五反田駅

五反田駅
Originally uploaded by Danburg Murmur

A SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE TRAINS OF JAPAN: LOOKING BACK AT THE TRAINS OF 50 YEARS AGO. Thanks to the photo by Danburg Murmur for the photo that inspired my recollections.

Almost 50 years have passed since I rode my last train in Japan, it seems like almost yesterday. While in Japan from 1961 until New Years Eve of 1963/64, I rode the trains between Sagami-Otsuga and Yokohama almost every weekend. Yes, I took the train to Tokyo too. There were many times when I simply got on a train and let it take me to wherever it was going, spending more than a few weekends simply riding the trains and transferring from one to another.

On a few occasions, I ended up in faraway towns and was unable to catch the train until the following morning, so I spent my layover in a local sake house. I was always treated friendly and made to feel quite welcome. My heart warms when I recall those days of youthful adventure; I recall the gentle smile of the older gentlemen whose memories were full of much more history than mine, yet they extended hands of friendship.

I am so thankful to my friends in Japan, though some I only saw once. For a young American who had grown up in the midwest of America, my time in Japan was a most fascinating experience and has left me with many golden memories as I reach my golden years. Throughout the years since my departure, I have kept up with all of the news from Japan and about Japan.

I have watched Japan grow into a great nation with great new cities. It is with much admiration that I recall how much progress Japan has made in the last fifty years. Someday, I hope to return and ride those trains again.

五反田駅
Waiting to take the Yamanote line (山手線) to work

Uploaded by Danburg Murmur on 6 Jun 07, 2.26AM PST.

A Day in the Life of Tokyo Part 1

A Day in the Life of Tokyo Part 1
Originally uploaded by Vintage Lulu

IF YOU LOVE JAPAN, YOU WILL LOVE THIS FANTASTIC VIDEO BY Vintage Lulu.....

A Day in the Life of Tokyo Part 1

Uploaded by Vintage Lulu on 5 Nov 08,

farewell

farewell
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

SAYONARA....

桜 / Cherry

桜 / Cherry
Originally uploaded by *Sakura*

to see these
blossoms once again
some Springtime is one dream
yet to be fulfilled, but time might
grant this humble wish...
_桜 / Cherry
さくら / Sakura

Uploaded by *Sakura* on 10 Apr 07, 3.06AM PST
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TOUR OF DUTY IN JAPAN

TOUR OF DUTY IN JAPAN
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

Japan is one of the most beautiful nations on earth and the one thing that amazed me when I arrived in Japan was that one could go nowhere without seeing a scene that would make a great photo. But of course, I could not spend all of my time photographing; I had to earn my keep, take time for relaxation and conversation.

It was the conversation that led to a great romance that was meant to last for only a short season, but one that would live in my mind forever. When I recall my fondness for Japan, I am reminded of the joy I experienced the day I arrived and the joy I had each day of my tour, up until the last few minutes before it was time to sail.

Memories are memories, and sometime they are best enjoyed as memories and were, through fate, created for a short time to serve as joyful memories forever. One does not try to recreate what was perfect, one just remember the joy of that perfection.

TOTSUKA RAILWAY STATION: 1960S ERA

TOTSUKA RAILWAY STATION: 1960S ERA
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

TOTSUKA RAILWAY STATION: 1960S ERA
Sketch from memory put students waiting for train to Yokohama. Uniforms were quite neat, pressed and always looked great. The female students wore what looked akin to a Middy blouse with a sailor motif on collar. Very classical and attractive outfits for both boys and girls. I was surprised that many of the college students wore similar outfits.

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 7 Jan 10,

San-ai dream center

San-ai dream center
Originally uploaded by Yoshikazu Takada

San-ai dream center
Rainy holiday in Ginza street

Uploaded by Yoshikazu Takada on 24 Oct 09, 3.32AM PST.

SANKIEN PARK, YOKOHAMA 1963

SANKIEN PARK, YOKOHAMA 1963
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

SANKIEN PARK, YOKOHAMA 1963

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 5 Jan 10, 10.21PM PST.

