Ginza with Taxis

Ginza with Taxis, a photo by S. Oyama on Flickr.

When the singer’s gone let the songs go on

When the singer’s gone let the songs go on, a photo by kasa51 on Flickr.

Your title for this photograph is a brilliant statement, advice for all who might be suffering the heartache of a love affair that was lost to time because of Fate. This, of course, is only my opinion, how I view your most intense images of posters advertising affairs of the heart.

If I am wrong, please accept my apologies. Aside from my personal attitudes about your composition, let me compliment you on photography that is very excellent

I have added your photo to several galleries. Hopefully, you will approve. Too, I have invited you to exhibit in several public groups.

You are a remarkable photographer. It would be a pleasure someday to follow you or accompany you on a photoshoot through your favorite areas of Tokyo and Yokohama. Thank you, Robert.
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When the singer’s gone let... by kasa51

Dinosaurs Born from Wood

Dinosaurs Born from Wood, a photo by taburinsdino on Flickr.

This exhibit is over. However, I found this informational poster most unique. For an interesting view of dinosaur models, I recommend you take a tour through TABURINSDINO's photostream. Follow the link to his photostream.
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Dinosaurs Born from Wood by taburinsdino

飲み喰い処・桜／Drink and eat area・Sakura

飲み喰い処・桜／Drink and eat area・Sakura, a photo by Kurosawa Michiyo on Flickr.

ONE OF THE BEST LANTERN PHOTOS I HAVE SEEN THROUGHOUT MY LIFETIME. A REAL MASTERPIECE.
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み喰い処・桜／Drink and eat... by Kurosawa Michiyo

Alley of bars

Alley of bars, a photo by kasa51 on Flickr.

Love the Suntory sign. This alley looks the same as the ones I saw in Yokohama almost 50 years ago.

The signs, the wires, the items outside the doors--they are all reminders of another era,the era of my youth.

Thank you for sharing this photo.

Alley of bars by kasa51

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Alley of bars by kasa51

A post

A post, a photo by kasa51 on Flickr.

I have many letters that were mailed in a Totsuka mail post like this.

Those letters are from long ago. They are letters I have not read for many years

_________________________________________.A post by kasa51

雑貨屋

雑貨屋, a photo by kasa51 on Flickr.

Another great photo. I am so glad these older buildings remain. It is how I feel about the older buildings in the USA also. I like the structures from the older eras.

One thing about some of your photography is the contrast you provide. While this photo could be very similar to an old woodblock print, a Hiroshige, for example, some of your work features very modern and contemporary architecture

This is a scene I could have seen nearly 50 years ago. There are really no signs that I can see that identifies it as taken only a few days ago. This is, in my opinion, a classic photo of old Japan, or old Yokohama.

I especially like the three levels that appear, two from the roofs, the third from the awning. I love the colors,the deep red of the roof; I like the weathered wooden wall at the right.

Yes, everything in this photograph is pleasing to my eye,thus I find joy in viewing this work.

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雑貨屋 by kasa51

4814 (Park Hyatt Tokyo)

4814 (Park Hyatt Tokyo), a photo by City View King on Flickr.

Yes, reserve this one for about a month. Are my JAL tickets ready? Okay, you get your choice of my best Japanese paintings and I will take the vaction. Wish it was that easy. What a fun way to spend a month painting and shooting photos from this luxurious hotel,PARK HYATT TOKYO. Editor RLH

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4808home - utrapan by City View King

4808home - utrapan

4808home - utrapan a video by City View King on Flickr.

COOL VIDEO FROM TOKYO PARK HYATT

I should book seats on a JAL for a six month vacation. Dream on, but it would be great. Oh, the joy....Robert, editor
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4808home - utrapan by City View King

臭突のある路地

臭突のある路地, a photo by kasa51 on Flickr.

