A QUIET DAY IN JAPAN ENDED IN TRAGEDY

A QUIET DAY IN JAPAN ENDED IN TRAGEDY
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

MY THOUGHTS ABOUT JAPAN'S TRAGIC NATURAL DISASTER
By Robert L. Huffstutter

"If we don't have some fun while we are able to laugh, smile and grin, with others and even while alone, what is the purpose of our presence on Earth?

I just received this month's National Geographic with some delightful photos taken of the Milky Way by the Hubble telescope. I looked at them with awe and admiration. How great it would be to go soaring in an out of "old body" experience. To spend eternity exploring this vast universe, soaring, soaring, marveling at the sights, many never yet seen by any telescope.

I thought about this and suddenly I felt depressed again.

To go soaring in all of this beauty--alone? No, that would be cruel. Oh, for a few years, waiting to be reunited with a friend or lover or spouse, that would be a breeze. But to soar about in the vast universe alone forever would be, for me, very lonely. After a few years of this lonely flight, I would certainly be screaming for another spirit with whom I could share the beauty.

There is so much we do not know about life while we are living, it tires my mind to try and figure out the scheme of things.

Why, for example, are there great tragedies like the ones we have seen during our lifetimes? I am referring to natural disasters, events some consider "acts of God." Well, they have that right. Do I get mad at God? Let each person ask themselves this question.

Think of the tragedies our children, some as young as five, have seen in their short lives. When we think of the sorrows those in their 80s and 90s have experienced, it is amazing that they are still, in many cases, able to rise in the mornings and enjoy their tea and coffee.

Of course, many of these tragedies like World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the mass murders in Africa, all began by deranged leaders, the religious wars throughout the world, the domestic acts of terrorism, these are neither "natural disasters" or "acts of God."

Human cruelty-- it goes on and on; it is still going on, cruelty and depravity created by man--these are not the "acts of God" though there are those who will disagree.

What happened in Japan is a natural disaster, tragedy created and caused by the forces of nature--energy out of control caused by an earthquake on the ocean floor. Yes, I speak of natural disasters.

While I admire those who are spending their lives trying to "cure" global warming, I believe that this type of geographical error created by civilization is the least of our concerns. When all of the efforts and energy expended by the sincere men and women to keep the earth environmentally correct, we can see what nature can do to totally ____up an orderly and sane society, a disaster that was created by no man or woman but by the forces of nature.

It is easy to get mad at nature. I am totally disappointed with Nature. It is Nature that rules the earth, the universe-- not mankind, not womankind. When will we realize this?

Nevertheless, there are those, now, who will re- focus on the hazards of nuclear energy. It will become yet another new way to funnel money from government to the men and women who naturally find causes to create large and personal bank accounts.

There will be those who will try and charge Japan for whatever damages might occur from their nuclear energy plants. Mark my word, at this very moment, there are government officials in numerous nations trying to figure out how to make Japan pay for what is a natural disaster

By Robert L. Huffstutter

SKETCH OF A YOUNG LADY, TOTSUKA 1963

SKETCH OF A YOUNG LADY, TOTSUKA 1963 a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

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SKETCH OF A YOUNG LADY, TOTSUKA 1963

One image of many in a collection: Portraits of a Young Woman from Totsuka-1962 & 1963. All of the sketches were done while I was in Japan. Part of this collection remains in Japan.

SORROW FILLS MY HEART AND MIND

Stairways of Enoshima: My Final Poem About Enoshima by R.L.Huffstutter

Stairways of Enoshima: My Final Poem About Enoshima by R.L.Huffstutter a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

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Stairways of Enoshima: My Final Poem About Enoshima by R.L.Huffstutter
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.

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 7 Mar 11, 1.48AM PST.

ENOSHIMA, JAPAN TRAIN STATION, MAY 1962

ENOSHIMA, JAPAN TRAIN STATION, MAY 1962
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

Toyopet Crown RS41, 1963

Toyopet Crown RS41, 1963
Originally uploaded by Joel Abroad

WHAT A BEAUTY...and to think that they were used as cabs and taxis by the thousands in the Tokyo and Yokohama of the 60s...Thanks to Joel Abroad for a great Flickr Photostream of great photos.
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Toyopet Crown RS41, 1963
Toyopet Crown RS41, 1963, Toyota Automobile Museum, Nagoya, Japan, July 2009

Uploaded by Joel Abroad on 2 Aug 09, 8.51AM PST.

