIT TO YOKOHAMA

VINCENT VAN GOGH'S SECRET VISIT TO YOKOHAMA
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

VINCENT VAN GOGH ACCESS TO CAMERAS WERE LIMITED...but his friend, Abe Yamashita, managed to take the sets of photos he wanted for works if his time in the Orient became limited. There were those in the government in Paris who were concerned about Vincent's presence in Japan once they learned he was in Yokohama. There were arguments, however, about Vincent's exact location and they knew that by the time they located him and tried convincing him to return, he could be off in some picturesque little inn near the Inland Sea., Theo, however, was not too concerned; he knew that once his brother found the comfortable and serence place he liked, he wouldn't likely move for any reason.
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Credits for this photo are listed in other areas of this blog where this photo appears. It is from a collection at the New York Public Library

Lake Shikotu-ko Chitose-city introduction 千歳市紹介

Lake　Shikotu-ko　Chitose-city introduction 千歳市紹介
Originally uploaded by Chitose-Kim

Lake　Shikotu-ko　Chitose-city introduction 千歳市紹介
Chitose is located at a latitude of 42 degrees north, and borders Sapporo, the political, economic and cultural center of Hokkaido. The city is also situated in south-central Hokkaido and at the southern end of the Ishikari Plain. At New Chitose Airport (one of Japan’s major hubs), 33 domestic routes, 11 international routes to six countries and 21 international charter routes to 13 countries are in service (as of 2007). Additionally, Tomakomai Port, which hosts international container routes, is located approximately 26 km from the city center (30 minutes by car). The city is constantly developing as a domestic and international physical distribution base as well as an important transportation hub.
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MY COMMENTS ABOUT THIS EXCELLENT PHOTOGRAPH

My first impression upon viewing this marvelous photograph concerned the elements of our lifetime. It would be up to us to add the fire, but one can sense the photographers energy as it associates with lively sky, the waves lapping at the shoreline, the boulders and the rocks still in the process of becoming sand. Yes, it was energy and beauty combined that became visual in an abstract manner.

To be less philosophical, let me say simply that I think it is one of the best scenes I have viewed.

CONGRATULATIONS TO CHITOSE-KIM FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPH.
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Uploaded by Chitose-Kim on 14 Dec 10, 1.36AM PST.

VAN GOGH'S SECRET VISIT TO JAPAN: COLLAGE #1 by R.L.Huffstutter

VAN GOGH'S SECRET VISIT TO JAPAN: COLLAGE #1 by R.L.Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

VAN GOGH'S SECRET VISIT TO JAPAN: COLLAGE #1 by R.L.Huffstutter
STUFF IN BOXES AND OLD REMINDERS OF ANOTHER TIME AND PLACE
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Do you suppose Vincent would have enjoyed the Bar Mickey or the Club Latin Quarter? I'll put my money on the Latin Quarter. Bar Sparta is not even in the picture. It is probable that Van Gogh would have enjoyed painting the shrines. I was fascinated by the shrines upon my arrival, but the perspectives and complexities were just too much for me. I had so many other events scheduled that taking time to do the shrines right would have consumed a considerable amount of time. Perhaps, on my return I will try some plein-aire shrine painting

THE OLD TRAMS OF YOKOHAMA 1960S by R.L.Huffstutter

THE OLD TRAMS OF YOKOHAMA 1960S by R.L.Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

The street cars of Yokohama will forever remain in my mind; they were a fun way to get around. Because there was 360 yen to the dollar when I was in Japan, many of us used taxis more than street cars, but they were forever a presence in my mind. I recall one night, near the bund, when I consciously reminded myself that at some time in the far future I would recall the spark, the sound, the streetcars of Yokohama.

AN ESSAY ON SAKE AND LIFE

AN ESSAY ON SAKE AND LIFE
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

FIRST CLASS FLIGHT TO TOKYO 1961

FIRST CLASS FLIGHT TO TOKYO 1961
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH JAPAN BEGAN LONG AGO
CHAPTER ONE
My love for Japan began long before I arrived at Tokyo International Airport in August 1961.

