A canal of Tokyo

A canal of Tokyo
Originally uploaded by SUNDANCE さんだんす

This reminds me of the Tokyo I visited so frequently in the early 1960s. My first trip to Tokyo was aboard a Pan American Airways 707 in August 1961. We departed San Francisco International around 7:00 a.m. We landed in Honolulu around noon. I do not know how the time differences affects this short narrative, I am simply relating to the time I saw on my watch. After one half hour in Honolulu, time enough to catch a glimpse of DIamondhead and send three postcards home to sister, aunt and uncle and another friend, the Pan Am was in the air heading toward....a whole new world of fantastic experiences that have become memories that no money can ever buy.

During the flight, Kirin beer was served and rolled hot towels were handed to us for our freshen-up faces. "You feel better," the beautiful young Japanese attendant, in semi-kimono attire, said. It was at that moment that I knew I was going to have experiences beyond my imagination. Everything was so structured in a most ceremonial manner. Once our plane landed at Haneda, customs was easy and an English speaking representative of Pan Am directed us to our U.S. Navy bus nearby, smiled, bowed, shook our hands and said, "You will have nice time Japan, very nice."

The bus began rolling out of the airport complex and into busy and narrow street. It was August 1961, and I do not recall the bus getting on to any major freeways or super highways. There was no Hollywood Freeway in Tokyo at the point in time, at least not to my knowledge. I am glad there was no freeway. The journey to Atsugi was one busy and unforgettable ride with a thousand different aromas and scents teasing and plundering my olfactatory senses. It was a blend of smells, scents, aromas, like nothing my mind had ever experienced; it was the smell of the Orient, a pleasing and mysterious aroma, a scent of a romantic lifestyle that I had only theretofore entertained in youthful fantasy. Oh, yes, everything was totally different than San Francisco, totally different than Los Angeles, and totaly different than Kansas CIty, Missouri. For a youth that had yet to enter my twenties, I felt like my decision to join the Navy was the wisest decision I had ever made. Later, as the conflict in Vietnam grew more intense, I realized that such a decision might have a big influence on my life

Starbucks, Roppongi

Starbucks, Roppongi
Originally uploaded by philipjbigg

I AM NOT SURPRISED. STARBUCKS IS EVERYWHERE. WHEN YOU NEED A STRONG SHOT OF CAFFEINE, BLACK COFFEE AT STARBUCKS TO GO............

Starbucks, Roppongi

Uploaded by philipjbigg on 25 Jan 08, 9.22AM PDT.

Starbucks, Roppongi

Starbucks, Roppongi
Originally uploaded by philipjbigg

I AM NOT SURPRISED. STARBUCKS IS EVERYWHERE. WHEN YOU NEED A STRONG SHOT OF CAFFEINE, BLACK COFFEE AT STARBUCKS TO GO............

Starbucks, Roppongi

Uploaded by philipjbigg on 25 Jan 08, 9.22AM PDT.

Chinatown, Chinese New Year's day 2008

Chinatown, Chinese New Year's day 2008
Originally uploaded by philipjbigg

Chinatown, Chinese New Year's day 2008
Chinese New Year's Day 2008.02.07, Yokohama

Uploaded by philipjbigg on 10 Feb 08

An oiled-paper umbrella

An oiled-paper umbrella
Originally uploaded by SUNDANCE さんだんす

THIS IS ONE EXCELLENT PHOTO; IT IS THE ESSENCE OF ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL MADE BY THE JAPANESE. THIS IS, IN MY OPINION, THE VERY DEFINITION OF THE ART PHOTO........Editor

An oiled-paper umbrella
RolleicordⅠa/CarlZeissJena Triotar 1;4.5 f=7.5cm / E100G

Uploaded by SUNDANCE さんだんす on 17 Jul 08, 6.46AM PDT.

