HIROSHIGE AND VAN GOGH

HIROSHIGE AND VAN GOGH
Read About Van Gogh's Secret Visit to Japan

WELCOME TO BLOGABOUTJAPAN

WELCOME TO BLOGABOUTJAPAN
IT WAS A SPECIAL TIME IN MY LIFETIME

APT WITH TATAMI MATS, a special time in my lifetime in Japan...

APT WITH TATAMI MATS, a special time in my lifetime in Japan...
Watercolor by R.L.Huffstutter

COMPARISONS IN ART

COMPARISONS IN ART
HIROSHIGE'S WORK ON LEFT, VAN GOGH'S ON RIGHT

YOKOHAMA PICTURE SHOW

YOKOHAMA PICTURE SHOW
Shot with my Petri in Yokohama 1962

RICE FIELD IN JAPAN 1962

RICE FIELD IN JAPAN 1962
I took this with my PETRI in Kanagawa Prefecture

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Winter Chic


Winter Chic
Originally uploaded by Mike Francis Photo
SHE IS, INDEED, A WINTER CHIC...........
Winter Chic

Uploaded by Mike Francis Photo on 10 Jul 09, 11.26PM

Ishikawa-cho


Ishikawa-cho
Originally uploaded by Quietude
THIS IS A STREET THAT LOOKS LIKE SO MANY STREETS OF YOKOHAMA. THERE IS A CERTAIN SERENITY AS ONE IMAGINES THE PEOPLE SLEEPING, WAKING UP FOR ANOTHER DAY OF WORK, SHOPPING AND JUST ENJOYING THE STREETS AND SHOPS OF YOKOHAMA

.Ishikawa-cho
Yokohama

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Kobe- Motomachi Street- vintage postcard c.1912- 18-12-2009 21;08;02

I DID LEARN THAT MACHI MEANT STREET......Now about the moto? I believe it is defined as main. So, this is the Main Street of old Kobe. I notice all of the electrical lines and I am getting inspired about the electrification of Japan. So, it looks like it is time to break out the research books and start in. I am seeking some illustrations and/or photos of the workers installing electric lines. There is another subject that should be equally as interesting--the history of the electric trains in Japan. It is an interesting world, is it not? Would be great to have another 68 years to study and learn...........Editor
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Kobe- Motomachi Street- vintage postcard c.1912- 18-12-2009 21;08;02

Uploaded by Cairlinn on 18 Dec 09, 2.22PM PST.

Tokyo- Asuka hill- Cherry Blossoms- vintage postcard- 18-12-2009 20;59;40

I AM TOTALLY THRILLED.....DISCOVERED A NEW POSTCARD COLLECTION...YOU MUST TAKE A LOOK AND SEE. IF YOU LOVE JAPAN, YOU WILL LOVE CAIRLINN'S COLLECTION....
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Tokyo- Asuka hill- Cherry Blossoms- vintage postcard- 18-12-2009 20;59;40

Uploaded by Cairlinn on 18 Dec 09, 2.22PM

feel your love! hug me!


feel your love! hug me!
Originally uploaded by kalandrakas
YES........this is the Japan I knew and loved so........always the smile. Always the sincere joy....
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feel your love! hug me!
Free Hugs Campaign
© Kalandrakas | www.jessleecuizon.com

More free hugs here.

Uploaded by kalandrakas on 17 May 07, 12.56AM PST.

portrait of my Tower44+


portrait of my Tower44+
Originally uploaded by Momota.M
A FEW WORDS ABOUT THIS PHOTOGRAPH

about this photo......it is an inspiration, it is an invitation to begin a new adventure that will be seen through the lens and only the lens will tell the whole story in silent details. The window behind the camera is symbolic; it will not become a clear window until one picks up the camera and begins taking photographs. Robert L. Huffstutter
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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 PST.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

sweatshirt shop #1789

The graphics are fantastic. Most Japanese would probably find my attraction to graphics marketing kitty litter a bit odd, but that is okay, I have a sense of humor
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sweatshirt shop #1789
関東すけばん連合(Kantō Sukeban Rengō)
Wikipedia: 桜塚やっくん, Yakkun Sakurazuka, スケバン, Sukeban

Uploaded by Nemo's great uncle on 20 Jan 08, 1.37AM PST.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

japanese print from my collection

A PRINT FROM MY COLLECTION. SUMIDA RIVER. I LIKE TO REFER TO THIS AS THE ONE ASSOCIATED WITH MY TOUR OF DUTY IN JAPAN 1961 to 1963...

