Ex Japanese Tram on "Old Pueblo", Tucson Arizona

Ex Japanese Tram on "Old Pueblo", Tucson Arizona
Originally uploaded by Tram Painter

Ex Japanese Tram on "Old Pueblo", Tucson Arizona

The moment (just now) I saw this in TRAM PAINTER'S FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM, my mind returned to another time and another place: Yokohama, 1961 through 1963. This looks quite like the trolleys I loved to ride after dark, getting to one area to another. Taxis were affordable, but there were times when I loved to join in the mass transit and let my mind fill with the sounds of the Yokohama night. And these trams and the language gave my mind the energy it needed.
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My friend, John Meadley took this with his cell phone. It was the "Operational Street Car".
John is in Arizona on business but took time off to indulge in one of his passions, old public transport.

Uploaded by Tram Painter on 26 Jul 10, 2.51AM PDT.

KINTAI BRIDGE

KINTAI BRIDGE
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

YOKOHAMA HARBOR 1961 WATERCOLOR

YOKOHAMA HARBOR 1961 WATERCOLOR
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

One might think that I reside in Japan and spend much of my time sketching and painting the sights and scenery. While this is what I would really enjoy, and hope to do sometime in the future, my sketches and painting are usually the subjects of dream, memories. Sometimes, what we see in dreams is what we have seen at some time during our lifetimes. Such is the case with scenes like the one above.

My fear is that my work might become to generic, however, as one gets older, sometimes the details of youth become more accurate, and they become revelations of another era, the years between then and now lifted like a fog to make the scene more clear, a revelation of the past made clear in a dream for the joy of capturing the moment once more.

If you have not yet visited my online-only blog, BLOGABOUTJAPAN, here's an invitation:

CHINATOWN IN YOKOHAMA, 1961

CHINATOWN IN YOKOHAMA, 1961
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

My latest watercolor with pen and ink, one of my memories of Yokohama. When these memories come back, I try to capture them as soon as possible.
What we see in dreams are often what we saw in life.

CHINATOWN IN YOKOHAMA, 1961
Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 9 Aug 10, 11.04AM PDT.

historic fujiya hotel.

historic fujiya hotel.
Originally uploaded by daronakira

historic fujiya hotel.
The first western style hotel in Japan. Google it. Famous people stayed here. Now people like me can stay there.

Uploaded by daronakira on 27 Jun 05, 5.56AM PDT
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ONE OF MY FAVORITE HOTELS IN JAPAN DURING THE EARLY 60s
Yes, and people like myself, not yet famous, but working on fame. But to make a long story short, this was one of my favorite hotels for weekend getaways while living in Japan during the early 60s. It offered a world of serenity and was the essence of all things traditional in Japan. Yen was 360 per dollar back then, thus a serviceman in the USN could easily afford the prices.

It was a time when the American dollar was strong and in demand, but of course we had to change our MPC into Yen before departing the base. Whatsmore, it was not legal for service personnel to transact business using the American greenback.

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower
Originally uploaded by Tim Slessor

I CAN'T REMEMBER IF THIS WAS HERE IN THE 60S. AND IF IT WAS, I CAN'T RECALL GOING TO THE TOP...
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Tokyo Tower

Uploaded by Tim Slessor on 5 Jul 10, 11.00AM PDT.

85600001

85600001
Originally uploaded by Tim Slessor

YES, TOKYO HAS CHANGED SINCE THE 60S AS TIM SLESSOR PROVES THROUGH HIS TOUR OF THE ISLAND EMPIRE. I BELIEVE, HOWEVER, HE HAS MOVED ON TO LONDON NOW...
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85600001

Uploaded by Tim Slessor on 5 Jul 10, 11.04AM PDT.

MY FINAL POEM ABOUT ENOSHIMA By Robert L. Huffstutter

MY FINAL POEM ABOUT ENOSHIMA By Robert L. Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

Upon waking on many mornings,
I am, for a moment, young again
and walking these ancient
stone steps of Enoshima,
alive with thoughts of a future
filled with the joys of
afternoon rains and time
for gentle romance.

We walk, hand in hand, her
smile so subtle, so sensual,
so full of the hope we had
for walking the steps of
stones of many nations
in our love affair that
began by chance, but
reality ends the dream
and I could cry, but no more tears
remain, just gentle rain and doubts
about how quickly dreams
disappear through the years.