Datsun 1000 01

Datsun 1000 01
Originally uploaded by Florian1972

I ONLY WISH I HAD A BARN FULL OF THESE OLD BEAUTIES...They were economical, practical and easy on the gas. Besides, they remind me of the Japan of the 60s...Thanks to the Photostream of Florian1972


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Datsun 1000 01

Uploaded by Florian1972 on 5 Dec 08, 3.09PM PST.

NOODLE TRUCK WAS NEW THING IN 1961, YOKOHAMA

NOODLE TRUCK WAS NEW THING IN 1961, YOKOHAMA
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

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NOODLE TRUCK WAS NEW THING IN 1961, YOKOHAMA
The owner of Abe's Soba Shop was so busy he had to send out for noodles. Usually, they were delivered after dark, but on 13 September 1962, a new driver, Moto-san, made the mistake of delivering in the daylight hours. While nobody said anything, the secret was out, Abe was sending out for Chinese. Nevertheless, Abe's shop continued to prosper as the older buildings were razed and replaced with concrete fascades with decorative lines. He still kept the lantern lighted.

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 21 Jan 11, 12.11PM PST.

NEW YEAR'S DAY, 1 JANUARY 1962, THE GINZA

One of my best friends in the squadron and I decided to celebrate the end of 1961 by spending it in the night clubs of the Ginza. I had arrived in Japan in August and had not yet met the young woman who would accompany me on future New Years eves while in Japan. To make this caption brief, we had a good time, spent a lot of Yen at some of the high-class clubs and didn't get a wink of sleep all night. We returned to NAS Atsugi later in the day, exhausted and ready to begin another year of our Navy career. My friend went on to flight training in Pensacola and became a naval aviator. I continued in my tour with VQ-1 until I was transferred back to the USA in 1964.

Rainy Night in Shibuya - 渋谷で雨の夜

Rainy Night in Shibuya - 渋谷で雨の夜
Originally uploaded by pjacobs13

THIS IS A FANTASTIC SHOT. Great composition. Great in black and white. B/W would have been my choice for this one too. Glad you used both languages for description. That will be personally helpful to me for any art work I might do. I have, however, always associated umbrellas with Tokyo and most any city in Japan, rain or shine.
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Rainy Night in Shibuya - 渋谷で雨の夜
Uploaded by pjacobs13 on 21 Apr 09, 3.59AM PST

Mt. Fuji 18

Mt. Fuji 18
Originally uploaded by uchi uchi

A BEAUTIFUL REMINDER OF MY TIME IN JAPAN, 1961-1963. This is beautiful work and reminds me of silk paintings, work we all cherished, purchased and sent home to our family. We saw the mountain and it was pure beauty.

Mt. Fuji 18
Brushes on iPad

Uploaded by uchi uchi on 29 Oct 10, 8.10PM PST.

Compose your blog entry

OLD MOTOMACHI, OPEN SHOPS 1962, YOKOHAMA By R.L.Huffstutter

OLD MOTOMACHI, OPEN SHOPS 1962, YOKOHAMA By R.L.Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

OLD MOTOMACHI, OPEN SHOPS 1962, YOKOHAMA By R.L.Huffstutter

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 19 Jan 11, 2.17PM PST.

BAR TIGER, THE GREATEST LITTLE BAR IN SAGAMI OTSUKA 1961

BAR TIGER, THE GREATEST LITTLE BAR IN SAGAMI OTSUKA 1961
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

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BAR TIGER, THE GREATEST LITTLE BAR IN SAGAMI OTSUKA 1961
NO MEMBERSHIP CARDS REQUIRED, JUST A YEN FOR A GOOD TIME...
SEXY-BAR-MAIDS PR-FEMALES YEN SAGAMI-OTSUKA BAR-TIGER ATSUGI JAPAN-1960S FUN-SPOTS OPEN-ALL-NIGHT BEAUTIFUL-WOMEN GREAT-TIMES GRRRREAT-TIMES

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 14 Jan 11, 11.17AM PST.