Hotel New Grand in Yokohama

Hotel New Grand in Yokohama
Originally uploaded by SUNDANCE さんだんす

This hotel was one of my favorite western hangouts while I was stationed in Japan in 1961 through 1963 at NAS Atsugi. I loved the beautiful woodwork in the bar; the fact that it was once the headquarters of General MacArthur. I enjoyed the entire area around the bund. When I wanted to go to the more traditional areas, I went to Chinatown for nightlife, Sankien Gardens for nature and throughout all of Yokohama. It was and remains to be one of my favorite cities of the world. I have a collection of photos I took in Japan during the early 60s posted on Flickr. Editor

Kushiya

Kushiya
Originally uploaded by ajpscs

Shinbashi (新橋) is a district of Minato, Tokyo, Japan, located south of Ginza, west of Tsukiji, east of Toranomon and north of Hamamatsucho. Shinbashi was the Tokyo terminus of the first railway in Japan in 1872. It remains a major railway hub and has since developed as a commercial center, most recently with the construction of the Shiodome "Shiosite" high-rise office complex.

Located centrally and a 10-minute walk from the Ginza shopping district, directly south of Tokyo station. Shimbashi is the original terminus of Japan's first stretch of railway, the Tōkaidō Main Line, and is one of Japan's oldest stations (the oldest station being Shinagawa, a few kilometres down the line). The original Shimbashi Station, opened on October 10, 1872, was built some way to the east of the modern-day structure and was known as Shimbashi Teishajō (新橋停車場).
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinbashi
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shimbashi_Station

Kanteibyō (關帝廟) street #1537

Kanteibyō (關帝廟) street #1537
Originally uploaded by Nemo's great uncle

Kanteibyō (關帝廟) street #1537

Uploaded by Nemo's great uncle on 17 Feb 06, 4.37AM PDT.

Tokyo: Ochanomizu

Tokyo: Ochanomizu
Originally uploaded by manganite

For Manfred, who told me that this view is the one which contains everything what he associates with Tokyo.

And one can understand this in some sense, I think. There're so much things to be seen typical for this city in it. First of all maybe the train tracks crossing here on three different levels, the yellow Sobu line, the red Chuo line and below of them the Marunouchi Line crossing the Kandagawa. And the buildings, the contrast of the small and old ones along the river and the high and colorful buildings in the background, marking the border between Ochanomizu and Akihabara.

You can see this also here: www.ipernity.com/doc/manganite/946082

Uploaded by manganite on 15 Sep 06,

thanks to the above photographer for a wonderful photo with tags "old Tokyo", the way I found this unique photo. Editor

Golden Bridge

Golden Bridge
Originally uploaded by pinboke_planet

Golden Bridge
Akashi-kaikyo-Bridge
[地図を表示]

Uploaded by pinboke_planet on 21 Sep 06,

THE ESSENCE OF A JAPANESE RESTAURANT: YOKOHAMA 1961

THE ESSENCE OF A JAPANESE RESAURANT: YOKOHAMA 1961
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

One of my early photos taken with composition in mind. It remains one of my few favorites. When I view this photo, I sometimes feel like I should have stayed in Japan and dedicated my life to photographing one nation that is truly one of the most beautiful nations on earth. There is absolutely nothing about this photo I do not enjoy. And because I still drink Pepsi and have not drank sake for many years, this photo has a special meaning to me. The part of this photograph that captures my attention after nearly fifty years is the traditional tile roof. Do not think me boastful, but there are times when I must reasses my purpose for having been given the joy of life's experiences. Though this is one of a material nature, we live in a material world. That this photograph is full of fond memories reassures me of the spiritual nature of life.

portrait of my Tower44+

portrait of my Tower44+
Originally uploaded by Momota.M

portrait of my Tower44+
serene moment... with soft light from the classic window.

GR Digital 2
at Tokyo / Meguro

Uploaded by Momota.M on 24 May 09, 5.12AM PDT.

WATERCOLOR OF A JAPANESE VILLAGE WITH MT FUJI IN BACKGROUND BY R. L. HUFFSTUTTER

WATERCOLOR OF A JAPANESE VILLAGE WITH MT FUJI IN BACKGROUND BY R. L. HUFFSTUTTER
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

This is a watercolor I began and completed yesterday, 23 September 2009. In order to find my subject matter, I closed my eyes and reflected on a few events enjoyed in the early 60s while stationed in Japan with VQ-1, based at NAS Atsugi, Japan. From the base, I was afforded a view of Mt Fuji everyday when the weather permitted. With a few moments, the joy of those memories became an easy subject matter. Thus, the above image. While I did take many photographs and made many sketches, I am sorry I did not spend more time taking photos and sketching. Japan is truly a nation where almost everywhere one looks, there is a view worth capturing. It is a beautiful nation with a beautiful and honorable people.