The flight from San Francisco in a Pan American 707 was joyful. After a brief stop in Hawaii, we were told that our next stop would be Japan. Kimono clad women employed by the Japan Tourist Bureau served us Kirin and Sapporo beer in-flight.

The captain announced we were flying over Midway Island and shortly afterwards, we were affored hot towels rolled and foled in a unique manner. Some of us sailors were curious about the towels and unrolled them, wiped our brows and disposed of them. The attendants laughed politely and demonstrated how the hot towel should be pressed to our brows and over our eyes, a resfreshing introduction to what we would remember later when we were able to enjoy the ofuro.

Of course, that did not happen aboard the plane; it was mentioned by some of the older servicement who had been to Japan. So we pressed the steaming towels to our brows, then over or eyes. It was a refreshing event and one that I still perform upon waking.

When the plane arrived, we were met by special buses that drove us to our new duty stations, Atsugi Naval Air Base.

Chapter Two will be posted if there is anyone interested in my tour of duty in a New Japan.
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FIRST CLASS FLIGHT TO TOKYO 1961
Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 17 Aug 09, 7.39PM PST.

Street Car Sapporo 1963

Street Car Sapporo 1963
Originally uploaded by asachitose

Street Car Sapporo 1963

Uploaded by asachitose on 22 Aug 10, 6.46AM PST.
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If only I had taken a trip to Sapporo while I was in Japan, I would be equally as impressed, I am sure, with Hokkaido and its cities as I am with Honshu. Well, maybe next time. If I make it back, I will certainly spend time in Northern Japan. Thanks for exhibiting these rare and unique photos of another time.

MEMORIES OF CHINATOWN, YOKOHAMA 1961

MEMORIES OF CHINATOWN, YOKOHAMA 1961
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

ONE OF MY FLICKR FRIENDS...who lives inNorthern Japan led me to a website with some great history of the YOKOHAMA TRAMS:

www.japaneserailwaysociety.com/jrs/members/na ito/hmtrm/hm...

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MEMORIES OF CHINATOWN, YOKOHAMA 1961
Pen, ink and watercolor by Robert L. Huffstutter, memories of my time in Yokohama in early 60s.

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 9 Sep 10, 7.38AM PST.

REMEMBERING THE YOKOHAMA TROLLY CARS

REMEMBERING THE YOKOHAMA TROLLY CARS
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

REMEMBERING THE YOKOHAMA TROLLY CARS

Oh, Chinatown Night*

There was never a better ride, especially as it passed the old embassy area near the harbor. On Saturday nights, the old cars seemed to fly by the bund at 80 miles an hour to finish up the night.

If I recall, the trollies stopped running at midnight. This was the Yokohama of the 1960s.

But the night was only just beginning as the taxis poured into the narrow streets of Chinatown where the air was thick with sweet perfumes and powders. There was never a night in Chinatown where men were lonely or sad. The sound of both occidental and oriental music blended in the Yokohama night, each club with different decor and beautiful women in silk and denim, sometimes both.

The small soba shops between the clubs packed it in square cartons to go as the wee hours of the loving morning embraced the dawn. Footsteps and laughter drifted into the night, up one narrow alley after another narrow street, up stairs, and then the hush of another night, whispers not heard and maybe never remembered.

The trollies began rolling with the sunrise and by dawn, the neon faded and another night in Yokohama was history, memories shared by many for awhile, for some longer.

Robert L. Huffstutter

*There was a song most servicemen of all nations of that era remember quite well, "Oh, China Night."

LET'S GO TO CHINATOWN FOR A FEW DRINKS: 1960 YOKOHAMA

LET'S GO TO CHINATOWN FOR A FEW DRINKS: 1960 YOKOHAMA
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

I HAVE ALMOST 2,000 OF THESE MATCH BOXES IF I CAN ONLY FIND THEM...
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LET'S GO TO CHINATOWN FOR A FEW DRINKS: 1960 YOKOHAMA
Thank you for including my matchbox map in your most unique gallery. If only I could use these maps to take me back to the joys of another era.

www.flickr.com/photos/frauhaus/galleries/72157625376486199

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 10 Aug 10, 4.06PM PST.