2008_0710Halagiyuku0094

2008_0710Halagiyuku0094
Originally uploaded by Homer1122

IT IS COMFORTING TO KNOW THAT...these impromteau fashion shows are still happening in some of Japan's larger cities.

I like this photo because it akin to a fashion statement for some segments of the youthful Japanese populace. While it has been a long while since I was in Japan, it's good to know that such impromteau fashion shows are still a happening event.
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2008_0710Halagiyuku0094
In 2008, I was walking the street and snapped shoot I am interested, when I was at Halagiyuku, Roppongi, Sapporo city.

Uploaded by Homer1122 on 28 Jun 09, 2.26AM PDT.

0722

0722
Originally uploaded by Homer1122

ANOTHER REASON I MUST GET BACK TO JAPAN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE...
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0722
Japan

Uploaded by Homer1122 on 26 Jul 10, 7.09AM PDT.

rainy street.

rainy street.
Originally uploaded by Momota.M

THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT A RAINY DAY IN JAPAN THAT IS UNIQUE, TOTALLY DIFFERENT THAN A RAINY DAY IN ANY CITY IN THE USA. PERHAPS IT MY MANY PLEASANT MEMORIES OF RAINY DAYS IN JAPAN, LONG, LONG AGO.
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My Rolleiflex came back from the repair shop : ) Welcome back to my home!

Yumi+.+ and I went to the shitamachi area seeking unique subjects.
Suddenly, we were caught in the strong rain!! This picture was taken when taking shelter from it ; )

Rolleiflex 2.8F xenotar
Kodak PORTRA 400NC
at Tokyo / Mukoujima

Uploaded by Momota.M on 1 Jun 09, 5.27AM PDT.

Meiji Period

Meiji Period
Originally uploaded by :s:k:y:clark:i:n:g:

IT WOULD HAVE BEEN INTERESTING TO HAVE LIVED IN JAPAN DURING THE MEIJI PERIOD. PERHAPS I DID...
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Meiji Period
2 Sen, Japan (1872-83)

Uploaded by :s:k:y:clark:i:n:g: on 5 Oct 09, 7.45PM PDT.

Compose your blog entry

KINTAI BRIDGE

KINTAI BRIDGE
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

A BRIDGE WITH MANY MEMORIES, A TIME WHEN I COULD SIMPLY BE A PAINTER AND A WRITER AND ME...

WAVE AT US

WAVE AT US
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

IT IS THE VERY ESSENCE OF ALL THINGS JAPANESE...but this is only my opinion. I see much in this wave that is energy and beauty combined, but the edges are so polite, so gentle, just the way I remember my wonderful time in Japan so many years ago.

My duty station at Atsugi on the Kanto plains in Kanagawa gave me a daily view of Mt Fuji and one that I see often when I am starting to doze off in dreams of the past.

Yokohama - Japan

Yokohama - Japan
Originally uploaded by Satoshi-O

THIS LOOKS LIKE THE PERFECT SPOT FOR CONVERSATION AND COFFEE...
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Yokohama - Japan
神奈川県横浜市中区

Uploaded by Satoshi-O on 20 Apr 10, 9.41AM PDT.

japanese bride and groom paper dolls

japanese bride and groom paper dolls
Originally uploaded by kirakirahoshi

THIS IS A MOST TRADITIONAL CEREMONY AND ONE THAT IS ADMIRABLE IN THAT MUCH OF JAPAN'S TRADITION IS ACCENTUATED IN MARRIAGE, ANOTHER REASON FOR THE HOMOGENEOUS NATURE OF JAPANESE SOCIETY AND JAPANESE POPULATION.
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__japanese bride and groom paper dolls

Uploaded by kirakirahoshi on 22 May 09, 12.12PM PDT.

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Neon and screen

Neon and screen
Originally uploaded by Tim Slessor

THERE IS A PHOTOGRAPHER IN JAPAN SHOOTING PHOTOS THAT I WOULD CHOOSE TO SHOOT...if destiny would send me back to Japan on assignment. His name is Tim Slessor and chances are you will be seeing quite a lot of his photographs here and in other media real soon, if not already.
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Neon and screen

Uploaded by Tim Slessor on 14 Jul 10, 6.08AM PDT.

