All posts filed under: Photography
Hidemi Tamayose 9th Dan Ryukyu Kobudo Tesshinkan
Hidemi Tamayose 9th Dan Ryukyu Kobudo Tesshinkan, the latest subject in the Karate Masters Portrait Project. A lovely man, who has an encyclopedic knowledge of traditional Okinawan weaponry. In the photograph above he is holding a horse bridle nunchaku.
Tokyo Salaryman
The Tokyo salaryman has to put up with long commutes, long hours, paid vacation that you never take, and a hierarchical structure based on age and connections rather than ability. It’s not surprising that many young Japanese are looking for other options.
Philippe Starck – In Tokyo and in the Kitchen
French designer Philippe Starck, the vision behind creations including the Tokyo Asahi Beer building and its golden radish poo flame. He has also designed some iconic household objects including his modern take on the lemon squeezer and the corkscrew. Designers will look at these objects and note “an interesting interplay of form and function”. Photographers will look at the images and think, “I bet all those polished surfaces were a nightmare to shoot”. Both groups would be dead on.
Kitty-chan Kawaiiiiiiiiii ;)
Kitty-chan aka Hello Kitty is still as popular as ever in Japan. While in Tokyo I wandered past a shop filled entirely with Kitty-chan products. Not my cup of tea, but I think the shop was aiming for a slightly different clientele. Something a little more like…
EMJ Fashion Styling Glamour Giveaway
A few weeks ago Elsie Jaime of EMJ Fashion Styling told me she was doing a glamour giveaway and asked if I could take a couple of “After” photos. She’d snap a quick pic at the start of the day, and then after the team has done their magic, they’d stop by my studio for a portrait. Linda Portillo underwent the transformation, and was more than pleased with the results 🙂 And here’s the team: Stylist: Elsie Jaime (EMJ Fashion Styling) Hair: A. LaQuin MUA: Summer Johnson Dress and accessories: Chandelier Boutique Photographer: Chris Willson
ASIMO
While up in Tokyo I met up with my old friend ASIMO. We had a falling out a few years ago when I bought a Suzuki Swift rather than the Honda S2000, but we’re back to talking again. At least I’m talking and he’s staring vacantly in my direction. ASIMO showed me his new dance moves, and he seemed to be able to run a little faster than last time we met. I asked if he’d been programmed with Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics. He nodded, but for a brief moment I’m sure one of his eyes glowed red.
Miss International Beauty Pageant in Okinawa 2012
Miss International Beauty Pageant in Okinawa 2012 took place on October 21st. As the audience arrived they wandered between photographs of the girls in swimsuits and heels. The ceremony opened with some traditional Ryukyu dancing and drumming, a nice Okinawan touch. The first event was national costumes, followed by the swimsuits, and then the evening gowns. (Which was amusing titled as the Night Gown Competition) The announcement of the top 15 finalists was met with cheers as most of the favorites made the cut. Each of the finalists gave a short speech before hip hop dancers from the Tida Dance Studio in Chatan performed. The kids were fantastic and the highlight of the evening. After quite a wait, the winner was announced, Miss Japan. Huge cheers from the majority of the crowd, but quite a few raised eyebrows from the non Japanese members of the audience. After the audience had left, the press got to take some photographs of the top 5. I held a speed light at arm’s length in my left hand and …
Ginza 4-chome (part 1)
Ginza 4-chome, the crossroads at the heart of Tokyo’s notoriously expensive shopping and entertainment district. I took a photograph here several years ago when I was shooting with the Pentax 67II and Vodafone was still in Japan. I returned on my latest trip to Tokyo, and met up with model Marino to create some visions of nightlife in Ginza.
The Anger Management Consultant
Darryl helps people work through their anger issues. He lets them get all of their aggression out by punching him, and then when they’re exhausted he hits them back… Colonel Hannibal Smith attributes everything he knows about makeup, disguises, and even smoking cigars to Summer Johnson