ONE OF MY BEST PHOTOS OF JAPAN: PETRI CAMERA, 1962

ONE OF MY BEST PHOTOS OF JAPAN: PETRI CAMERA, 1962
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

ONE OF MY BEST PHOTOS OF JAPAN: PETRI CAMERA, 1962


SHORTLY AFTER ARRIVING IN JAPAN, I PURCHASED A PETRI at the Navy Exchange in Yokohama. It had the "new magic eye" or built-in light meter, a feature I thought would make a great difference in that I would not have to worry about Fstops and all the technical aspects. It was, in reality, a forerunner of the AUTOMATIC FEATURE. In other words, it was a point and shoot.

I shot many slides to begin with due to the high cost of color film. Hopefully, they are still in good shape, and I will be able to transfer them into photos and thus transfer them to my Flickr photostream. If there is a method for using a scanner to enlarge slides and get them into my system, I have not yet figured it out.

Through a contact in Flickr, I have been presented a Petri and am eagerly awaiting its arrival to see if it is still as fascinating as I recall. The best way to prove this, however, would be through board a JAL for Tokyo and then start shooting great photos. Maybe, sometime, I hope to return. It would be a second adventure of a lifetime.......Robert

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SAILING INTO FUJI

SAILING INTO FUJI
Originally uploaded by Okinawa Soba

SAILING INTO FUJI
Beautiful.

THIS IMAGE is one of several examples of a largely ignored facet of Old Japanese Photography -- a genre called "TAISHO ART" or "TAISHO PICTORIAL PHOTOGRAPHY". The pictorialism movement in Japan reached its peak during the reign of EMPEROR TAISHO (1912-26), thus the name attached to the genre. See the extended comments at the set link for PICTORIALISM IN OLD JAPAN just to the right of this picture.

Uploaded by Okinawa Soba on 28 Mar 08, 12.48PM PST.

STANDING IN AIR OVER MT. FUJI -- Japan's Sacred Mountain Subdued Under a Bridge

STANDING IN AIR OVER MT. FUJI -- Japan's Sacred Mountain Subdued Under a Bridge
Originally uploaded by Okinawa Soba

Your photograph is very special. It is one of my favorites. The colors you captured are magnificent; your framing is artful. To summarize, your photograph is a masterpiece, a work of art.

MT FUJI CANNOT BE DEFINED BY WORDS. This is my opinion and the opinion of writers throughout the world. Nevertheless, writers continue to describe its beauty in poetry, in long and elegant streams of prose and in brief but powerful text in geography books. When all is written and read, the sight of this sacred symbol in Japan, the sight of this most famous mountain throughout the world leaves the viewer almost breathless and bewildered; its beauty is beyond description in graphic text or letters; there is no poem powerful enough to create the emotion that sight of this mountain creates in one's heart and mind upon seeing Mt Fuji for the first time.

A MOST SERENE AND BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPH...of my favorite mountain. Most people I talk with tell me it is impossible to see Mt Fuji from Yokohama. I tell them that in the early 1960s, I could see Mt Fuji almost any day from Atsugi, and quite frequently while in Yokohama, I could see the beautiful symbol of Japan.
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STANDING IN AIR OVER MT. FUJI -- Japan's Sacred Mountain Subdued Under a Bridge
What can be said here ? Odd and unusual. Arty in some kind of way, because of the non-standard arrangement of the objects in the view. Any photographer worth his salt in Old Japan would place Mt. Fuji OVER the bridge...and UNDER some overhanging branches of twisted pine, or branches of flowering Cherry Blossoms. But not this guy. He stuck the old volcano under a Bridge...with people in the sky, instead of Fuji's majestic peak. Good Show. It's nice to find old stuff like this...at the bottom of the box where nobody wanted it. However, I'm sure there are plenty of nuts on flickr (just like me) that will immediately like this shot. Ca.1900 albumen print.