Omotesandou - 表参道

Omotesandou - 表参道
Originally uploaded by pjacobs13

Omotesandou - 表参道
Tokyo's Champs-Élysées (or 5th Avenue), looking very festive as the New Year approaches.

Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
東京都渋谷区

Uploaded by pjacobs13 on 31 Dec 10, 4.05AM PST.
MY GRATITUDE TO PJACOBS13 FOR THIS MARVELOUS PHOTO'S APPEARANCE IN BLOGABOUTJAPAN...

THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG

Thank you for visiting this blog. It's my favorite blog and the one I tend to as much as possible. There are many imperfections within this blog; there are words spelled in error and grammer that needs attention, so thanks for your patience. My initial purpose for beginning this blog was to simply share my experiences enjoyed in Japan during my tour of duty. It was only 28 months, but they made a lifelong impression on both my mind and heart.

This blog is made possible through the cooperation of the photographers and artists who have permitted me to include their works in my blog. Where possible, I have tried to give credit to those who created works and photography more than a century ago. Many of the photos of the really vintage nature are from the 19th century. Many of the 20th century works are from the archives of government cites, Wikipedia and other sources.

Naturally, where my photos and art are displayed, you will see my byline. As far as followers, I would like to have many; I want to share this blog with all who have interests similar to my own. So, if you enjoy my blog, please comment or become a follower and receive updates each time new material is posted.

Tokyo Woman

Tokyo Woman
Originally uploaded by humbletree

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 PST.

Street in Yenoshima

Street in Yenoshima
Originally uploaded by New York Public Library

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Street in Yenoshima
Digital ID: 110029. Kusakabe, Kimbei -- Photographer. 188-?-189-?

Notes: Number in Negative, 1011

Source: Japan. / Kimbei Kusakabe. (more info)

Valley in Kaho Town

Valley in Kaho Town
Originally uploaded by pokoroto

Valley in Kaho Town

Uploaded by pokoroto on 14 Sep 08, 7.37PM PST.
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The depth of this photograph is difficult to describe.
It is the various hues and shades of green that affords visual pleasures unexpected; the finely manicured fields seperated by hedges and shrubs suggest pride and constant care of the fields.

This aeriel view is a treat in that it enables the mind to see the reality of agriculture and its associated beauty above and beyond the field or mere hilltop levels.

The depth of this photograph is difficult to describe but the photographer has captured an image of unique beauty, one of mistique and awe.
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La profundidad de esta fotografía es difícil de describir. Se trata de los matices y tonos diferentes de verdes que ofrece placeres inesperados visuales; los campos y elegante manicura separados por setos y arbustos sugieren la atención el orgullo y la constante de los campos. Esta vista aérea es un placer, ya que permite a la mente para ver la realidad de la agricultura y su belleza asociados por encima y más allá del campo o los niveles de mera cima de la colina. La profundidad de esta fotografía es difícil de describir, pero el fotógrafo ha capturado una imagen de singular belleza, una de las Mistique y temor.

VINCENT VAN GOGH'S SECRET VISIT TO YOKOHAMA

VINCENT VAN GOGH'S SECRET VISIT TO YOKOHAMA
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

VINCENT VAN GOGH ACCESS TO CAMERAS WERE LIMITED...but his friend, Abe Yamashita, managed to take the sets of photos he wanted for works if his time in the Orient became limited. There were those in the government in Paris who were concerned about Vincent's presence in Japan once they learned he was in Yokohama. There were arguments, however, about Vincent's exact location and they knew that by the time they located him and tried convincing him to return, he could be off in some picturesque little inn near the Inland Sea., Theo, however, was not too concerned; he knew that once his brother found the comfortable and serence place he liked, he wouldn't likely move for any reason.
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Credits for this photo are listed in other areas of this blog where this photo appears. It is from a collection at the New York Public Library

