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, September 16, 2009

Japanese matchbox label

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.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

SKETCHES OF JAPAN IN 1962: EDITED WITH PICNIK

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

Monday, September 7, 2009

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.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

MY SINCERE THANKS AND GRATITUDE TO YOU

MY SINCERE THANKS AND GRATITUDE
TO YOU, THE MANY PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO HAVE PERMITTED
ME TO EXHIBIT THEIR PHOTOGRAPHS IN OUR BLOG,
BLOGABOUTJAPAN
THANK YOU
Robert L. Huffstutter

JAPAN 1961


JAPAN 1961
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter
SHORTLY AFTER ARRIVING IN JAPAN, I PURCHASED A PETRI at the Navy Exchange in Yokohama. It had the "new magic eye" or built-in light meter, a feature I thought would make a great difference in that I would not have to worry about Fstops and all the technical aspects. It was, in reality, a forerunner of the AUTOMATIC FEATURE. In other words, it was a point and shoot.

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

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

Superset


Superset
Originally uploaded by David Kyle Craig
THIS MAGNIFICENT PHOTOGRAPH, by David Kyle Craig, is one of my favorite photographs of a "rising sun." Although it was taken somewhere up in the California mountains where my friend, David, resides, it reminds me of a rising sun I have so often seen and remember when I lived in Japan many years ago. David Kyle Craig is truly one of America's best photographers. I suggest that all who see this image take the time to view his many magnificent photographs of the USA. Editor, Robert L. Huffstutter'
_____________________________________________________
Uploaded by David Kyle Craig on 12 May 09, 12.51PM PDT.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

natsu no hajimari

natsu no hajimari
gion matsuri yoiyoiyoiyama - kyoto city, kyoto.

Uploaded by ponkan @machine troubled... on 14 Jul 09, 4.20PM PDT

Monday, August 24, 2009

PERFECTION IN CONTRAST BY PETIT IN TOKYO



Originally uploaded by PETIT™
I WILL NEVER FORGET THE DAY I GOT OFF THE PAN AMERICAN JET THAT FLEW ME TO TOKYO IN AUGUST OF 1961. ONCE I WENT THROUGH CUSTOMS AND WAS OUTSIDE THE AIRPORT, I TOOK A DEEP BREATH AND LOOKED AROUND.

JAPAN. COULD I REALLY BE IN JAPAN? AMERICANS WERE THERE TO GREET US AND DIRECT US TO THE RIGHT BUSES. I WAS PUT ON A NAVY GREY BUS AND THE JOURNEY TO ATSUGI NAVAL AIR STATION BEGAN.

ONCE THE BUS BEGAN ITS JOURNEY THROUGH THE NARROW STREETS AND I SAW ONE UNIQUE CITY SCENE AFTER ANOTHER, I FELL IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT WITH JAPAN. PETIT'S PHOTO REMINDS ME OF ONE OF THE MANY SCENES I SAW THROUGH THE BUS WINDOW.

CHECK OUT PETIT'S FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM FOR SOME GREAT PHOTOS OF JAPAN. ROBERT L. HUFFSTUTTER, editor.........

.Uploaded by PETIT™ on 19 Aug 09, 12.09PM PDT

machi no akari kirakira

I LOVE CATS AND I LOVE JAPAN, THUS....THIS PHOTO HAS TOUCHED MY HEART IN A WAY I CANNOT EXPLAIN. THE LIGHTS IN THE BACKGROUND ARE REFLECTING SO MANY FOND MEMORIES I HAVE OF JAPAN AND OF THE CATS I HAVE KNOWN AND LOVED THROUGHOUT MY LIFETIME. A STRANGE COMBINATION, I KNOW, BUT WHO KNOWS OUR MINDS? THANKS TO PONKAN FOR THIS PHOTO. PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SEE SOME MARVELOUS PHOTOS OF JAPAN...and more cats. Robert L. Huffstutter
___________________________________________________
machi no akari kirakira
kyoto city, kyoto.

Uploaded by ponkan @machine troubled... on 18 May 09, 7.28AM PDT.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Street - Yokohama


Street - Yokohama
Originally uploaded by Quietude
This street looks most familiar. Do you remember if there is or ever was a small coffee shop here. It was named, Wein. Coffee, soft French music and wine was the feature for the romantic clientiele who lingered and listened to the music. Only steps away were bookshops were many English Penguin Brand books were sold. When I returned home to the USA, I was amazed at the number of books I had purchased. Many of the books that were written about Japan at that point in time were published by the Charles Tuttle Company. Through the years, I have acquired some fine collectible books about Japan, including a rare book by Heardon. You have taken some great local shots of Yokohama. I really enjoy them. Thanks, Robert

Street - Yokohama
Nihon Ohdori street in Yokohama.
Contax T3

Uploaded by Quietude on 14 Jan 06, 7.26AM PDT.