Uploaded by Okinawa Soba on 1 Apr 08, 11.03PM PST.

A SLOW DAY ON BENTEN STREET, YOKOHAMA -- The #1 International Shopping District During the Late Meiji Era, and the "PHOTOGRAPHERS ROW" OF OLD JAPAN (With Some Notes on the BRINKLEY SETS)

A SLOW DAY ON BENTEN STREET, YOKOHAMA -- The #1 International Shopping District During the Late Meiji Era, and the "PHOTOGRAPHERS ROW" OF OLD JAPAN (With Some Notes on the BRINKLEY SETS)
Originally uploaded by Okinawa Soba

THIS IS WHERE VAN GOGH WOULD HAVE STAYED PART OF THE TIME IF HE HAD VISITED JAPAN...
My gratitude to the members who have opted to make their work available for exhibition in the Flickr gallery feature.

When I started my galleries, I didn't know how addictive this could become; I didn't realize how many great photographers and artists are members of Flickr and offer hours and hours of entertainment viewing masterpiece after brilliant masterpiece.

I now have more than 500 galleries and have enjoyed creating almost each one. Thanks to all of you. Robert

SOMETIMES IT HURTS TO HURT...

SOMETIMES IT HURTS TO HURT...
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

THE DECISIONS ONE MAKES IN YOUTH WILL FOREVER FOLLOW US THROUGH LIFE. This is a statement that is not Divine wisdom by any means, however it is a statement few of us really understand until we reach the age when we know that life will not go on forever, a feeling many of us had in our youth.

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I THOUGHT ABOUT THE YOUNG WOMAN I BADE FAREWELL TO ON THAT DAY IN DEMEMBER OF 1963? HOW MANY DAYS HAS IT BEEN SINCE OUR HANDS LAST TOUCHED? HOW MANY DAYS HAVE PASSED? NO, I DO NOT WANT TO COUNT THEM--IT IS TOO PAINFUL. WAS IT FATE THAT ENDED OUR ROMANCE? I CANNOT SAY. I WILL WRITE A NOVEL SOMEDAY EXPRESSING MY FEELINGS ABOUT OUR ROMANCE, A STORY ABOUT A YOUTHFUL ROMANCE THAT WAS IDEAL. PERHAPS IT WAS MEANT ONLY TO LAST AS LONG AS IT DID--A SHORT TIME. WHATEVER THE CASE, THERE HAS NOT BEEN A DAY THAT HAS PASSED THAT I HAVE NOT SEEN HER FACE IN MY THOUGHTS, THOUGH I STOPPED WHISPERING HER NAME MANY YEARS AGO. SOMEDAY, I SAID, I WILL WRITE THE BOOK ABOUT YOUTHFUL ROMANCE BETWEEN EAST AND WEST. IT WILL BE A POSITIVE AND UPLIFTING ROMANCE WITH A LESSON: FOLLOW YOUR HEART AND YOU WILL NEVER HAVE REGRETS, YOU WILL NEVER HAVE TO WONDER IF YOUR DECISION WAS RIGHT OR WRONG.
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SOMETIMES IT HURTS TO HURT...
When sailors depart, they usually have someone they love to share the moment of departure. How many of these overseas romances continue is subject matter for novels. James Michener wrote one, "Sayonara" that says much about these departures.

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 19 Nov 10, 3.33PM PST.





Sometimes i am too honest

sometimes i think i open my heart too much

sometimes i cannot forget memories

i am who i am and what i am

i cannot pretend to forget what is heavy on my heart

this is the price i pay for being an artist

this is what happens to one as they grow older, memories of youth grow closer........