WITH STUDENTS IN TOKYO 1961

WITH STUDENTS IN TOKYO 1961
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

EXCHANGING IDEAS WITH STUDENTS IN TOKYO IN 1961 AT IMPERIAL PALACE GATE. The exchange of ideas and general conversation was among the pleasantries of serving in Japan. Most of the students were proficient in English, whereas I was just beginning lessons in Japanese. Students were friendly, energetic and understanding about our past differences. It was this generation of students who took Japan to its economic heights of world success and progress through a corporate kind of free enterprise. Corporate and private enterprise has made Japan what it has become today minus the crime-rate. Japan's healthcare is probably one of the best anywhere on earth other than the healthcare plan our government has reserved for Congress and national leaders, elected and appointed.

Tokyo Woman

Tokyo Woman
Originally uploaded by humbletree

upon waking from a dream, I thought about an old and far away woman who was once as young as I was when we last bid our farewells...It is with this video that I remember her essence this early hour of the morning.
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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 PDT.

selfportrait_t JOHN M. BENNETT, RESEARCH AND STUDIES, JAPAN 1948 through 1961...

selfportrait_t JOHN M. BENNETT, RESEARCH AND STUDIES, JAPAN 1948 through 1961...
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

A COLLECTION OF PHOTOS and information from various public domain sites that offer information about the socio-economic issues of pre-war and post-war Japan through images and text. These photos and information are furnished for public information and education. URLS and original sites will be referenced as this project matures. NOTE: None of the photos in this set are mine.

DOING PHOTOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL RESEARCH IN THE ALLIED OCCUPATION OF JAPAN, 1948-1951: A Personal and Professional Memoir


Photographs taken by anthropologist John W. Bennett in occupied Japan, 1948-1951, (a few were made in the 1960's during his term at Waseda University), with comments on the photos by Bennett. Also included are extensive selections from Bennett's professional journal of the period, and other documents. Consisting of a personal and professional memoir, this site is also a record of a unique experiment in social analysis and research that focuses on a period of particular significance in the development of Japanese and international history, politics, economics, and culture.


John W. Bennett,
Author and Photographer
Washington University

Vanessa M. Hildebrand, Editor
Washington University

K. Elizabeth Townsend, Compiler
Washington University

John M. Bennett, Coordinating & Text Editor
The Ohio State University

Keith Lazuka, Web Designer
The Ohio State University


This manuscript is dedicated to Kathryn.


2003
The Rare Books and Manuscripts Library
The Ohio State University Libraries




This collection was prepared by John W. Bennett and assistants at Washington University (St. Louis) in 2001-2002. The photographic prints, negatives, and documentary material of which it is comprised have since been donated to The Rare Books and Manuscripts Library at The Ohio State University. Bennett's work was originally conceived as a book, edited and compiled by Vanessa Hildebrand and K. Elizabeth Townsend, who were doctoral candidates at Washington University. Bennett was Distinguished Anthropologist in Residence. Bennett's son, John M. Bennett, a Special Collections librarian at The Ohio State University, has re-edited the work and prepared it for this website, with the able assistance of Keith Lazuka, of The Rare Books and Manuscripts Library. We are all grateful to the comments and suggestions made by Richard Mitchell of the Department of History, University of Missouri, St. Louis; Maureen Donovan, Japanese Studies Librarian, The Ohio State University; and the late Herbert Passin, who figures so strongly in these pages, and whose comments are included in the form of footnotes.



--John M. Bennett, October 2003

library.osu.edu/sites/rarebooks/japan/2_photo s.html

Winter Morning

Winter Morning
Originally uploaded by uBookworm

This classic photo in uBookworm's photostream has further increased my love and joy for images of a Japan I knew 50 years ago. Thanks to the photographer for this great image that symbolizes a serenity that the world could use in these troubled times.
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Winter Morning
Sanju-sangendo, Kyoto.

Uploaded by uBookworm on 19 Mar 08, 7.06AM PDT.

Hotel New Grand, Yokohama

Hotel New Grand, Yokohama
Originally uploaded by shibuya246

Hotel New Grand, Yokohama
A display showing some of the old photos, china and typewriter that was previously used in the hotel.

