An underground tunnel, a long-abandoned bike and the sense of a story that’s always going to be out of reach.
Japanese morning drinkers
Ten thirty on a Wednesday morning might seem a little early for cheap booze and chicken on a stick, but in a week when most people went back to work, the drinks may well have been medicinal rather than any attempt at merriment.
Old and beautiful Japanese bonsai
Old and meticulously cared for bonsai are incredibly beautiful things. In our fast-moving, increasingly chaotic world, they are also objects of quiet, almost ethereal calm. Creations that elegantly take a stand against the prevailing desire for quick results or regular reinvention.
Nurtured and cared for over centuries, the trees’ anonymous and often long gone custodians neither craved for, or were rewarded with, any kind of recognition whatsoever. Instead, they were simply temporary guardians. Skilled practitioners granted the pleasure of such works of art, but at the same time given the far more important task of preserving their beauty for future generations.
A few favourite photographs from 2016
With the year rapidly drawing to a close, it’s time once again to look back over the last 12 months and pick out my favourite photographs.
On so many levels, 2016 has been an absolute shocker, but personally at least it has been one to remember. It started out just like the previous year ended — full of fear and uncertainty. But all that changed in July, when my wife got the all clear after her tough, incredibly brave fight with breast cancer. A result that still sometimes feels like a dream, and what came before it nothing short of a nightmare.
Through both the good and bad, however, the one constant has been photography. Being out with a camera made the tough times more bearable, and the happy ones even better. And below are the results of those excursions. Some have been chosen for the memories — others purely because of what came out of the camera. They aren’t in chronological order. Just how I feel they work best. Plus as usual, clicking on any of the photos will bring up a bigger, sharper version.
A set that neatly wraps up Tokyo Times for the year. So until early January, when the usual posts will resume as normal, Happy New Year and all the very best for 2017!
A suitably carefree Merry Christmas
With the festive period fast approaching, I hope that wherever you are, and whatever you do, you enjoy some seasonal excess, the necessary recuperative rest and plenty of pleasant surprises.
Merry Christmas!
The comfort and calm of a traditional Tokyo restaurant
On a bright but cold December day, the comfort and quiet ambience of a traditional, family run Tokyo restaurant, really does take some beating.