THIS IS A CLASSIC. This is the type of photos that bring back fond memories of my life in Japan in 1961,1962 and 1963. It is an alley that is full of art images. The chrome of the bike fenders adds a highlight. I can imagine the bowing and polite words that are exchanged when the neighbors meet by chance in this shared and very small avenue. I would enjoy a studio in this area. Great photo in my mind. Thanks for sharing this work.
_________________________________________.臭突のある路地 by kasa51

Fishing Boats in Yokahama Harbor

Fishing Boats in Yokahama Harbor, a photo by Ohio University Libraries on Flickr.

Photographs by Cliff McCarthy.

Over 60 years have passed since these images were taken by Cliff McCarthy in and around Tokyo. At the time, McCarthy was an Air Force Sgt. As a way of passing time before his return to the United States, he borrowed a Speed Graphic camera from his 36th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron and explored his surroundings. In this collection you will find images of contrast and beauty within a society in transition.

“When you meet face-to-face, it’s an entirely different thing than the abstractness of war”, McCarthy said. “The humanity that we all possess emerges immediately. The act of photographing them was one of friendship.”

The photographs can be found as part of the permanent collection at Chubu University in Kasugai, Japan, Ohio University’s sister university.
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Fishing Boats In YOKOHAMA Harbor... is definitely one of the greatest photos of its kind that I have seen during my lifetime. It is a masterpiece, a photographic maritime original with no competition for a runner-up. Cliff McCarthy was one fabulous photographer as he shot these photos. RLH Editor

beer house

beer house, a photo by skschang on Flickr.

One of my favorite watercolors by Skschang. When you have time to take a tour of Hawaii, visit his Flickr Photostream. Follow the link to go to his photostream.

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beer house by skschang

beer house

beer house, a photo by skschang on Flickr.

THIS is one of my favorites of your work. I truly admire your style. (And if you will notice, it is a kind of style I have unknowlingly been trying to achieve for many years.) For many years, I did not paint. It has only been during the last three years that I have returned to painting, so it is kind of like starting all over again. It is because of work like yours and one of my favorie all-time artists, Don Kingman (some call him Dom Kingman) that I keep on trying.Editor
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beer house by skschang

Japan Air Lines DC-8

Japan Air Lines DC-8, a photo by n303wr on Flickr.

Japan Air Lines DC-8
Introducing the Douglas DC-8 jet airliner to the public in this ad which ran in the National Geographic.

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Japan Air Lines DC-8 by n303wr

Little Tokyo & City Hall

Little Tokyo & City Hall, a photo by feculent_fugue on Flickr.

When I returned from Japan in 1964, I lived everywhere for a little while. I never found an apartment here, but I found a few lounges I could hang in and remember. Nevertheless, it never was anything like Yokohama.

My compliments to Vicente A. for such a great Flickr photostream. Use this link to connect to his many excellent photos of Los Angeles, Hollywood and other west coast areas. RLH, Editor

late night dining in はくらく

late night dining in はくらく, a photo by owenfinn16 on Flickr.

late night dining in はくらく
late night dining in はくらく by owenfinn16

You meet the nicest people on a Honda, 1963.

You meet the nicest people on a Honda, 1963., a photo by v.valenti on Flickr.

I bought one when I arrived in Japan. It helped me get out into the countryside.

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A plane is a plane no matter what insignia it wears. I love planes and I love the color red. This is a beauty.

ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS

ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS
Sometime in the near future, I will be one one of these headed for Tokyo.

Rolls-Royce-Phantom_Drophead_Coupe_2008_1600x1200_wallpaper_02

Rolls-Royce-Phantom_Drophead_Coupe_2008_1600x1200_wallpaper_02, a photo by supermariosammy on Flickr.

This would be the beginning of a perfect day, a fantasy come true. Getting to Japan would be a wish come true, but the Rolls Royce would be like the icing on the cake. Great capture. Red and Rolls Royce gray are perfect colors together.

YOKOSUKA 1960S

YOKOSUKA 1960S, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

There was a great difference between Yokosuka and Yokohama.