ONLINE JOURNAL BLOGABOUTJAPAN

ONLINE JOURNAL BLOGABOUTJAPAN
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

JAPANESE LANTERNS.........Here's hoping you enjoy this journal. If you do, please leave a comment on my Flickr photostream. Thanks, Robert

bjs08_02

bjs08_02
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

JAPAN.........Vintage Japan, Retro Japan, Old Japan, all old tints and images from various collections. Should be in public domain as far as I know. Posted for informational and educational purposes, and for all who enjoy the history and beauty of Japan. Robert

香颂4

香颂4
Originally uploaded by Jenny @

ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADIES I HAVE SEEN...since departing Japan
____________________________________________________
香颂4

Uploaded by Jenny @ on 13 Dec 09, 5.50PM PST.

JAPANESE FISHING BOATS

JAPANESE FISHING BOATS
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

Memories of a Japanese fishing village. Back in the 1960s, one could journey down the coast that was passable and note all types of fishing boats and equipment. I was never met with any rudeness or impoliteness. I was always acknowledged with a smile and some curiosity.

What was a young American doing wondering far off the beaten path, down into the sleepy fishing villages from centuries long passed? In retrospect, I realize how extremely polite the Japanese were.

My memories of the time I spent are full of warmth. I wonder how many of those tiny villages remain? Someday, I might return, but in some respects, it is probably best that I don't; the memories of that tour are too valuable to return and realize that I have grown so much older while Japan has grown so much younger and so much more Western.

One fact we must all face: in our memories, those we saw for the last time long ago will always remain young and beautiful. Returning to Japan would make me face a reality that I do not want to face, that time has passed and things shall never be the same.

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 21 Oct 08

NEAT STREETS OF JAPAN: SEND US YOUR VIDEOS OF JAPAN'S NEAT STREETS ASAP

NEAT STREETS OF JAPAN: SEND US YOUR VIDEOS OF JAPAN'S NEAT STREETS ASAP
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

NEAT STREETS OF JAPAN: SEND US YOUR VIDEOS OF JAPAN'S NEAT STREETS ASAP

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 3 Jan 10, 9.18AM PST

IMG_9312.jpg

IMG_9312.jpg
Originally uploaded by GCLICKS

THE STREET OF JAPAN ARE NEAT...
IMG_9312.jpg

Uploaded by GCLICKS on 16 Sep 08, 10.40PM PST

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing
Originally uploaded by Mark Griffith

Shibuya Crossing
At the Shibuya train station in the Shibuya Distrct of Tokyo is a scramble crossing which is a 5-6 way crossing where all lights stop all traffic and then people just cross in every which way direction

I love the energy of this place, all the lights and all the people.

While there I "ran" out ot the middle and then just stood there and spun around to get a sense of everyone rushing by and the lights.

Uploaded by Mark Griffith on 11 Feb 09, 3.20PM PST.

Japanese Kanji Old Sayings Tatoo 005

Japanese Kanji Old Sayings Tatoo 005
Originally uploaded by tattoo4u

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FASCINATED BY KANJI. PART OF THE BEAUTY OF THESE CHARACTERS, FOR ME, IS THAT I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY MEAN, BUT THEIR DESIGN, THEIR ANGLES AND CURVES, THAT IS WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THEM. SOMETIME, I COULD BE SAYING HOW BEAUTIFUL A SIGN MIGHT BE AND IT COULD BE SAYING SOMETHING LIKE: HEY, STUPID, WHY DON'T YOU LEARN HOW TO READ THIS LANGUAGE IF YOU LIKE IT SO MUCH..............THERE IS ROOM FOR HUMOR IN MY LIFE.
___________________________________________________
Japanese Kanji Old Sayings Tatoo 005
To be back from the brink / to pull something out of the fire
Something in an extremely precarious position miraculously comes back from the crisis and re-gathers its strength

Download Tattoo Flash PDF (FREE)
[Japanese Touching Word Tattoo series]

Old Sayings

Printable Tattoo Designs | Tattoo4U

Uploaded by tattoo4u on 2 Sep 08, 7.51AM PST

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

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

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

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

Tokyo- Asuka hill- Cherry Blossoms- vintage postcard- 18-12-2009 20;59;40
Originally uploaded by Cairlinn

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....
__________________________________________________
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
____________________________________________________
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.

sweatshirt shop #1789

sweatshirt shop #1789
Originally uploaded by Nemo's great uncle

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
______________________________________________________
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.