Lake Shikotu-ko Chitose-city introduction 千歳市紹介

Lake　Shikotu-ko　Chitose-city introduction 千歳市紹介
Originally uploaded by Chitose-Kim

Lake　Shikotu-ko　Chitose-city introduction 千歳市紹介
Chitose is located at a latitude of 42 degrees north, and borders Sapporo, the political, economic and cultural center of Hokkaido. The city is also situated in south-central Hokkaido and at the southern end of the Ishikari Plain. At New Chitose Airport (one of Japan’s major hubs), 33 domestic routes, 11 international routes to six countries and 21 international charter routes to 13 countries are in service (as of 2007). Additionally, Tomakomai Port, which hosts international container routes, is located approximately 26 km from the city center (30 minutes by car). The city is constantly developing as a domestic and international physical distribution base as well as an important transportation hub.
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MY COMMENTS ABOUT THIS EXCELLENT PHOTOGRAPH

My first impression upon viewing this marvelous photograph concerned the elements of our lifetime. It would be up to us to add the fire, but one can sense the photographers energy as it associates with lively sky, the waves lapping at the shoreline, the boulders and the rocks still in the process of becoming sand. Yes, it was energy and beauty combined that became visual in an abstract manner.

To be less philosophical, let me say simply that I think it is one of the best scenes I have viewed.

CONGRATULATIONS TO CHITOSE-KIM FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPH.
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Uploaded by Chitose-Kim on 14 Dec 10, 1.36AM PST.

VAN GOGH'S SECRET VISIT TO JAPAN: COLLAGE #1 by R.L.Huffstutter

VAN GOGH'S SECRET VISIT TO JAPAN: COLLAGE #1 by R.L.Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

VAN GOGH'S SECRET VISIT TO JAPAN: COLLAGE #1 by R.L.Huffstutter
STUFF IN BOXES AND OLD REMINDERS OF ANOTHER TIME AND PLACE
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Do you suppose Vincent would have enjoyed the Bar Mickey or the Club Latin Quarter? I'll put my money on the Latin Quarter. Bar Sparta is not even in the picture. It is probable that Van Gogh would have enjoyed painting the shrines. I was fascinated by the shrines upon my arrival, but the perspectives and complexities were just too much for me. I had so many other events scheduled that taking time to do the shrines right would have consumed a considerable amount of time. Perhaps, on my return I will try some plein-aire shrine painting

THE OLD TRAMS OF YOKOHAMA 1960S by R.L.Huffstutter

THE OLD TRAMS OF YOKOHAMA 1960S by R.L.Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

The street cars of Yokohama will forever remain in my mind; they were a fun way to get around. Because there was 360 yen to the dollar when I was in Japan, many of us used taxis more than street cars, but they were forever a presence in my mind. I recall one night, near the bund, when I consciously reminded myself that at some time in the far future I would recall the spark, the sound, the streetcars of Yokohama.

AN ESSAY ON SAKE AND LIFE

AN ESSAY ON SAKE AND LIFE
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

FIRST CLASS FLIGHT TO TOKYO 1961

FIRST CLASS FLIGHT TO TOKYO 1961
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH JAPAN BEGAN LONG AGO
CHAPTER ONE
My love for Japan began long before I arrived at Tokyo International Airport in August 1961.

The flight from San Francisco in a Pan American 707 was joyful. After a brief stop in Hawaii, we were told that our next stop would be Japan. Kimono clad women employed by the Japan Tourist Bureau served us Kirin and Sapporo beer in-flight.

The captain announced we were flying over Midway Island and shortly afterwards, we were affored hot towels rolled and foled in a unique manner. Some of us sailors were curious about the towels and unrolled them, wiped our brows and disposed of them. The attendants laughed politely and demonstrated how the hot towel should be pressed to our brows and over our eyes, a resfreshing introduction to what we would remember later when we were able to enjoy the ofuro.

Of course, that did not happen aboard the plane; it was mentioned by some of the older servicement who had been to Japan. So we pressed the steaming towels to our brows, then over or eyes. It was a refreshing event and one that I still perform upon waking.

When the plane arrived, we were met by special buses that drove us to our new duty stations, Atsugi Naval Air Base.