For many sailors, Yokosuka is their first glimpse of Japan. Because of the time that has passed, Yokosuka might be entirely different than it was, but a tour through Flickr of current photos of Yokosuka, I see that it is much the same as it was in the early 60s, a "hello and good-bye" kind of town.

For many sailors, Yokosuka is remembered because of fun and fond memories that were transient, lasting only as long as their ship was in port. Thousands of sailors have enjoyed the 72 hour liberties granted them upon arrival at Yokosuka.

Depending on their missions, some port calls lasted longer, thus permitting a more personal tour of Japan and its tourist sites. During the 60s, Westpac cruises were one of the joys of being a sailor in the United States Navy.

Imagine, however, two carriers and the many auxillary vessels arriving in Yokosuka with half the ship's company enjoying liberty. Yes, it was quite a sight, guite a party. Shore Patrols were definitely required to stroll the narrow streets and alleys where the bars were filled with thirsty sailors and marines.

Most sailors had sense enough not to tangle with a Marine. If there was an argument over a girl friend, the young woman usually magically disappeared to keep harmony on the streets. The last thing anyone wanted was "off limits" signs to be posted.

Sailors who were authorized to spend liberties in Yokohama found their way to "Yokohama's China Town" for non-stop fun and games. China Town might have appeared closed at dawn, but appearances are deceiving, the parties continued.

This is simply a short introduction to the differences between Yokosuka and Yokohama. If time allows, I will record other comparisons.

tokyo story

tokyo story, a photo by arndsan アーンド　さん on Flickr.

A MASTERPIECE in the impromteau category of photographic excellence.tokyo story by arndsan アーンド　さん
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tokyo story by arndsan アーンド　さん

Some of the most picturesque things to be seen by the visitor to the Island Empire of Japan (LOC)

Some of the most picturesque things to be seen by the visitor to the Island Empire of Japan (LOC), a photo by The Library of Congress on Flickr.

THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE NEW YORK TRIBUNE, 31 JULY 1904
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Some of the most picturesque things to be seen by the visitor to the Island Empire of Japan (LOC)
New-York tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924

July 31, 1904, Image 43

Notes: Cover, illustrated supplement.

Format: Newspaper page, from microfilm

Rights Info: No known restrictions on reproduction.

Repository: Library of Congress, Serial and Government Publications Division, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA.

Part Of: Chronicling America (Library of Congress) (DLC) - lccn.loc.gov/2007618519

Persistent URL: chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030214/1904-07-31/ed-...

More information about the Chronicling America Web site is available at chroniclingamerica.loc.gov

SKETCHOGRAPHIC MEMORY OF A SAYONARA

SKETCHOGRAPHIC MEMORY OF A SAYONARA, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

High above, the dawn is breaking.
This will be our last goodbye,
For the carnival is over,
I will love you 'til I die.

Tom Springfield
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A POEM THAT FITS THE SCENE. SENT TO ME FROM A FRIEND,TRAM PAINTER...

Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's, a photo by Alex12Ga on Flickr.

There was no such store as a Ben and Jerry store when I was in Japan. There was no Mc Donalds, but there were plenty of other great places to shop. I arrived at the old airport in August of 1961 via Pan American. I rode the bus through the streets, a delight because there was no freeway at that time. Within 4 hours, I was at Atsugi, reporting to my squadron, VQ-1, at NAS Atsugi. It was a great time, 28 months I shall never forget.

It was a sad day when I had to say Sayonara shortly after celebrating Christmas of 1963. Departing Yokosuka on the USS GENERAL MANN, I had plenty of time to contemplate a chapter of my life that had just ended---forever. We sailed beneath the Golden Gate on my 22 birthday and I was home at last, never to be the same again. My memories of my time in Japan are golden as I have just turned 70. Where did the time go?