Monday, December 21, 2009

Asakusa.jpg


Asakusa.jpg
Originally uploaded by wazo3
Asakusa.jpg

Uploaded by wazo3 on 14 Dec 09, 4.09PM PST.

Mount Fuji


Mount Fuji
Originally uploaded by Jukka Vuokko
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji viewed over lake Kawaguchiko.
Kawaguchiko, Japan, 3/2007


6x6 B&W film Ilford Fp4+ rated at E.I. 80.
Bronica SQ-Ai, 110mm lens, orange+polarization filters
N+1 development

jukkavuokko.com

Uploaded by Jukka Vuokko

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Mt. Fuji from Motohakone

Mount Fuji viewed from Motohakone.
This is quite famous view with torii on the right coast of Lake Ashi (ashinoko, 芦ノ湖).

2/13/2008

Bronica SQ-Ai, Zenzanon S 3.5/150mm
f/8 1/60s Y2 filter.
Ilford Delta 100 B&W film rated at EI. 80, N-1 development in DiXactol.

jukkavuokko.com

Monday, December 14, 2009

Yokosuka, Kanagawa


Yokosuka, Kanagawa
Originally uploaded by D A I
THERE WAS NO SUCH THING AS A BAD PARTY TIME IN YOKOSUKA...

Of all of the wonderful photos I have seen of Japan, this one reminds me the most of the way it was in Yokosuka in 1963, the year I sailed from Japan, homeward bound. These narrow, unique little alley-streets were perfect for those of us who enjoyed going from bar to bar and saying "hello" to all of the happy and smiling bar employees and the warm-hearted customers. There was never such a thing as a bad night in Japan--each and every evening was full of excitement and warmth, great conversation, laughter and harmony. Only those who were there at the time will ever know the fun and good times enjoyed by all. Most of all, my thanks to Japan for such a harmonious place to party.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, BOB............

Yokosuka, Kanagawa
Sep 17, 2009

Uploaded by D A I on 16 Sep 09, 11.19PM

6


6
Originally uploaded by StevieB44
THE BEAUTY OF JAPAN IS REFLECTED IN THE NATURE OF ALL THINGS JAPANESE...
THE YOUNG LADY IN THE PHOTO IS ONLY ONE OF MANY BEAUTIFUL JAPANESE AND ORIENTAL WOMEN FEATURED IN THE FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM OF STEVIEB44...
Uploaded by StevieB44 on 8 Dec 09, 11.32AM PST.

YOKOHAMA: 1920S


YOKOHAMA: 1920S
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter
INSPIRED BY ONE OF OKINAWA SOBI's old photos of Japan in his most excellent collection of Japanese photographs from the mid-to-late 19th century. For those interested in the history and culture of Japan, OKINAWA SOBA's photostream is history that is rich in fact and images. Once you visit his photostream, you will most likely return, time and again. My sincerest gratitude to the man for his dedication and historical contributions. Robert L. Huffstutter, editor.
(The old panel truck is not in O.S.'s photo--I added it for purpose of composition--and humor)

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

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.
Robert L. Huffstutter
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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 ?

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/

Uploaded by Okinawa Soba on 14 Apr 08, 9.05AM PST

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Yamashita Park


Yamashita Park
Originally uploaded by shinnygogo
yes.......a lot of changes since 1963

Yamashita Park

Uploaded by shinnygogo on 7 Jan 07, 1.32AM PST.

YAMATO TRAIN STATION 1963 JAPAN 日本

MEMORIES OF A JAPAN OF ANOTHER TIME AND ERA...the Japan I shall always love and remember, the Japan where my fires of spring were first ignited...and now recalled, once again, almost fifty years later.

YAMATO TRAIN STATION 1963 JAPAN 日本
Originally sketched this in pencil at the station and later turned it into pen and ink. Note the expressions on the faces of onlookers in rear windows of last car.