Ohanami


Ohanami
Originally uploaded by Quietude
CAT
CONTAX T3 with PROIA 100 RDPIII

Chinatown

Uploaded by Quietude on 1 Aug 09, 5.32AM

CAT


CAT
Originally uploaded by Quietude
OH, YOU LUCKY CAT...HE IS WHERE i WOULD LIKE TO BE THIS WEEKEND, IN YOKOHAMA'S CHINATOWN........EDITOR

CAT
CONTAX T3 with PROIA 100 RDPIII

Chinatown

Uploaded by Quietude on 1 Aug 09, 5.32AM

Nipponmaru


Nipponmaru
Originally uploaded by Quietude
HOW WONDERFUL IT MUST HAVE BEEN. ONE GREAT CELEBRATION...Thanks to Quietude for permitting exhibition of this great photograph. Editor
___________________________________________________
Nipponmaru
150 Years anniversary of Yokohama
Osanbashi
CONTAX T3, TMAX400

Uploaded by Quietude on 12 Aug 09,

BROCHURE FOR JAPANESE INN 1960S

BROCHURE FOR JAPANESE INN 1960S

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 15 Feb 09, 6.04PM PDT.

SKETCH OF TRIP TO HAKONE 1963--HUFFSTUTTER'S JAPAN 001

SKETCH OF TRIP TO HAKONE 1963--HUFFSTUTTER'S JAPAN 001

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 12 Jul 09, 9.10AM PDT.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

BLOGABOUTJAPAN:


BLOGABOUTJAPAN:
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter
THANKS for stopping by. BLOGABOUTJAPAN is a collection of photos and memories.

Many of the photos in the blog are mine, taken with a Petri 35 MM during my tour of duty, long ago.

Most of the photos, however, are from photographers whose work appears on Flickr (registered trademark and copyrighted by FLICKR) and who were kind enough to permit me to exhibit their photos in my blog.

This is a non-commercial blog. It has, as far as I know, no outside affiliations or connections. All of the photographs are the property of the individuals whose name or user name appears on the photo or is linked to the photograph. Most of the guest photos have links that will take the viewer to the photographers Flickr Photostream or website.

Your comments are appreciated. If you have photographs of Japan you feel would fit into the mood and attitude of BLOGABOUTJAPAN, please comment.

My blog is not associated with the National Geographic; I simply collect National Geographics and felt this cover would express some of the moods and the attitudes shared by others who share a lifelong interest in Japan.
____________________________________________________
BLOGABOUTJAPAN:

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 20 Aug 09, 5.17PM PDT.

Friday, August 14, 2009

A610_IMG_0420


A610_IMG_0420
Originally uploaded by mari-ten
IN THE HEART OF THE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT.......IT LOOKED MUCH DIFFERENT IN 1961, BUT IT WAS STILL ONE EXCITING PLACE TO BE FOR AN 18 YEAR OLD LAD. I AM SO PROUD OF HOW JAPAN HAS FLOURISHED AND SUCCEEDED.

ANOTHER PHOTO BY mari-ten..............click on their site and go immediately to their fantastic photos on Flickr. A tour through Japan without leaving your PC screen. I am enjoying it immensel. Robert L. Huffstutter
___________________________________________________

A610_IMG_0420
The bright lights of Shinjuku

Uploaded by mari-ten on 6 Jul 09, 8.11AM PDT

A610_IMG_0482


A610_IMG_0482
Originally uploaded by mari-ten
ONE OF THE BEST PHOTOS OF THE JAPANESE COAST I HAVE SEEN. WHILE I WAS IN JAPAN IN THE EARLY 60S, THE COAST WAS NOT NEARLY AS ACCESSIBLE AS IT SEEMS TO BE TODAY. THERE WAS AN INCIDENT WHEN THE YOUNG LADY I WAS WITH WAS STUNG BY A JELLY FISH, THUS THE TRIP TO THE BEACH ENDED WITH MORE THAN A BIT OF PAIN. THANKFULLY, SHE WAS WELL IN A FEW DAYS. I LOVE JAPAN AND IF I GET THE CHANCE, I WILL VISIT THE COAST A BIT MORE. THANKS TO MARI-TEN WHO SHOT THIS FANTASTIC COASTAL PHOTO......