Throughout my time in Japan, the exchange rate was Y=360 per 1 U.S. Dollar, a great rate for shopping. Robert
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Ben & Jerry's by Alex12Ga

Tokyo by Night

Tokyo by Night, a photo by Luca Kun on Flickr.

A MASTERPIECE BY LUCA KUN
We are on Roppongi Hills Tower, the tallest skyscraper in Tokyo, 56th floor.
The view walking all around the glass walls is amazing, theTokyo Tower brights in red and white in the middle of the galaxy of other small lights.
More than that, it's like magic, I would never come back down.
A nice soft music all around, and this magic moving view like hypnotic.
TEXT BY PHOTOGRAPHER LUCA KUN
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Like viewing a field of gems and jewels sparkling in a city of immense beauty and unimanageable history. I could live the rest of my life in Tokyo just riding trains, stopping now and then to eat at the red lantern cafes. You have captured a masterpiece. By RLH

MEMORIES OF TUTTLE BOOKS IN JAPAN

MEMORIES OF TUTTLE BOOKS IN JAPAN, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

TUTTLE BOOKS WAS FOUNDED BY CHARLES E. TUTTLE, A U.S. ARMY OFFICER ASSIGNED TO GENERAL MAC ARTHURS STAFF DURING THE OCCUPATION.

He arrived in Tokyo in October 1945, expecting to take charge of the library of the Diet of Japan (as he had been ordered), only to find that General Douglas MacArthur's staff had changed his assignment. He spent the next two years helping the Japanese newspaper industry.

Tuttle founded his publishing company in Tokyo in 1948, with the mission to publish "books to span the East and West."

Read the information furnished by Wikipedia for a more detailed account on the founding of TUTTLE BOOKS in Japan.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_E._Tuttle
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Many Saturdays in Yokohama began with a sketching jaunt to some new area I had not seen. After a few hours of sketching, we would usually shop or browse for books in one of several small book stores in the Motomachi area. I cannot really remember if any of the shops had the name TUTTLE on the signboards, but many of the books inside were published by Charles E. Tuttle of Vermont. I thought it strange that a publisher out of Vermont would be publishing books on and about Japan. My friend told me she had been aware of the Tuttle name in books since she first began studying English when she began elementary school in the early 1950s. English became a required course in the Japanese educational system throughout the post-war years and was still a required course in the early 1960s.

THE SHOGUN'S SCROLL BY STEPHEN F. KAUFMAN, PUBLISHED BY TUTTLE

THE SHOGUN'S SCROLL BY STEPHEN F. KAUFMAN, PUBLISHED BY TUTTLE, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

THE SHOGUN'S SCROLL BY STEPHEN F. KAUFMAN, PUBLISHED BY TUTTLE

tuttle.co.jp/products/show/isbn:9784805311967

鎌倉時代の武士が記した帝王学。将軍はどのような信念を持って部隊、政治を統率していくべきなのか--。具体的な歴史的エピソードを踏まえながら、将軍に真に必要な能力を指南する本書は、組織のリーダーにこそ読んでほしい。自己分析、人心掌握、組織管理など乱世を勝ち抜いたトップの戦略、思想を探ります

FUJI FROM KASHIWABARA - A Sepia Dream in Soft Colors

FUJI FROM KASHIWABARA - A Sepia Dream in Soft Colors, a photo by Okinawa Soba on Flickr.

It's not April 1st anymore ? I guess that means I have to restore some order to the Japanese Universe after the devastation of my last post.

The above was taken at an oddly-lit time of day. The immediate foreground area seems to have been under some clouds, while distant Fuji-san is under a late-morning clearer sky.

Can you see the smoke rising in the distance on the far left ? Maybe a farmer is burning something, or perhaps they are making charcoal.