OLD MOTOMACHI, YOKOHAMA 1962, pencil sketch by Robert L. Huffstutter

OLD MOTOMACHI, YOKOHAMA 1962, pencil sketch by Robert L. Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

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OLD MOTOMACHI, YOKOHAMA 1962, pencil sketch by Robert L. Huffstutter
Perhaps it is part of a photographic memory when it comes to subject matter, but after closing my eyes for a few minutes, this scene and many others comes to mind and affords me the view I needed to create a sketch of the Japan I remember so well. Motomachi was my favorite area of Japan for many reasons, some very personal, thus such a sketch was a joy for me and one I hope will be a reminder of the 60s for others who were celebrating their youth.

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 2 Nov 10, 5.15PM PST.

JAPANESE VILLAGE IN KANAGAWA 1962: Watercolor by Robert L. Huffstutter

JAPANESE VILLAGE IN KANAGAWA 1962: Watercolor by Robert L. Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

JAPANESE VILLAGE IN KANAGAWA 1962: Watercolor by Robert L. Huffstutter
JAPANESE VILLAGE IN KANAGAWA 1962: Watercolor by Robert L. Huffstutter. Mount Fuji in background. I often traveled the backroads of Kanagawa on a small motorcycle I had purchased for Yen 9,000. In 1962, there was 360 Yen per dollar. The little 90cc cost $25.00 U.S. It was a fun way to see the rural areas until I finall wore the little cycle out and began having to walk it up the steep hills. I remember a school bus of children looking at me peculiarly one afternoon as I slowly pushed the cycle up the hill. There was no outbursts or catcalls, just curious young people wondering why an American was out in the country (or in their country) pushing a little red motorcycle up a hill.

I soon met a friend and sold my old bike. Life became much more fun afterwards.

CONSIDERING JAPANESE CITIZENSHIP? THINK AGAIN!

CONSIDERING JAPANESE CITIZENSHIP? THINK AGAIN!
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

CONSIDERING JAPANESE CITIZENSHIP? THINK AGAIN!
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT BECOMING A JAPANESE CITIZEN?

Think again, it is not exactly like the US immigration policy, no not at all. Do I blame them for wanting to keep Japan a homogenous nation, preserving their traditions, religions and holidays?

Why in the world would the Japanese want to be forced into changing their entire history and lifestyle simply to please a few organizations that have nothing to do but bitch about political correctness, fairness, worship and gender preferences?

Thankfully, there is one nation on earth that has the sense to preserve their nation as they want. By Robert L. Huffstutter

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 13 Nov 10, 6.04AM PST.

Vintage Japanese matchbox label, c1920s-1930s

Vintage Japanese matchbox label, c1920s-1930s
Originally uploaded by crackdog

This image has inspired a new gallery, MATCHBOX MASTERPIECES... with the following text:

Crackdog's collection of matchboxes is awe-inspiring. While many are for bars and other establishments, subjects that make the issue a memory of some youthful joys, it is the designs that remain in my mind that I really appreciate.

Most of these matchboxes, or all of them, were created by Japanese advertising artists in the 1920s through the late 1930s and could be advertising any number of establishments that were part of a very large Japanese Empire.

It is the intrique and mystery of this historic era that fascinates me. I believe it is an era that has been shelved, more or less, because of the Imperialist nature.

As an American, let me be the first to admit that the United States was one of the main players in the game of colonialism and imperialism. From the time the U.S. declared the "Manifest Destiny" to the time we forcefully annexed the kingdom of Hawaii, we have subtly become very large realtors in world properties.

Vintage Japanese matchbox label, c1920s-1930s
If anyone knows what the Japanese writing says, please let me know. I would love to find out.

Uploaded by crackdog on 12 Apr 10, 11.17PM PST.

japanese matchbox label

japanese matchbox label
Originally uploaded by maraid

THERE IS A TRUTH HERE THAT IS SUBTLE--DEPENDING UPON ONE'S DEFINITION OF "ROMANCE." The design is simple and to the point. Perfect in every way, shape and form. Hopefully, the artist went on to make millions of Yen in advertising...RLH
japanese matchbox label

Uploaded by maraid on 15 Jun 08, 12.11PM PST.