A610_IMG_0482
Looking down the coast

Uploaded by mari-ten on 8 Jul 09, 8.29AM PDT.

A610_IMG_0634


A610_IMG_0634
Originally uploaded by mari-ten
A610_IMG_0634
Pagoda at Toji

Uploaded by mari-ten on 21 Jul 09, 6.41AM PDT.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

One of the night in Saporro #15

IF I HAPPEN TO MAKE THE TRIP, I WILL STOP HERE FOR SOME TEA......AN EXCELLENT NEON SHOT. CONGRATS ON A MARVELOUS LOOK AT HOKKAIDO............

_____________________________________________________
One of the night in Saporro #15
Hokkaido (the second largest of the four main islands of Japan; north of Honshu)

Uploaded by travelhaha on

She is charming


She is charming
Originally uploaded by travelhaha
SUDDENLY, I AM REMINDED AGAIN, OF THE GREAT BEAUTY OF THE JAPANESE WOMAN..........A BEAUTIFUL PORTRAIT............
_She is charming
日本北海道旭山動物園 Asahiyama Zoo

Uploaded by travelhaha on 12 Jan 09, 6.50PM PDT.

____________________________________________________

Hokkaido winter color


Hokkaido winter color
Originally uploaded by travelhaha
日本北海道支笏洞爺湖國立公園
_____________________________________________________

YOUR PHOT IS WORK OF ART. I WOULD LIKE TO PUT THIS AND A FEW OTHERS IN MY BLOGABOUTJAPAN.............Robert L. Huffstutter
_____________________________________________________
Hokkaido winter color
日本北海道支笏洞爺湖國立公園
Toyako Lake

Uploaded by travelhaha on 3 Jan 09, 8.12AM PDT.

The snow steps are so interesting

THIS APPEARS TO BE A TRADITIONAL ROOF...with snow. It is a most unique shot, one like no other I have ever seen and I have studied Japanese homes from the ground up. Am I correct in my identification of the subject? This photo, dear photographer, is a masterpiece, a photographic haiku, a joy, a scene to study. You have created within my mind a desire to see Hokkaido. Robert
_____________________________________________________

The snow steps are so interesting
Hokkaido (the second largest of the four main islands of Japan; north of Honshu)
地獄谷

Uploaded by travelhaha on 1 Jan 09, 5.50AM PDT.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

yoyogi_parasols01-800

UMBRELLAS AND BEAUTIFUL WOMEN, my fondest memories of Japan. They are forever linked in my mind. So many times, in Enoshima, Yokohama or any area, there were smiles beneath each umbrella grasped in the hands of Japan women, young and old. There was always a certain joy in a slow pace during a steady and light rain that made the ancient lanterns and old stone walls reflect the light like a watercolor reflects light.
_____________________________________________

yoyogi_parasols01-800
www.persimmonous.jp

Uploaded by persimmonous.jp on 3 Aug 08, 3.04AM PDT.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Rain and steps - a recurring theme today

IT SEEMED LIKE EVERYTIME I VISITED ENOSHIMA IT RAINED

March's Engrish


March's Engrish
Originally uploaded by Andy in Tokyo
WHAT MORE CAN I SAY THESE NON SMOKING SIGNS FOLLOW ME EVERY WHERE I GO.........THANKS TO ANDY IN TOKYO FOR TAKING THIS PHOTO SO I COULD PUT IT IN MY BLOG.Chck out the rest of his fantastic photos by clicking on the site below.


March's Engrish

Uploaded by Andy in Tokyo on 30 Mar 09, 4.47AM PDT.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

geijutsu-maru-800


geijutsu-maru-800
Originally uploaded by persimmonous.jp
geijutsu-maru-800
www.persimmonous.jp

I have just reviewed many of PERSIMMONOUS' PHOTOS and have totally captivated by each and every one. As one who has lived in Japan, though it was nearly 50 years ago, I still feel a moving spirit of Japan as I view these photos. For those who love Japan, this photostream is a must view. Robert L. Huffstutter

15nov15b-800


15nov15b-800
Originally uploaded by persimmonous.jp
15nov15b-800
www.persimmonous.jp

Uploaded by persimmonous.jp on 11 May

suginami_girl_band


suginami_girl_band
Originally uploaded by persimmonous.jp
suginami_girl_band
A girl band in front of the Suginami Ward Office

Uploaded by persimmonous.jp

Monday, July 20, 2009

TROLLEYS AND TRAMS OF YOKOHAMA






STREETCARS OF YOKOHAMA HEADED BACK IN TIME

MORE TROLLEYS AND STREETCARS OF JAPAN, THANKS TO MY FRIEND, QUIETUDE. IT WAS QUIETUDE'S RESEARCH THAT HELPED ME TO RENEW OLD MEMORIES IN MY MIND OF THE STREETCARS OF YOKOHAMA.