In any case, the effect is nice for the time of day. If any of your decide you want to re-blog the image, you are free to do your own brightness and contrast adjustments, or PhotoShop it into a whole new work of art.
FUJI FROM KASHIWABARA - A... by Okinawa Soba

VAN GOGH ARRIVES IN YOKOHAMA

VAN GOGH ARRIVES IN YOKOHAMA, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

The exact date of Van Gogh's arrival in Yokohama is still uncertain. Searching through the records is time-consuming, thus an estimated date of arrival will be assigned after a bit more research. Van Gogh is the figure with the hat nearest the gangplank. This image gained through channeling and concentration.

After more channeling, it has been assumed that Vincent's voyage deposited him in Hong Kong, thus he had some time there to find passage to Japan. Through intense meditation, it has been found that his original sailing was from Hong Kong to Nakasaki where there was a substantial Dutch settlement. Because of Typhoons, the port for arrival was changed to Yokohama.

YOKOHAMA STREET SCENE 1880S

YOKOHAMA STREET SCENE 1880S, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

YOKOHAMA STREET SCENE 1880S
Imagine, for a moment, the unbelievable transformation of Yokohama from 1880 to 1980.

Imagine too, if Vincent Van Gogh, had, indeed, visited Japan secretly to gain a new perspective on life and to gain new subject matter. If Van Gogh had visited Yokohama, I doubt that he would have ended his life, but would have been transformed and would have been victorious over his depression and despondent state of mind.
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One of Van Gogh's letters mentioning his depression, dated 22 January 1882
www.scribd.com/writerhari/d/4861794-Letter-From-Vincent-V...

DSCI8000

DSCI8000, a photo by mr_nihei on Flickr.

WHO IS SHE TEXTING OR IS SHE PLAYING A GAME? Does she know her train is approaching?
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Thanks to Mr. Nihei for this photo of a beautiful young lady waiting for her train.
DSCI8000 by mr_nihei

NARITA EXPRESS

NARITA EXPRESS, a photo by mr_nihei on Flickr.

A great photo by Mr. Nihei
NARITA EXPRESS by mr_nihei

keikyu line train

keikyu line train, a photo by owenfinn16 on Flickr.

It is good to see the canals are still part of the Japanese cityscapes. I always found the canals fascinating. In the 60s, there might have been more traffic on the canals then than now. This is another great photo by Owen Finn.
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keikyu line train by owenfinn16

Autumn in Hakone

Autumn in Hakone, a photo by shinnygogo on Flickr.

I took a trip to Hakone in 1963. It was a beautiful time and is now a beautiful memory. We took a train from Yokohama and stayed at one of the most luxurious resorts. I believe the room cost about $8 U.S. Of course at that time, there exchange rate was Y-360 per dollar. Wow, how everything has changed. The beauty of Hakone appears to have remained the same. This is a beautiful photograph.
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A PANORAMIC MASTERPIECE BY SHINNYGOGO...

Nissan Showroom in Yokohama

Nissan Showroom in Yokohama, a photo by shinnygogo on Flickr.

Yes, a cool car and the robot is unique too. Like the color coordinated motif, though it would be difficult to drive around with the robot, I would give it a try. Would I get some smiles and waves? You bet I would. Congratulations to SHINNYGOGO for a great photo.
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Nissan Showroom in Yokohama by shinnygogo

Picture 035 LST nest 1963

Picture 035 LST nest 1963, a photo by johnlion15 on Flickr.

A CLOUDY DAY AT THE YOKOSUKA PIER IN 1963. This brings back some memories--it was a sad day for me. I have searched for a photo of this type. As an artist, I have painted many memories of Japan, but this is the first photo I have come across of the pier in that time period. Thanks for sharing this vintage shot. Robert
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Picture 035 LST nest 1963 by johnlion15

Picture 046 Good will tour

Picture 046 Good will tour, a photo by johnlion15 on Flickr.