Chapter Two will be posted if there is anyone interested in my tour of duty in a New Japan.
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FIRST CLASS FLIGHT TO TOKYO 1961
Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 17 Aug 09, 7.39PM PST.

Street Car Sapporo 1963

Street Car Sapporo 1963
Originally uploaded by asachitose

Street Car Sapporo 1963

Uploaded by asachitose on 22 Aug 10, 6.46AM PST.
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If only I had taken a trip to Sapporo while I was in Japan, I would be equally as impressed, I am sure, with Hokkaido and its cities as I am with Honshu. Well, maybe next time. If I make it back, I will certainly spend time in Northern Japan. Thanks for exhibiting these rare and unique photos of another time.

MEMORIES OF CHINATOWN, YOKOHAMA 1961

MEMORIES OF CHINATOWN, YOKOHAMA 1961
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

ONE OF MY FLICKR FRIENDS...who lives inNorthern Japan led me to a website with some great history of the YOKOHAMA TRAMS:

www.japaneserailwaysociety.com/jrs/members/na ito/hmtrm/hm...

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MEMORIES OF CHINATOWN, YOKOHAMA 1961
Pen, ink and watercolor by Robert L. Huffstutter, memories of my time in Yokohama in early 60s.

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 9 Sep 10, 7.38AM PST.

REMEMBERING THE YOKOHAMA TROLLY CARS

REMEMBERING THE YOKOHAMA TROLLY CARS
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

REMEMBERING THE YOKOHAMA TROLLY CARS

Oh, Chinatown Night*

There was never a better ride, especially as it passed the old embassy area near the harbor. On Saturday nights, the old cars seemed to fly by the bund at 80 miles an hour to finish up the night.

If I recall, the trollies stopped running at midnight. This was the Yokohama of the 1960s.

But the night was only just beginning as the taxis poured into the narrow streets of Chinatown where the air was thick with sweet perfumes and powders. There was never a night in Chinatown where men were lonely or sad. The sound of both occidental and oriental music blended in the Yokohama night, each club with different decor and beautiful women in silk and denim, sometimes both.

The small soba shops between the clubs packed it in square cartons to go as the wee hours of the loving morning embraced the dawn. Footsteps and laughter drifted into the night, up one narrow alley after another narrow street, up stairs, and then the hush of another night, whispers not heard and maybe never remembered.

The trollies began rolling with the sunrise and by dawn, the neon faded and another night in Yokohama was history, memories shared by many for awhile, for some longer.

Robert L. Huffstutter

*There was a song most servicemen of all nations of that era remember quite well, "Oh, China Night."

LET'S GO TO CHINATOWN FOR A FEW DRINKS: 1960 YOKOHAMA

LET'S GO TO CHINATOWN FOR A FEW DRINKS: 1960 YOKOHAMA
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

I HAVE ALMOST 2,000 OF THESE MATCH BOXES IF I CAN ONLY FIND THEM...
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LET'S GO TO CHINATOWN FOR A FEW DRINKS: 1960 YOKOHAMA
Thank you for including my matchbox map in your most unique gallery. If only I could use these maps to take me back to the joys of another era.

www.flickr.com/photos/frauhaus/galleries/72157625376486199

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 10 Aug 10, 4.06PM PST.

ONE OF MY BEST PHOTOS OF JAPAN: PETRI CAMERA, 1962

ONE OF MY BEST PHOTOS OF JAPAN: PETRI CAMERA, 1962
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

ONE OF MY BEST PHOTOS OF JAPAN: PETRI CAMERA, 1962


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

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SAILING INTO FUJI

SAILING INTO FUJI
Originally uploaded by Okinawa Soba

SAILING INTO FUJI
Beautiful.

THIS IMAGE is one of several examples of a largely ignored facet of Old Japanese Photography -- a genre called "TAISHO ART" or "TAISHO PICTORIAL PHOTOGRAPHY". The pictorialism movement in Japan reached its peak during the reign of EMPEROR TAISHO (1912-26), thus the name attached to the genre. See the extended comments at the set link for PICTORIALISM IN OLD JAPAN just to the right of this picture.