Uploaded by shibuya246 on 21 Jan 10, 12.02AM PDT.
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One of my favorite hotels and one contracted with the U.S. Navy for incoming officers to stay until adequate BOQ or OFFICER HOUSING was arranged. It also served the same purpose for senior enlisted men and their families. As pertaining to women of commissioned officer status and the policy the Navy had with the New Grand, I am not certain. At one time, Japan had a unique policy about unescorted Western females who were seeking single status lodging in Japan.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SHIBUYA246 FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

enoshima causeway

enoshima causeway
Originally uploaded by Kurtz Law

My gratitude to the photographer, Kurtz Law, for permission to include this photograph in my BlogaboutJapan. Mr. Law has captured a view that I remember quite well. Back in the early 60s, the steps were easy to climb, but it would take much more time now. Mr. Law's photograph captures both the progress of construction, the progress that is inevitable in a nation where progress is essential, but moreover, his photograph retains the view of the causeway, though much wider and more efficient. Thankfully, the beauty of the traditional roofs has remained in reality and remembered quite well. Congratulations to Kurtz Law for photographs that awaken some fond memories of Enoshima nearly 50 years ago.

enoshima causeway

photographed by Kurtz Law on 25 Jun 10, 8.44AM PDT.

緑の侵略者

緑の侵略者
Originally uploaded by comolebi666

緑の侵略者
放っておいたらとんでもないことになるよね。
すんごい生命力。

Uploaded by comolebi666 on 21 Jun 10, 10.18AM PDT.

I cannot read the above, but this is one of the best photos I have seen in over 60 years of photo viewing.

going downstairs enoshima

going downstairs enoshima
Originally uploaded by Kurtz Law

My memories of Enoshima are many and fond. While browsing the Flickr photostream of Kurtz Law, I happened upon this photograph that defines just one of the numerous stairwells or stairs that one climbs to reach the summit of Enoshima Island.

If I have mentioned it once, I must have mentioned the rain of Enoshima a hundred times. "It always rained while I was in Enoshima. It was a light and gentle rain and began around two o'clock in the afternoon.

There was, as always in Japan, umbrellas everywhere the moment the rain began. The umbrellas of Enoshima are among my memories, but that is no surprise, I knew then that if I lived to an elderly age, I would never forget the umbrellas or the rain of Enoshima.

And as gently as the rain began, it stopped after about a half an hour and the sun came shining brilliantly through the passing clouds and once again created a myriad of colorful reflections upon the bay below. Having stopped into a sake shop for the duration of the rain, my sense of the reflections were enhanced by the joyful spirit of the sake.

While there are many small shops that feature miniature Dharmas and the other six symbols that usually comprise the group, I purchased the one that kept the sake spirit fresh and vibrant, thus among my keepsakes are a few of those momentos from Enoshima.

Someday, perhaps, I will return. Having changed my beverage choices a few years ago, I will try some coffee next time. And if I return, I will take an umbrella. My thanks to Mr. Kurtz Law, the photographer who granted permission to include his photographs in my BlogaboutJapan.

Photographs by Kurtz Law on 25 Jun 10, 8.44AM PDT.

ADD YOUR NAME AS A FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOGABOUTJAPAN...

Add you name to the FOLLOWERS of this blog and help me to get my blog to those who love Japan as I do. To be specific, I want the publicity, the laurels that might come from publishing a blog dedicated to Japan, a Japan of the 60s and a Japan depicted by photos of guest photographers.

The above photo is one of the first snapshots I took with my new Petri in 1961. It is the entrance to the famed Isasakcho (spelled a hundred different ways) shopping street in Yokohama. In 1961 and the early 60s, it was THE place to begin a day in Yokohama.

Lanterns, Osaka

Lanterns, Osaka
Originally uploaded by Fiona Michelet

roberthuffstutter says:
My fascination with Japan began in the late 1940s when I became aware of National Geographic Magazine, War and the mystery of the Orient. My fascination with Japan led to much more than fascination the day I arrived in Japan in August of 1961.

By the time of my departure in December of 1963, I was in love with Japan and it was a love affair and intense romance that would last a lifetime.

My ultimate dream would be a return to Japan, but then, would I really want the memories I cherish to dim upon finding old haunts and places where I stayed, places where there were memories of a youthful romance, razed and removed, like my dreams, and face the reality of fate as it was dealt, or as I helped create fate by failing to return as I had planned?
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Lanterns, Osaka

Uploaded by Fiona Michelet on 3 Jun 10, 6.18AM PDT.

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.