MORE THAN 50 YEARS AGO AND 8000 MILES AWAY FROM TODAY...JAPANESE STUDENTS TOOK A TOUR OF JOHN'S SHIP BACK IN 1962 WHILE IN PORT AT YOKOSUKA. THIS IS A PHOTO THAT SPANS MORE THAN 50 YEARS. I WILL BET THAT JOHN AND EACH OF THE STUDENTS REMEMBER THIS DAY.
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Picture 046 Good will tour by johnlion15

16154039

16154039, a photo by Lehrling* on Flickr.

SERENITY AND PEACE

It was sometime in 1963 when I last visited a Japanese shrine of this type. I loved to visit these areas and always felt a feeling of energy and serenity when in and around these ancient and traditional areas.

京浜東北線／品川駅

京浜東北線／品川駅, a photo by mr_nihei on Flickr.

京浜東北線／品川駅
Shinagawa station / Keihin-Tohoku Line
MR NIHEI, TAKEO FROM TOKYO has a talent for shooting beautiful on-site photographs. It was but a moment in time...

DSC08833 1

DSC08833 1, a photo by omokochi_a300 on Flickr.

DSC08833 1 by omokochi_a300
I love the red lanterns. Photo by OMOKOCHI
DSC08833 1 by omokochi_a300

Mt Fuji Close Up

Mt Fuji Close Up, a photo by shinnygogo on Flickr.

Each time I view this sacred mountain in photos, I am fondly reminded of my time in Japan when I could see this beautiful sight from my duty station in Atsugi. I arrived in Japan in August of 1961 and departed in December of 1963. It was a sad morning when my ship sailed, a very sad sayonara.
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Mt Fuji Close Up by shinnygogo

My deepest gratitude and thanks to the photographer, SHINNYGOGO, for use of his picture in my blog.

TOTSUKA RAILWAY STATION: 1960S ERA

TOTSUKA RAILWAY STATION: 1960S ERA, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

REMEMBERING TOTSUKA STATION

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.

Sketch by Robert L. Huffstutter

Yokosuka Line / Totsuka station

Yokosuka Line / Totsuka station, a photo by mr_nihei on Flickr.

TOTSUKA AND YOKOSUKA BOTH HOLD MANY FOND MEMORIES for me. I arrive in Japan in August of 1961 and spent many months stationed at the Naval Air Station at Atsugi. In December of 1963, I departed Japan from the pier at Yokosuka. It was a sad goodbye, a Sayonara I will never forget, a sayonara that I recall every day.

Someday, I will write a book about my time in Japan. Of course, almost everyone says they will write a book someday. When I left Japan, I was 21; today, I am 70.

My love for Japan has increased as time has passed. Someday, I hope to return to Japan to paint scenes I remember. Oh, I know that many of what was once a favorite place will be gone, but there are many left.
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My gratitude and thanks to Mr Nihei for posting photos in Flickr
Yokosuka Line / Totsuka station by mr_nihei

Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro, a photo by kumi matsukawa on Flickr.

watercolor / Sketch for 26th WorldWideSketchCrawl
Tokyo / Japan [RESULTS]
Initially I was trying to draw interior view of a department store but I was gently prohibited by the person at the floor. So, instead, I went outside, sat on a cold and a bit moist brick and drew the view of Ikebukuro Station area for one hour. This day in the morning, it has been raining but at this moment, luckily, It wasn't. But was really cold!
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Ikebukuro by kumi matsukawa

196/2010

196/2010, a photo by Takahiro Yamamoto on Flickr.

The Customs House, one of the oldest buildings on the Yokohama Harbor and waterfront. I loved to sketch the building.
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196/2010 by Takahiro Yamamoto

Untitled

Untitled, a photo by industar on Flickr.

Another great photo of everyday life in Japan. It has been 50 years since I have been to Japan. It is nice to know the young women are as beautiful now as they were in the 1960s. My congratulations to the photographer INDUSTAR for some great photographs. Editor

THE U.S. DID NOT MAKE A GOOD INITIAL IMPRESSION

THE U.S. DID NOT MAKE A GOOD INITIAL IMPRESSION, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

SAILORS OF THE U.S. NAVY are endeared to Commodore Perry for opening one of the most fabulous nations around the globe and for making their port cities destinations for some of the best liberty ever. See this gallery of sailors, some of whom most likely had fantastic liberties in Yokosuka, Yokohama and other port cities:

www.flickr.com/photos/huffstutterrobertl/gall eries/721576...