Uploaded by Okinawa Soba on 28 Mar 08, 12.48PM PST.

STANDING IN AIR OVER MT. FUJI -- Japan's Sacred Mountain Subdued Under a Bridge

STANDING IN AIR OVER MT. FUJI -- Japan's Sacred Mountain Subdued Under a Bridge
Originally uploaded by Okinawa Soba

Your photograph is very special. It is one of my favorites. The colors you captured are magnificent; your framing is artful. To summarize, your photograph is a masterpiece, a work of art.

MT FUJI CANNOT BE DEFINED BY WORDS. This is my opinion and the opinion of writers throughout the world. Nevertheless, writers continue to describe its beauty in poetry, in long and elegant streams of prose and in brief but powerful text in geography books. When all is written and read, the sight of this sacred symbol in Japan, the sight of this most famous mountain throughout the world leaves the viewer almost breathless and bewildered; its beauty is beyond description in graphic text or letters; there is no poem powerful enough to create the emotion that sight of this mountain creates in one's heart and mind upon seeing Mt Fuji for the first time.

A MOST SERENE AND BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPH...of my favorite mountain. Most people I talk with tell me it is impossible to see Mt Fuji from Yokohama. I tell them that in the early 1960s, I could see Mt Fuji almost any day from Atsugi, and quite frequently while in Yokohama, I could see the beautiful symbol of Japan.
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STANDING IN AIR OVER MT. FUJI -- Japan's Sacred Mountain Subdued Under a Bridge
What can be said here ? Odd and unusual. Arty in some kind of way, because of the non-standard arrangement of the objects in the view. Any photographer worth his salt in Old Japan would place Mt. Fuji OVER the bridge...and UNDER some overhanging branches of twisted pine, or branches of flowering Cherry Blossoms. But not this guy. He stuck the old volcano under a Bridge...with people in the sky, instead of Fuji's majestic peak. Good Show. It's nice to find old stuff like this...at the bottom of the box where nobody wanted it. However, I'm sure there are plenty of nuts on flickr (just like me) that will immediately like this shot. Ca.1900 albumen print.

Uploaded by Okinawa Soba on 1 Apr 08, 11.03PM PST.

A SLOW DAY ON BENTEN STREET, YOKOHAMA -- The #1 International Shopping District During the Late Meiji Era, and the "PHOTOGRAPHERS ROW" OF OLD JAPAN (With Some Notes on the BRINKLEY SETS)

A SLOW DAY ON BENTEN STREET, YOKOHAMA -- The #1 International Shopping District During the Late Meiji Era, and the "PHOTOGRAPHERS ROW" OF OLD JAPAN (With Some Notes on the BRINKLEY SETS)
Originally uploaded by Okinawa Soba

THIS IS WHERE VAN GOGH WOULD HAVE STAYED PART OF THE TIME IF HE HAD VISITED JAPAN...
My gratitude to the members who have opted to make their work available for exhibition in the Flickr gallery feature.

When I started my galleries, I didn't know how addictive this could become; I didn't realize how many great photographers and artists are members of Flickr and offer hours and hours of entertainment viewing masterpiece after brilliant masterpiece.

I now have more than 500 galleries and have enjoyed creating almost each one. Thanks to all of you. Robert

SOMETIMES IT HURTS TO HURT...

SOMETIMES IT HURTS TO HURT...
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

THE DECISIONS ONE MAKES IN YOUTH WILL FOREVER FOLLOW US THROUGH LIFE. This is a statement that is not Divine wisdom by any means, however it is a statement few of us really understand until we reach the age when we know that life will not go on forever, a feeling many of us had in our youth.