A SHORT ESSAY ESSAY ON THE O'FURO, the traditional Japanese bath by Robert L. Huffstutter
www.flickr.com/photos/huffstutterrobertl/tags/workinprogress

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 18 Oct 09, 11.31PM PDT.

gorgeous hotel

gorgeous hotel
Originally uploaded by mrcraige

A REMINDER OF THE 60S ECONOMY CLASS HOTELS IN YOKOHAMA AND TOKYO..........
gorgeous hotel
yanaka

Uploaded by mrcraige on 15 Jun 09, 3.59AM 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.

FOND MEMORIES OF A SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP

Sometimes, special friendships are not meant to last; the memories remain as young as springtime when a friendship ends in youth, not by choice, but by circumstance.

japanese_girlfriend_tiny

japanese_girlfriend_tiny
Originally uploaded by ferofax

FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, THIS IS AN INVITATION FOR A JAPANESE GIRLFRIEND, but visit FEROFAX photostream to get the details. Great graphics.

WIEN COFFEE SHOP, YOKOHAMA 1962 & 1963

WIEN COFFEE SHOP, YOKOHAMA 1962 & 1963
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

A POEM ABOUT A YOUNG LADY WHOM I MET WHILE IN JAPAN. WE SHARED MANY GREAT TIMES. WE FREQUENTLY MET AT THIS COFFEE SHOP ON SATURDAY MORNINGS...
If i think long enough
my mind will take me
back to youthful
hope and promises
broken by me.

Regrets,
i have a few but
Fate has a way
of having
its way
no matter the beauty of sakura
or the time shared with
springtime love. Does time make the pain
less intense?
No, it only makes it more
severe when the blossoms
are so intense, so real...

WIEN COFFEE SHOP, YOKOHAMA 1962 & 1963

YOKOHAMA'S CHINATOWN & PEANUT CLUB 1960S: a watercolor by R.L. Huffstutter

YOKOHAMA'S CHINATOWN & PEANUT CLUB 1960S: a watercolor by R.L. Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

YOKOHAMA'S CHINATOWN & PEANUT CLUB 1960S: a watercolor by R.L. Huffstutter

Evening Clouds Over Sankeien Garden Pond

Evening Clouds Over Sankeien Garden Pond
Originally uploaded by aeschylus18917

Evening Clouds Over Sankeien Garden Pond
Copyright © Daniel Ruyle
Sankeien Garden in Yokohama

Uploaded by aeschylus18917 on 13 Aug

Sankeien Garden, Yokohama

Sankeien Garden, Yokohama
Originally uploaded by Tokyo Views

Sankeien Garden, Yokohama
Image of tokyoviews.com

Uploaded by Tokyo Views on 1 Jun 10, 3.22AM PDT.

Hikawa Maru, Yokohama

Hikawa Maru, Yokohama
Originally uploaded by Tokyo Views

Hikawa Maru, Yokohama
Image of tokyoviews.com

Uploaded by Tokyo Views on 5 Jun 10, 4.07AM PDT.
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...it was a time for romance and we walked hand in hand like the two lovers we were and saw the sights of Yokohama, but that was long, long ago. A beautiful reminder of a beautiful time spent in Yokohama...

YOKOHAMA'S CHINATOWN & PEANUT CLUB 1960S: a watercolor by R.L. Huffstutter

YOKOHAMA'S CHINATOWN & PEANUT CLUB 1960S: a watercolor by R.L. Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

This area was like a magnet and attracted youthful Japanese and young servicemen. It was the happening place with the Peanuts Club open 24 hours featuring a variety of live bands on an elevator that moved up and down four floors of spirited, smiling customers.

I remember hearing a Japanese band singing Country and Western for the first time. Their outfits looked like they were from the Grand Ol' Opry with sparkling sequins and saddle-stiching. They did an excellent job, but it was the rock and roll that really got the place moving.

Young Japanese students in their mid to late teens frequented this club as did servicemen in their late teens. Oftentimes, dependents of the servicemen stationed in Japan would wander off base housing to get into the scene. It was a most eclectic group of young people rocking around the clock and sipping coffee, wine Kirin, Asahi and Coca Cola mixed with Suntory's version of Crown Royal.

Yokohama - Japan

Yokohama - Japan
Originally uploaded by Satoshi-O

Yokohama - Japan
神奈川県横浜市神奈川区

Uploaded by Satoshi-O on 20 Apr 10, 8.06AM PDT.
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I CAN NEVER TAKE THE TRAIN FROM TOTSUKA TO HAKONE AGAIN....Robert L. Huffstutter

There are rails in my own lifetime, too many really.
There have been times when I never took that return trip and now, now I wish I had. But that train is long gone,
and the station is probably gone too.