THIS MUST BE AN ISLAND DISPUTE OF SOME SORT.

THIS MUST BE AN ISLAND DISPUTE OF SOME SORT., a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

THIS MUST BE AN ISLAND DISPUTE OF SOME SORT.
Nothing in graphics fascinates me more than a Japanese print depicting Western scenes. While most are very serious and well executed (pardon the pun) there is always some humor to be seen that was unintended but has become humorous through the passage of time. This particular scene could be adapted to the comic book industry. Do you suppose the artist ever dreamed that Japan would become the number one nation of comic book readers. Yes, according to stats, more men read comics enroute to work and home than in any other nation. And this is one reason why Japan is so unique. The guys are reading and learning something all of the time. I recall the same scenarios when I was in Japan.

Hasui1929Beppu6+C

Hasui1929Beppu6+C, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

BEPPU IS A HOT SPRINGS RESORT AND QUITE EXPENSIVE NOW. IT WAS INEXPENSIVE IN THE 60S AND WAS "THE" PLACE FOR HOTSY BATHS. HAVE YOU SEEN THE PRINTS OR PICTURES OF WOMEN WALKING ON YOUR BACK? WHO HAS BEEN TO BEPPU?

MEMORIES OF CHINATOWN, YOKOHAMA 1961

MEMORIES OF CHINATOWN, YOKOHAMA 1961, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

AN ESSAY ON THE ROMANTIC NIGHTS OF YOKOHAMA IN THE 1960S By Robert L. Huffstutter

In the Yokohama of the 1960s, many of the lanterns were made not of plastics or glass, but of rice-papers and other traditional materials. The lanterns were strung across the streets, many with small bulbs that gave the lanterns a soft glow, a kind of magical glow. They never ceased to fascinate me. While there was not really a holiday in progress, it was a joyful time of celebration.

Another cheerful memory of the Yokohama streets is the many boughs of cherry blossoms carefully woven around the lamp posts and on wire arbors across the streets.

For many of us young men in the service, we were always in a good mood when we were in Yokohama, especially for those of us who made Yokohama's Chinatown our destination. When we were in Yokohama after dark, it was like no port most of us had ever experienced. It was a subtle party, not a the kind of party that was base or carnal, it was a party where there was loud laughter, but a party with manners.

Few of the celebrants or celebrations ever got out of hand. There was just something about the lifestyle of Yokohama, even during the nocturnal glee, that gave Yokohama nights a kind of class seldom experienced in the cities of the USA or Mexico where the parties were part of the liberty scene.

In Japan, liberty was a party, but a party with manners. With the exchange rate being what it was, the servicemen could enjoy whatever kind of happiness most had come for, and in the hours before the dawn, the music and laughter of the celebrating men and women quieted to soft whispers behind the bamboo shutters and rice-paper windows of small apartments where the young women lived. Such interludes made these impromteau romances times to remember, times they would remember with the sweet smell of exotic parfumes and powders the men would still wear the next afternoon, fragrences they would long remember as time turned them into old men far in the future.

For many young American sailors enjoying liberty, Yokohama nights most likely still defines that time-honored slogan "Join the Navy and see the world."

DSC_9240.jpg

DSC_9240.jpg, a photo by mikeneko_nyan on Flickr.

FASCINATING PHOTOGRAPH. I especially like the presence of the GOOD FORTUNE or GOOD LUCK lanterns.

The numerous telephone poles fascinate me too. I just hope I can get back to to Japan to see this mass of lines before they are concealed. This photo has much depth of field.
I am not sure which holiday the people are celebrating, but everyone looks happy.