SKETCHES FROM ANOTHER TIME AND PLACE 1963

SKETCHES FROM ANOTHER TIME AND PLACE 1963
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fgn9klW8wE&feature=related

japanese print from my collection

japanese print from my collection
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

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...

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

Mt. Fuji from Motohakone

Mt. Fuji from Motohakone
Originally uploaded by Jukka Vuokko

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

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

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

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
_________________________________________________

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

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

YAMATO TRAIN STATION 1963 JAPAN 日本
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

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

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

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

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
__________________________________________________
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,

Michisakari local sake, Izumiya Restaurant, Gifu, Japan

Michisakari local sake, Izumiya Restaurant, Gifu, Japan
Originally uploaded by Joel Abroad

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
___________________________________________________-

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

Entrance side of Kobuntei villa in Kairakuen, Mito
Originally uploaded by Joel Abroad

THE PERFECT PHOTO FOR AN ARMCHAIR PAINTING BY AN ARMCHAIR TRAVELER
_____________________________________________________
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
Originally uploaded by Joel Abroad

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...

MID-PACIFIC, U.S. NAVY 1964

MID-PACIFIC, U.S. NAVY 1964
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

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...

RURAL JAPAN, KANAGAWA PREFECTURE 1961

RURAL JAPAN, KANAGAWA PREFECTURE 1961
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

I JUST DISCOVERED A FEW HUNDRED EKTACHROMES TAKEN WHILE IN JAPAN AND I HOPE TO BE POSTING THEM AS TIME GOES BY........

Shortly after arriving in Japan, I purchased a little 90cc motorcycle, more akin to a Moped, but yet a motorcycle. For a guy who liked to get out in the country and shoot photos, it was the perfect little bike. It was difficult to get a passenger on the back, and within a few months, I no longer felt like sketching alone.

The cycle went for $25. Yes, some romantic young artist must still be motoring around the rural areas at this moment. My only fear, however, is that most of the rural area has disappeared. Such is youth; such is progress as time goe by.

a trip to Hakone began at the Railway Station...

HOTEL IN MOTOMACHI 1963

HOTEL IN MOTOMACHI 1963
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

BECAUSE I HAVE SO MANY IMAGES OF JAPAN AND THE PAST in my phototstream, I have had some friends suggest I return to Yokoham and go ambling about in all of my old haunts. Thanks, but no thanks; I have learned that the old adage "the more things change, the more they remain the same" is a tragic myth. It's impossible to go back, at least for me.

The error in this train of thought is that although there might be a few of the old haunts left, they would not be the same: those that were there, those who made the tour such a beautiful and romantic interlude would be absent. There is this matter of aging in the flesh; there is this matter of how quickly youth is spent.

There is the reality of the wrinkles that replace the rosy and sanguine cheeks and lips, the lustre of the hair and the light of hope in youthful eyes. No, there is no way to go back...

DAWN IS BREAKING IN YOKOHAMA: A SNAPSHOT FROM 1961

DAWN IS BREAKING IN YOKOHAMA: A SNAPSHOT FROM 1961
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

An industrial inlet or large canal connecting with the body of Tokyo Bay;specifically Yokohama Bay in 1963. Shot with a Petri 35 mm, one fine camera in the 60s. I shot many black and white photos. As is the case when one is moving about in the service, many of my photos were lost. Thankfully, some of my best were secure.
This photo has notes. Move your mouse over the photo to see them.

A SHORT ESSAY ESSAY ON THE O'FURO, the traditional Japanese bath by Robert L. Huffstutter

A SHORT ESSAY ESSAY ON THE O'FURO, the traditional Japanese bath by Robert L. Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

A SHORT ESSAY ON THE O'FURO, THE TRADITIONAL JAPANESE BATH By Robert L. Huffstutter

The most important issue to keep in mind when contemplating the o'furo is that it is not a hot tub to jump into and wash up. No, on the contrary, the sudsing, scrubbing and cleansing takes place prior to the entry into the very warm and sometimes a tad too hot, bath. Many of the baths are ceramic and tiled; the older ones are wooden, aged throughout the years dating back sometimes a century or more.