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I THOUGHT ABOUT THE YOUNG WOMAN I BADE FAREWELL TO ON THAT DAY IN DEMEMBER OF 1963? HOW MANY DAYS HAS IT BEEN SINCE OUR HANDS LAST TOUCHED? HOW MANY DAYS HAVE PASSED? NO, I DO NOT WANT TO COUNT THEM--IT IS TOO PAINFUL. WAS IT FATE THAT ENDED OUR ROMANCE? I CANNOT SAY. I WILL WRITE A NOVEL SOMEDAY EXPRESSING MY FEELINGS ABOUT OUR ROMANCE, A STORY ABOUT A YOUTHFUL ROMANCE THAT WAS IDEAL. PERHAPS IT WAS MEANT ONLY TO LAST AS LONG AS IT DID--A SHORT TIME. WHATEVER THE CASE, THERE HAS NOT BEEN A DAY THAT HAS PASSED THAT I HAVE NOT SEEN HER FACE IN MY THOUGHTS, THOUGH I STOPPED WHISPERING HER NAME MANY YEARS AGO. SOMEDAY, I SAID, I WILL WRITE THE BOOK ABOUT YOUTHFUL ROMANCE BETWEEN EAST AND WEST. IT WILL BE A POSITIVE AND UPLIFTING ROMANCE WITH A LESSON: FOLLOW YOUR HEART AND YOU WILL NEVER HAVE REGRETS, YOU WILL NEVER HAVE TO WONDER IF YOUR DECISION WAS RIGHT OR WRONG.
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SOMETIMES IT HURTS TO HURT...
When sailors depart, they usually have someone they love to share the moment of departure. How many of these overseas romances continue is subject matter for novels. James Michener wrote one, "Sayonara" that says much about these departures.

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 19 Nov 10, 3.33PM PST.





Sometimes i am too honest

sometimes i think i open my heart too much

sometimes i cannot forget memories

i am who i am and what i am

i cannot pretend to forget what is heavy on my heart

this is the price i pay for being an artist

this is what happens to one as they grow older, memories of youth grow closer........

OLD MOTOMACHI, YOKOHAMA 1962, pencil sketch by Robert L. Huffstutter

OLD MOTOMACHI, YOKOHAMA 1962, pencil sketch by Robert L. Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

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OLD MOTOMACHI, YOKOHAMA 1962, pencil sketch by Robert L. Huffstutter
Perhaps it is part of a photographic memory when it comes to subject matter, but after closing my eyes for a few minutes, this scene and many others comes to mind and affords me the view I needed to create a sketch of the Japan I remember so well. Motomachi was my favorite area of Japan for many reasons, some very personal, thus such a sketch was a joy for me and one I hope will be a reminder of the 60s for others who were celebrating their youth.

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 2 Nov 10, 5.15PM PST.

JAPANESE VILLAGE IN KANAGAWA 1962: Watercolor by Robert L. Huffstutter

JAPANESE VILLAGE IN KANAGAWA 1962: Watercolor by Robert L. Huffstutter
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

JAPANESE VILLAGE IN KANAGAWA 1962: Watercolor by Robert L. Huffstutter
JAPANESE VILLAGE IN KANAGAWA 1962: Watercolor by Robert L. Huffstutter. Mount Fuji in background. I often traveled the backroads of Kanagawa on a small motorcycle I had purchased for Yen 9,000. In 1962, there was 360 Yen per dollar. The little 90cc cost $25.00 U.S. It was a fun way to see the rural areas until I finall wore the little cycle out and began having to walk it up the steep hills. I remember a school bus of children looking at me peculiarly one afternoon as I slowly pushed the cycle up the hill. There was no outbursts or catcalls, just curious young people wondering why an American was out in the country (or in their country) pushing a little red motorcycle up a hill.

I soon met a friend and sold my old bike. Life became much more fun afterwards.

CONSIDERING JAPANESE CITIZENSHIP? THINK AGAIN!

CONSIDERING JAPANESE CITIZENSHIP? THINK AGAIN!
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

CONSIDERING JAPANESE CITIZENSHIP? THINK AGAIN!
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT BECOMING A JAPANESE CITIZEN?

Think again, it is not exactly like the US immigration policy, no not at all. Do I blame them for wanting to keep Japan a homogenous nation, preserving their traditions, religions and holidays?

Why in the world would the Japanese want to be forced into changing their entire history and lifestyle simply to please a few organizations that have nothing to do but bitch about political correctness, fairness, worship and gender preferences?

Thankfully, there is one nation on earth that has the sense to preserve their nation as they want. By Robert L. Huffstutter

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 13 Nov 10, 6.04AM PST.