HOW MANY TIMES IN THE LATE EVENINGS WHILE IN YOKOHAMA DID I LOOK AND LISTEN TO THEIR MUSIC, THEIR CLICKING AND CLACKING, THEIR SUDDEN SPARKS AND SOMETIMES LARGE FLASHES, HOW MANY TIMES?

OH, TO SEE THOSE CARRIAGES OF ANOTHER ERA IN REALITY INSTEAD OF DREAMS WOULD BE LIKE A ROMANCE THAT TIME DID NOT END.

THERE WOULD BE NO MORE IMAGES OF A SHORELINE DISAPPEARING IN A MISTY MORNING FOG.

I WOULD BE ON A
TRAIN HEADED FOR YOKOHAMA TO CATCH A TROLLEY BOUND FOR MOTOMACHI AND
END UP AT THE WEIN.


A RAMBLING POEM ABOUT ANOTHER
TIME AND PLACE,
ANOTHER ERA.
BY R.L. HUFFSTUTTER










THE STREET CARS OF YOKOHAMA...



WIEN COFFEE SHOP, YOKOHAMA 1962 & 1963

A VERY SPECIAL COFFEE HOUSE SOME SPECIAL MEMORIES

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Autumn Color


Autumn Color
Originally uploaded by Quietude
Asakusa
The town of Asakusa celebrating new year putting bunch of lanterns at the shrine.

Uploaded by Quietude on 4 Feb 06, 2.52AM PDT.

THIS IS A PHOTO THAT COULD BE A PRIZE WINNER.

Asakusa


Asakusa
Originally uploaded by Quietude
Asakusa
The town of Asakusa celebrating new year putting bunch of lanterns at the shrine.

Uploaded by Quietude on 4 Feb 06, 2.52AM PDT.

China Town


China Town
Originally uploaded by Quietude
THIS IS A CLASSIC. I LOVE THE UMBRELLAS, THE REFLECTIONS, THE SUBDUED NEON. IT IS TRULY A JAPANESE CLASSIC OF A CHINATOWN I WELL REMEMBER BUT WITH A TIME SPAN OF ALMOST FIFTY YEARS IN THE PAST.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

1960s advertisement for Fujiya Hotel

ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IMAGES OF MT FUJI THAT I HAVE SEEN IN MY LIFETIME. THIS IS THE ESSENCE OF THE JAPANESE ILLUSTRATION DEPICTING THE FAMOUS MOUNTAIN. THE RED BORDER AND THE COLORS COMBINE TO CREATE A MINDSET OF JAPAN IN THE MIND OF THE WESTERNER. THE EDITOR
____________________________________________________

1960s advertisement for Fujiya Hotel
"Fujiya Hotel,
Natural Hot Springs
Miyanoshita (Hakone)
Japan
Only 1 1/2 hours from Yokohama"

This hotel still exists.

Uploaded by motortree

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Friday, July 10, 2009

JAL ~ Japan Airlines ~ One World

JAL ~ Japan Airlines ~ One World
Honolulu International Airport

Uploaded by Brian Howell on 31 Jul 08, 8.45PM PDT.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

TOUR OF DUTY IN JAPAN

Robert Frost (1874–1963)


The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference
Posted 5 hours ago. ( permalink | delete

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

MY THANKS TO THE GUEST PHOTOGRAPHERS

I EXTEND MY DEEPEST THANKS AND GRATITUDE TO ALL OF THE PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO HAVE GRANTED ME PERMISSION TO EXHIBIT THEIR PHOTOGRAPHS IN MY ONLINE JOURNAL, BLOGABOUTJAPAN...THIS BLOG. I TRULY APPRECIATE THEIR EFFORTS IN HELPING ME PRESENT ONE OF THE WORLDS MOST BEAUTIFUL NATIONS AND A COUNTRY THAT I LOVE DEARLY THROUGH THEIR PHOTOS.

THANKS TO EACH AND EVERY GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER.
Robert L. Huffstutter

Motomachi in rain


Motomachi in rain
Originally uploaded by Quietude
Motomachi in rain
DSCF2782
Dec 26, 2006

Uploaded by Quietude on 26 Dec 06,