Too much time has lapsed for me to ever return.
I take comfort in the fact that sometimes great romances are only meant to last a short time and then end, leaving our memories forever young.

When I reflect, I see only the beauty in the face
I saw when our romance ended,
young as it was when we met.

It will be a romance that will never grow old.

Nagasaki Peace Memorial

Nagasaki Peace Memorial
Originally uploaded by musicmuse_ca

THIS IS ONE OF MANY PHOTOGRAPHS I MUST CONTEMPLATE WHEN I STUDY THE HISTORY OF WORLD WAR TWO. MY GRATITUDE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER
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Nagasaki Peace Memorial
This is a shot I took of one of thousands of memorials at ground zero in Nagasaki, right outside of the front entrance to the Atomic Bomb museum and memorial. There are so many reasons today to remember the over 75,000 people who died instantly when the second atomic bomb was dropped on Japan, 60 years ago.

Here is a site dedicated to remembering the atomic bombing of Nagasaki: Remembering Nagasaki.

This site was set up on the 50th anniversary of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It includes photographs by the Japanese Army Photograper, Yosuke Yamahata. On August 10th, 1945 he took his camera and documented the devastation left in the wake of the second atomic bomb dropped on a civilian population. The pictures are stark, terrifying and heatbreaking. Many of these are on display at the atomic bomb museum at ground zero in Nagasaki. These should be required viewing for everyone. Please take a look.

Uploaded by musicmuse_ca on 8 Aug 05, 7.03AM PDT.

The Search for Serenity Continues...

The Search for Serenity Continues...
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

ESSAY ABOUT THE ROOFS OF JAPAN:

Memories of my time spent in Japan during the early 1960s by Robert L. Huffstutter

When I first arrived in Japan, in August of 1961, my first impressions were so many and varied it is difficult to describe in a short essay, but it is an essay I have been writing in various form throughout these past years. Each mention I make of Japan is part of this ongoing essay, one that will only end when my life ends. So, to say that Japan made an impression on me is an understatement. From that first day in August so many years ago, my love and fascination for Japan has increased into volumes, many yet to be recorded, though I continue writing.

Now, about the roofs. The roofs of Japan are like no other roofs anywhere, their tiles, their decor, their natural blend into the ever-present shilouettes of the hills behind almost every scene in the old woodblocks, the early photographs, the contemporary photographs, and in almost each of my own paintings of Japan.

I love the roofs of Japan, the ones in your image, the traditional and classic. But not those roofs only, no, but the roofs of the lesser structures too, those wooden structures still remaining that were constructed in the 19th century. They were plentiful to the eye in the early 1960s and I hope there are many left.

But those roofs constructed to simply provide a roof over one's head have a certain type of charm too; they are not just slopes of plywood like so many I see in the USA, put up to keep the rain out and nothing more. No these economical roofs constructed to keep one dry in Japan do not forget tradition or heritage, thus even those roofs have a personality of their own, and they weather soon to appear as though they were built when Hearn was looking down at Yokohama from his hilltop abode.

But enough about the roofs, those with history and those built for residential purposes and commercial purposes. The eventually converge and meet in the metropolitan congestion of cities in Japan. My relationship with the cities of Japan is confined mostly to Yokohama. Yes, Yokohama, I knew it well for my time spent. It was Yokohama where I went for sketching, for a getaway on weekends, for a time to party, Oh, Yokohama, I knew you well. Your roofs were alway the subject of my visual delights as I rode the trains to and from Sagami-Otsuka.

They flew by me quickly on those trains that stopped at towns like Tsuruma, Yamato, and so many others before finally reaching the train station in Yokohama. Oh, what a mass of humanity going one way and another, quickly and briskly, soon to disappear in one shopping street and then another.

During my first few weeks of residence in Japan, my footsteps fell on many streets that fascinated me, but were not the streets where I had intended on going. I was always looking for Iza-zake-jo, that street where everyone seemed to want to be, where there were hundreds of paper lanterns hung at a most ornate entry, plastic cherry blossom attached to the many lines that run along the way, sakura, sakura, pink and beautiful even when the season was over. And always the joyful aromas of delicious curry and soba with strange spices I had never tried. The roofs, the roofs, with their diverse angles popping up with impressive dragon motifs and little symbols I knew nothing about.