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 7 Oct

Friday, December 11, 2009

WALKING TO T. ENAMI'S PHOTO STUDIO IN YOKOHAMA -- A Trip to the Photographer Over 100 Years Ago

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES OF YOKOHAMA; I NOTE THAT OUR FLAGS ARE FLYING SIDE BY SIDE. AND THEY ARE FLYING SIDE BY SIDE ONCE AGAIN...My gratitude to Okinawa Soba
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE IMAGE BY OKINAWA

WALKING TO T. ENAMI'S PHOTO STUDIO IN YOKOHAMA -- A Trip to the Photographer Over 100 Years Ago
You are looking Northwest on Benten Street in Yokohama. We have just passed the studio of Kozaburo Tamamura, and the sign T. ENAMI PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO (I have inserted a red arrow that points to it) is beginning the emerge from behind another sign that blocks it from view. The red ball hanging in the air just beyond the red arrow is a sign for an Ivory Carvings shop. A little further on is where Kimbei Kusakabe opened his first studio. Many other Studios would come and go on this street over the years, making it the "Photographers Row" of Japan.

Although Enami's place seems insignificant from where we stand, from it flowed what would become the largest stereographic record of Japan to come from a single studio. Enami's beautiful 3-D images surpassed in sheer numbers and quality the work of any other identified Japanese photographer during Japan's first 100 years of photographic history. Enami would also produce some of the best lantern-slide images that are now found in many photographic Archives and Institutions of the world.

Of course, he started out like the rest of his more famous contemporaries by taking portraits of tourists, and producing over 1000 large albumen photograph titles. These large, hand-colored images were hand printed under the sun in multiple copies for many years to meet world-wide demand. Today, these images are usually found mounted on cardboard pages from the Souvenir Albums of the 1890s

More about Enami at www.t-enami.org/

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

Uploaded by Okinawa Soba on 10 Apr 08,

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Michisakari local sake, Izumiya Restaurant, Gifu, Japan

ONE BEAUTIFUL STILL-LIFE......impossible to be still after a few drinks of sake..........oh, yes, I have drank sake. I still have some of the huge bottles I brought back from Yokohama. All empty, of course.............I added this to my Japanese gallery and to my BLOGABOUTJAPAN. Thanks for your many excellent photos that permit to revisit Japan, time and again. Someday, hopefully, I shall return. Rob
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Michisakari local sake, Izumiya Restaurant, Gifu, Japan
Michisakari local sake, Izumiya Restaurant, Gifu, Japan, July 2008: 三千盛 'three thousand peak/prime/zenith'

Uploaded by Joel Abroad

Ueno, Tokyo


Ueno, Tokyo
Originally uploaded by D A I
HAVE YOU PURCHASED YOUR ANTI-TRIX-BY-SOCIALISTS-INSPECTION GLASSES YET? GET THEM IN TOKYO ASAP.......

Ueno, Tokyo

Uploaded by D A I on 4 Oct 09, 6.32AM PST

Entrance side of Kobuntei villa in Kairakuen, Mito

THE PERFECT PHOTO FOR AN ARMCHAIR PAINTING BY AN ARMCHAIR TRAVELER
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Entrance side of Kobuntei villa in Kairakuen, Mito
Entrance side of Kobuntei villa in Kairakuen, Mito, March 2006

Uploaded by Joel Abroad

Toyopet Crown RS-L, 1958

Toyopet Crown RS-L, 1958
Toyopet Crown RS-L, 1958, Toyota Automobile Museum, Nagoya, Japan, July 2009: designed for export to the U.S.

Uploaded by Joel Abroad

THIS AUTO, IN ALL OF ITS SIMPLICITY, IS EXCITING AS HELL...IT MAKES MY HEART RACE BACK INTO ANOTHER TIME AND PLACE....THANKS TO JOEL ABROAD FOR SOME SUPER PHOTOS...

Saturday, December 5, 2009

MID-PACIFIC, U.S. NAVY 1964

MID-PACIFIC, U.S. NAVY 1964

OF COURSE IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SAY SAYONARA...

MOST ALL OF US CAN REMEMBER A TIME, PERHAPS A DAY, WHEN...we had to make a decision about how we wanted to spend our future, what we wanted, what we needed, who needed us, and what our hearts told us what we should do for the rest of our lives.

Two roads diverged in a woods, and I took one of the two...and I cannot imagine having taken the other one now. I just don't go there too much anymore...