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japanese matchbox label

Uploaded by maraid on 15 Jun 08, 12.11PM PST.

星条旗新聞創刊50周年号P．S&S 50

星条旗新聞創刊50周年号P．S&S 　50
Originally uploaded by Chitose-Kim

星条旗新聞創刊50周年号P．S&S 　50
星条旗新聞創刊50周年　1995年10月1日発行。
（タブロイド・サイズ）　1ドル。「付録」に前掲載の創刊号がついていた。
Publish it on the 50th anniversary Star&Stripes Banner newspaper foundation of a periodical October 1, 1995. （Tabloid size）1 dollar. The first issue of the previous publication stuck to "an appendix".

Uploaded by Chitose-Kim on 2 Nov 10, 7.38AM PDT.

Tokyo 1423

Tokyo 1423
Originally uploaded by tokyoform

When I returned home to the United States from Japan, one of my dreams was to return to Japan. That was almost 50 years ago. I am thinking it might not happen, but someday, if possible, I would still love to return to Japan and open up a small studio and paint, if only for a few months. Yes, to spend a few months painting and shooting photos in Japan was one of my dreams, and one that I have not given up for lost.
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Tokyo 1423

Uploaded by tokyoform on 4 Mar 09, 2.50AM PDT.

odawara,kanagawa 2010

odawara,kanagawa 2010
Originally uploaded by izumi WONDERWALL

This is a scene that will forever intrique me because of my residence in Japan from 1961 until the eve of 1964. Japan was still building night and day, and there were many small streets and alleys like this one.

In a city as huge as Tokyo, there will always be small and personal alleys and streets. I am glad to see they still exist.I find them totally unique and perfect for my sketchwork. To me, they are a work of art with their utility poles and wires, their windows and signs, whatever one wants to leave outside. It all creates a balance of line and geometry that will forever remind me of my first few months discovering Tokyo and Yokohama.

It was like another world--it was another world and one that I loved very much.

It was not the lines only, it was also the kind people who helped me find my way around if they thought I was lost. Yes, many times I did get lost and felt like a stranger in a strange land, but there was never one night, no, not a moment when I felt fear and I will always be greatful and thankful to those who helped me find my way safely out of the darkness of a Tokyo at midnight.

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odawara,kanagawa 2010

Uploaded by izumi WONDERWALL on 30 Aug 10, 7.11AM PDT.

The spell is broke and the moment’s gone

The spell is broke and the moment’s gone
Originally uploaded by mrcraige

The spell is broke and the moment’s gone
Sumida-ku

Uploaded by mrcraige on 15 May 10, 8.37AM PDT

JAPAN TRAVEL POSTER FEB 2010

JAPAN TRAVEL POSTER FEB 2010
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

As fate would command, I found myself in Japan from August 1961 until the eve of 1964, stationed at Atsugi. Young and impressionable upon my arrival via Pan Am in that autumn of 1961, I was only 19 and totally fascinated with this great nation called Japan. My bus ride from the old Tokyo International Airport to the plains of Kanto in Kanagawa was like a course in National Geographic history. To say that I was excited would be an understatement; my excitement was at its height. Never in my life had I been so excited, so elated, so expectant of my new duty station. The yen was 360 per dollar at the time and being young and full of the curiosity young men have, I sensed that the exchange rate would be in my favor. As an artist, my supplies for painting would be most affordable; as a reader of Penguin history pocketbooks, I soon found that I could buy them at half the price I had paid for them in the USA. But what excited me was the sheer joy of being in a country that was full of beautiful music, aromatic scents of foods I was anxious to try, beautiful women with smiles were beautiful beyond words, buildings with roofs that made me anxious to sketch and photograph. Oh, the bus ride was just an introduction to my joyful tour in a most beautiful nation. PHOTO IMAGES OF JAPAN is an image that will lead the viewer to old photographs taken in the early 60s, sketches and paintings I made while in Japan and work I have done since.