The roofs of Japan, yes, they made quite an impression on me my first day in Japan, and on my last day in Japan too. As the vessel that took me away from my beloved left its wake from the pier at Yokosuka, heading for my country, there were tears in my eyes for a country I had loved from my very first day, and a country that I would love forever.
We had shared so many hours together; we had shared stories abot our families and we shared sad moments when she told me about her father, a man she never knew. She was the daughter of a Burma Road soldier and never returned home. She had shown me his photo once, and then never again. He had looked so young and handsome in his uniform. We understood that all was forgiven. It had not mattered to us. What had mattered had been the time we had spent sketching in Sankien gardens, in Yamashita park, in Hakone and by the side of little roads in villages when we just decided to let the trains take us where we wanted to go.

As my vessel moved away from the pier, we waved, she with a white hankerchief, me with my hand and then my hat until there was no longer an image but only a memory. And the ship moved beyond the horizon. She turned and returned to her home in the large apartment buildings of Totsuka; I stayed on deck of that large transport, leaning on the rail, still seeing what I imaged were the shilouettes of those eternal mountains, but they were ghost images only. When the sun finally set on the Pacific, I turned in for the night and wrote a letter.

The roofs of Japan appear in my paintings and in my dreams. When I return, the reality of those roofs will make me smile once again.

THIS ESSAY HAS NOT YET BEEN COMPLETELY EDITED FOR ERRORS............

JAPAN TRAVEL POSTER FEB 2010

JAPAN TRAVEL POSTER FEB 2010
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

This is one of the most important departments we have. It should be directed by one who has the expertise and knowledge required to keep our nation safe. When one who has taken the oath to protect and preserve the people and the Constitution admits to ignorance of the Arizona Law 1070 in that she did not read the bill, one might question this woman's abilities. This is my opinion, and the opinion of millions. It is time for the President to Fire and Hire a new director, one approved by Congress

THE PEANUTS CLUB IN YOKOHAMA: 1961, 1962, 1963...four floors with an elevator of live music

THE PEANUTS CLUB IN YOKOHAMA: 1961, 1962, 1963...four floors with an elevator of live music
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

IT WAS A SPOT WHERE MANY ROMANCES BEGAN. While many only lasted one or two nights, some lasted much longer_________

THE PEANUTS CLUB IN YOKOHAMA: 1961, 1962, 1963...four floors with an elevator of live music

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 11 May 10, 9.51AM PDT.

Yuuraku-gai St./遊楽街

Yuuraku-gai St./遊楽街
Originally uploaded by 慈朗-Yoshiaki

Yuuraku-gai St./遊楽街
There was an arcade in old days.This street (Yuurakugai-st) intersects main street after this.

Uploaded by 慈朗-Yoshiaki on 23 Jan 10, 7.00AM PDT.

THE OLD IMPERIAL HOTEL in PRE-WW2 TOKYO -- Frank Lloyd Wright's Masterpiece in Japan

THE OLD IMPERIAL HOTEL in PRE-WW2 TOKYO -- Frank Lloyd Wright's Masterpiece in Japan
Originally uploaded by Okinawa Soba

I STAYED HERE IN 1961: COST FOR A DECENT ROOM WAS ABOUT $10..................................HONEST. AND NOW IT IS GONE.
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Here we have T. ENAMI meeting up with the work of FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT. Wright's version of the Imperial Hotel, replacing those that came before it, opened on September 1st, 1923 -- the same fateful day on which the Great Kanto Plains Earthquake destroyed Enami's Photographic Studio -- along with most of Yokohama and Tokyo.

Thanks to Wright's modern building techniques that employed a large amount of steel girders and reinforcements, this hotel survived with only minor damage. Enami himself had rebuilt his studio on Benten Street and was back in business within two years.

After 45 years in service, the structure was finally razed in 1968 to make way for a new incarnation. Thankfully, conservation minded individuals assured that part of the Hotel was saved. Students of Wright's architectural works may continue to see and examine this original Entryway at Meiji Mura Architectural Park outside of Nagoya.

The new Imperial Hotel in Tokyo has also incorporated some pieces of Wright's embellishments as part of the public interior spaces --- at least I remember seeing some of it before passing out in the Bar after too many "Rum and Cokes".