This is a time for the short bathing-style kimonos or bath jackets, often made with a cheesecloth or linen. One rule of ettiquette was to leave the sake back in one's room, but it's a rule that's flexible.

Many of the smaller hotels in Japan had the traditional ofuro, but it was bery basic and without adequate plumbing to fill and refill water buckets without going into a utility area.

Nevertheless, there was something unique about the bath in that one could truly feel the warmth of an age-old tradition.

If one had a guest, the guest was welcome to bathe as part of the accomdations. If one preferred, the hotel staff would fetch and carry the initial wash water and the subsequent tubs of warm, rinse water.

With or without company, the o'furo was a unique experience for most all who had never experience the fascination of the Orient. For this youth, it was especially memorable, having been accustomed to showers.
Posted 7 hours ago.

Oct 14, 2009

Oct 14, 2009
Originally uploaded by lazysupper

THIS IS A MOST UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPH. IT IS DRAMATIC AND EMPLOYS ONE OF MY FAVORITE ARTISTIC SYMBOLS OF JAPAN, THE RISING SUN. Although there are those who might be uncomfortable with the image, I find it historical and an image that identified the beauty and culture of Japan for many centuries. As I look at this photo, I can imagine the volumes of history that might be stored in the building below.

Oct 14, 2009
Uploaded with AirMe

Uploaded by lazysupper on 14 Oct 09,

12_t JAPANESE RESEARCH PROJECT 1948 through 1961

12_t
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

http://library.osu.edu/sites/rarebooks/japan/2_photos.html

Tokyo University

Tokyo University
Originally uploaded by SUNDANCE さんだんす

Tokyo University
Hasselblad SWC(CarlZeiss Biogon 38mm 1:4.5)/ILFORD XP2SUPER

Uploaded by SUNDANCE さんだんす on 5 Oct 09, 5.24AM PDT

from a print of Hiroshige Nagakubo

from a print of Hiroshige Nagakubo
Originally uploaded by mjdezo

from a print of Hiroshige Nagakubo

Uploaded by mjdezo on 1 Jul 09

MY BEST PHOTOGRAPH IN 50 YEARS

MY BEST PHOTOGRAPH IN 50 YEARS
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

MY BEST PHOTOGRAPH IN 50 YEARS
"my best photo in 50 years

OLD JAPAN WOODBLOCK PRINT

OLD JAPAN WOODBLOCK PRINT
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

AN ESSAY ON READING JAPANESE TEXT By Robert L. Huffstutter

A few days ago, you mentioned something about having to read a Japanese newspaper to find out who the other contenders in the Olympics were. That, of course, is of no concern now, but your mention of reading Japanese inspired more than a trifle amount of thought about reading Japanese.

One can only imagine how difficult it would be for English-speaking and reading populations to have to learn the thousands of characters it requires to read the news in a Japanese newspaper. Yes, a most admirable fete, learning the Japanese language. It is unfathomable for my occidental mind to comprehend where one would begin.

The thought of reading a Japanese novel would, for me, be a challenge of a lifetime. I have waited too long to learn the languages of the Orient. It would be, for all who learn and have learned, an accomplishment of a lifetime. I am understanding the mind of the Japanese just a little bit better by concentrating on the subject of how accurate their memory must be to visually know each character and where to put it in any kind of context.

This is just one of the many thousands of reasons I admire the Japanese and find Japan so fascinating.

japanese writing

japanese writing
Originally uploaded by sesshys gal

I can only imagine how difficult it would be for English-speaking and reading populations to have to learn the thousands of characters it requires to read the news in a Japanese newspaper. Yes, a most admirable fete, learning the Japanese language. It is unfathomable for mind to comprehend where one would begin. The thought of reading a Japanese novel would, for me, be a challenge of a lifetime. I have waited to long to learn the languages of the Orient. It would be, for all who learn and have learned, an accomplishment of a lifetime. I am understanding the mind of the Japanese just a little bit better by concentrating on the subject of how accurate their memory must be to visually know each character and where to put it in any kind of context. This is just one of the many thousands of reasons I admire the Japanese and find Japan so fascinating. Robert L. Huffstutter