You, the viewer, are cordially invited to enjoy my volume of works about the Japan of the 1960s; you are invited to leave me comments about the different scenes. I always appreciate feedback and suggestions. Know that I love Japan and the Japanese, a fact the viewer will surely realize upon beginning an pictorial journey through my Flickr photostream and my blog, BLOGABOUTJAPAN.

Thank you, Robert L. Huffstutter

The 29th of October, 2009

The 29th of October, 2009
Originally uploaded by Takahiro Yamamoto

ONE OF MY FIRST FASCINATIONS UPON ARRIVING IN JAPAN IN 1961 WAS MT FUJI and the the overwhelming beauty of the country, but another feature of Japan that fascinated me was the many side streets or alleyways with their numerous signs in a language I could not read. It did not take me long to realize the fun the alleyways and sidestreets offered to one with an appetite for the wines of pleasure and the subjects for new and different paintings. It was with much sorrow that I had to move on to my next tour after spending 28 months in and around Yokohama and Tokyo. Now, after nearly 50 years, it is good to see that the sidestreets with their fascinating lights and signs still exist. To return to these streets of fond memories is one wish I hope to fulfill in the near future.

It is with much pleasure that I view the many photographs by TAKAHIRO YAMAMOTO. His photos published on Flickr are a joy for all who enjoy both artistic and graphic photography. He is a master photographer and one photographer whose work I admire with much respect.

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

196/2010

196/2010
Originally uploaded by Takahiro Yamamoto

The building in the background is one that I sketched and painted long before the other buildings were constructed. I do not know what building it is or its name, but the scene projects how time changes waterfront scenes. Thanks to Takahiro Yamamoto for permission to include his photo in my blog.
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196/2010
King, Jack, and Queen in Yokohama
See notes in the photo.

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Uploaded by Takahiro Yamamoto on 18 Jul 10, 1.50AM PDT.

271/2010

271/2010
Originally uploaded by Takahiro Yamamoto

The contrast between the giant skyscrapers of Tokyo and the narrow alleys of Shinjuku is part of the magic and charm I find so fascinating about Japan. I would much rather traverse these alleys with their inviting signs than ride the high-speed elevators to the sky-high elevators of the corporate world.
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Thanks to Takahiro Yamamoto for permission to include this image in my blog.

HELLO TO MY FOLLOWERS OF BLOGABOUTJAPAN...

IT IS SO SELDOM THAT I GET A CHANCE TO TALK WITH YOU OR READ YOUR POSTS. I AM STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO RECOVER COMMENTS, ETC FROM MY BLOG.LET ME ASK YOU A FAVOR.

PLEASE GO TO MY FLICKR ACCOUNT AND LEAVE ME A MESSAGE THAT YOU ARE A FOLLOWER. IF YOU HAVE A BLOG, LET ME KNOW. OR IF YOU HAVE A FLICKR ACCOUNT, LET ME KNOW SO I CAN FOLLOW YOUR PHOTOSTREAM. THANKS, ROBERT

SOBA REFILL ORDER: Detail of watercolor by R.L.Huffstutter

SOBA REFILL ORDER: Detail of watercolor by R.L.Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

SOBA REFILL ORDER: Detail of watercolor by R.L.Huffstutter
This watercolor with pen and ink highlights is the subject matter of a photo taken in a Yokohama alley in Chinatown in 1961. It was not until I confered with several of my Japanese friends that I learned this was a soba bowl, not a rice bowl. One learns so much even after 50 years has passed since I snapped the photo with my new Petri. Below is the photo.

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 9 Oct 10, 10.37AM PDT.

JAL_First_Class_Suite_777-300ER

JAL_First_Class_Suite_777-300ER
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

THIS WOULD BE A WISH COME TRUE...to and from Japan, but I tend to feel I would want to stay for quite awhile--there is another lifetime of photography and art waiting for me.