For more on the long history of the place, and its many incarnations, see : www.imperialhotel.co.jp/cgi-bin/imperial_hp/index_e.cgi?a...

Frank Lloyd Wright was also a photographer, and a book of 50 of his photographs taken while in Japan has been published. (Try a used book connection thru amazon.com)

From a Lantern-slide by T. ENAMI of Yokohama. Ca.1923-28. For more on the Life and Times of Enami see : www.t-enami.org/


For the MOTHER LODE of T. Enami photographs here on the Web --- all CC rated for your creative use --- see this Flickr collection : www.flickr.com/photos/24443965@N08/collections/7215761388...


RANDOM SOBA : www.flickriver.com/photos/24443965@N08/random/

Casual Pose

Casual Pose
Originally uploaded by born1945

Thanks to BORN 1945 for adding this to the 40 years or older group of my Flickr Public Group about Japan. You can get there by following this photograph. It is an exceptionally clear photo for a vintage 1930, further evidence that the Japanese have been making some great cameras for a long time.
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Casual Pose
These are from my collection of vintage Japanese photos. I believe these all date from the 1930s or maybe earlier.

Uploaded by born1945 on 19 Aug 09, 3.28PM PDT.

Originally uploaded by Art of the Luggage Label

ww.flickr.com/photos/huffstutterrobertl/galleries/72157622878175369

Bhuddah

Bhuddah
Originally uploaded by softwareguy888

MOST IMPRESSIVE PHOTO that is visually pleasing and one that creates a certain peaceful serenity within my mind. To me, this is a most peaceful symbol of a positive religion and ideology.
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Bhuddah

Uploaded by softwareguy888 on 21 Apr 10, 2.37PM PDT.

UNIQUE PICTUREQUE IN EAST / WEST WAY...

Originally uploaded by utoutokumasan

5)大阪市北区中崎西　Nakazaki, Osaka.

Uploaded by utoutokumasan on 6 May 10, 2.25AM PDT
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There is an essence of the picturesque here that is shared by both the east and west, the occidental and the oriental. In the USA, one might imagine there would be ginham geese inside these dwellings. In Japan, there are probably the little dharma Bhudda and the legendary kitty cat. One very cool photo..

iyo_shinai2

iyo_shinai2
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

ONE OF THE TROLLYS THAT CONNECTED ONE PART OF THE CITY WTH ANOTHER...This is not my photo, but one that I captured while browsing the internet. I am seeking the name of the photographer who posted it.

THEN AND NOW #2 -- LOOKING SOUTH FROM MAEDA BRIDGE TO MOTOMACHI AND "THE 100 STEPS" (2006, New Yokohama)

THEN AND NOW #2 -- LOOKING SOUTH FROM MAEDA BRIDGE TO MOTOMACHI AND "THE 100 STEPS" (2006, New Yokohama)
Originally uploaded by Okinawa Soba

MY MEMORIES OF MOTOMACHI ARE MANY AND FOND...This location has transformed again and looks nothing like it did in 1963...
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THEN AND NOW #2 -- LOOKING SOUTH FROM MAEDA BRIDGE TO MOTOMACHI AND "THE 100 STEPS" (2006, New Yokohama)
You have just come from Picture #1 www.flickr.com/photos/24443965@N08/2409631100/ You are standing right in the middle of Maeda Bridge, taking advantage of the red light holding up the cars behind you ! (Directly over your head is an elevated expressway causing the shadow we are standing in. Cars and trucks high in the air are racing in both directions, following the path of the river that runs from right to left beneath you)

The "100 Steps" that used to be up ahead in front of you were never rebuilt, and you can no longer climb the hill there, either. The entire face of "The Bluff" from top to bottom is now covered with a grid of reinforced concrete anchored deep into the face of the cliff. It has become covered with ivy over the years, and now looks green again, seen behind the tall brick building that rises from the where the base of the Steps used to be.

Halfway ahead (past the girl on the bicycle) is the MOTOMACHI intersection. Turn left or right for the shop-lined avenue that was also a photographic staple of album views and numerous "Yokohama Postcards". And there you have it, another flickr "THEN AND NOW" from Old (and new) Japan.

If you have the "ALL SIZES" button over the image, you can go to the ORIGINAL size, and see how many signs you can read. Some are in English (or the Alphabet), starting with the THREE DOG BAKERY. Have fun !

Uploaded by Okinawa Soba on 12 Apr 08, 10.07PM PDT.