Voyage à Tokyo 13

Voyage à Tokyo 13
Originally uploaded by modern_classic

Voyage à Tokyo 13
Ueno, Tokyo

Pentax SP / Takumar 50mm f1.4 / Fuji SUPERIA 400

Uploaded by modern_classic on 9 Oct 08

CHECK OUT ALL OF MODERN CLASSIC PHOTOS.......GREAT WORK. The Editor.................Robert

Japanese matchbox label

Japanese matchbox label
Originally uploaded by Shailesh Chavda

http://www.flickr.com/groups/40_year_old_art_and_photos_of_japan/pool/

Japanese matchbox label

Uploaded by Shailesh Chavda on 2 Sep 09, 2.17PM PDT.

SKETCHES OF JAPAN IN 1962: EDITED WITH PICNIK

SKETCHES OF JAPAN IN 1962: EDITED WITH PICNIK
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

It will be difficult to moderate anything about Japan. There is an old adage about doing all things with or in moderation. As one who once lived in Japan, I must say that it was impossible to keep my emotions about such a beautiful country moderate. It was love at first sight. From the first day I arrived by Pan Am 707 in August of 1961, I knew that I was in for the time of my life.

The bus ride from the old International Airport was the busride of a lifetime; it was the busride I had been waiting for since I was a small child. The weather was pretty warm and the air was thick; my nostrils noticed some strange new aromas. There was the sharp aroma of spices that were pleasant and nice; there were areas where the smells were less than nice. I learned about their source a little later. It never really bothered me since I hadn't arrived in Japan to farm or do any agricultural tasks. No, I was sent to Japan to perform some administrative tasks in a Naval Air Squadron based at the Naval Air Station near Atsugi. It had been a major airfield for the Japanese Zeros, Bettys and other combatant aircraft during World War Two.

I had no attitude about the war. I didn't get into it since I was way too young when it started, born less than a month after Pearl Harbor. But that is old news now. Nevertheless, it made a big difference in the relationship between our two nations. As I said, nothing about Japan can be described as moderate. The way the war ended was far from moderate, but it ended. And look at Japan today. It's success is far from moderate. I love America. And I love Japan. We are like two siblings sometimes; at other times, we are like two lovers.

And there is so much more to Japan than what one sees on the surface. One thing is for certain: anyone who has ever spent any lenght of time in Japan will understand what I am saying about moderation. Okay, now that you know that I am the moderator, welcome Honorable Visitors.

Robert L. Huffstutter

FH010024

FH010024
Originally uploaded by hiromori

THIS TYPE OF SCENE APPEALS TO ME. IT IS ONE EXCELLENT PHOTO. PERSPECTIVE GREAT. COLORS ARE PERFECT. WHILE I WAS IN JAPAN, I CLIMBED MANY OF THESE STAIRWAYS. THE ONES I RECALL WITH CLARITY ARE THOSE ON ENOSHIMA ISLAND. This is another fine photograph from the Flickr photostream of the photographer hiromori. Many thanks to Hiromori for permitting me to exhibit some of his photos in my online journal BLOGABOUTJAPAN.

FH010024

Uploaded by hiromori on 20 Dec 06, 5.42AM PDT

FH000008

FH000008
Originally uploaded by hiromori

It is good to see that bridges like these still remain. One of the sights that has always fascinated me was the retaining walls of Japan, the way the stones are so unique and laid in order. Congratulations on your many beautiful photographs. Editor.

FH000008

Uploaded by hiromori on 16 Dec 06, 8.50AM PDT.

FH000009

FH000009
Originally uploaded by hiromori

FH000009

Uploaded by hiromori on 16 Dec 06, 8.50AM PDT.