Flickr Pic #45: [Tokuma EB] Streaming

[Tokuma EB] Streaming
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

I seldom do slow shutter shots because it requires stable support for the camera (even the slightest hand shake could ruin the shot). Haven't owned a tripod yet, good thing I was able to borrow Kate's gorillapod.

Slow shutter shots on water currents emphasize movement, producing a smoothened flow just like the one in this picture. In my previous post of another water shot (Kegon Falls), I used faster shutter speed, showing a rough fall of water from above the ridge.

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Taken on August 17, 2008
Location: Tokuma, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan

See Flickr post #44 (click link here)

Flickr Pic #44: [Kugenuma Kaigan] Summer Beach Outing

[Kugenuma Kaigan] Summer Beach Outing
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

My first experience on a beach in Japan. Summer season in Japan really is hot and so lots of people hit the beach or go to resorts to cool off. The place we went to (Kugenuma Kaigan) has got nice mellow waves; thus, bodyboarding became the main activity for beachgoers especially for kids and surfing newbies.

Beaches here in Japan aren't that much striking as compared to those in the Philippines (with white sands, blue waters, etc...). Perhaps Okinawa would be an exception though, since I've already seen pictures of some of its beaches.

I've actually never been to the popular beaches in the Philippines (Boracay, Subic, etc). I was hoping I could hit the beaches this December when I come home, but it turned out I have no extra time and company to go with. Maybe next year. *sigh*

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Taken on August 2, 2008
Location: Kugenuma Kaigan (Beach), Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

See Flickr post #43 (click link here)

Flickr Pic #44: [Kugenuma Kaigan] Sunbathing

Flickr Pic #43: [Kugenuma Kaigan] Sunbathing

[Kugenuma Kaigan] Sunbathing
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

One thing I like in Japan is that there are about at least a holiday each month, plus week-long breaks during summer and winter. This is, of course, to encourage people here to take some rest once in a while as working long hours during weekdays is the norm.

Last Aug 2 (my summer vacation), we went to Kugenuma Beach , located along the shores of the Shonan Coast (said to be the home of surfing in Japan). Kugenuma Kaigan is being labeled as the birthplace of Japanese beach volleyball (in fact there was an ongoing tournament during that week).

I have to say, beaches in the Philippines are more beautiful than in Japan. I guess what makes Japan's beaches exciting are the Japanese ladies in bikinis :D, and surfing. Haven't tried to surf yet, only bodyboarding. :)

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Above picture was taken by Kiks, when he borrowed my cam (most pics he took were those of ladies in bikinis :D). Twas really a hot, hot summer, though perfect for sunbathers like the guy featured. His group had not rented a parasol, and the guy was even lying face down on the sand, without a mat. Well, I guess the Japanese do like to have darker complexion as exemplified by the ganguro girls.

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Taken (by Kikoy) on August 2, 2008
Location: Kugenuma Kaigan (Beach), Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

See Flickr post #42 (click link here)

Flickr Pic #42: [Sumida River Fireworks] Hanabi Lady

[Sumida River Fireworks] Hanabi Lady
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

Right after the team company BBQ party (see flickr post #41), I went straight to Asakusa, Tokyo to witness one of Japan's biggest Fireworks Display (hanabi = fireworks). I still don't own a tripod, which is an essential gear in taking great long exposure shots (not to mention night pics), and so I've decided to take pictures of people instead.

While waiting with friends, I lent Meema my cam as she wanted to try my relatively new lens. She took this picture of the lady whose group was just about one lot away from us (people reserve spaces as early as 7am just to view the firewoks at 7pm). On certain events such as this (fireworks viewing), most Japanese ladies wear the traditional yukata which really looks great on them.


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Taken (by Meema) on July 26, 2008
Location: Sumida River, Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan

See Flickr post #41 (click link here)

Flickr Pic #41: [BBQ Party@清水公園] Kanno-san eating Yakisoba

[BBQ Party@清水公園] Kanno-san eating Yakisoba
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

Whenever our Section Chief calls for a bonding activity for his team, it is usually over food and beer. Just before the start of the summer break (1 week vacation!), we had a so-called BBQ party at Shimizu (Park)Koen's day camp grounds , located in Chiba Prefecture (just a few train stations away from work/home actually).

Here is a shot of one of our team mates, Kanno-san, sporting the usual David Bowie look. Since most of them were camera-shy, I had to take candids, and this is what I got.


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Taken on July 26, 2008
Location: Shimizu Koen (Park), Chiba Prefecture, Japan

See Flickr post #40 (click link here)

Flickr Pic #40: [Seiseki Tennis] Clay

[Seiseki Tennis] Clay
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

I started playing lawn tennis on my 2nd year in college. Back then, I felt like I had to graduate from my Table Tennis days (my main sport at elementary school) and advance towards the 'real' and bigger court.

I believe that in order to improve my game, I have to play with someone better. However, it is always the lack of a tennis playmate that keeps me from advancing. Even now that I'm in Japan, I am having a hard time looking for playmates close to my area.

One time, I had no choice but to travel about 1.5 hours via train in order to play tennis with some friends living in Western Tokyo. Oh, I miss my college days when the tennis court was just a stone throw's away from my dormitory.

*Pic details: blue pail used to hold our tennis balls; clay court lines. A minimalistic attempt on photography. :)

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Taken on July 19, 2008
Location: clay court @ Seiseki-Sakuragaoka, Tokyo, Japan

See Flickr post #39 (click link here)

Flickr Pic #39: [春日部夏休み] Mikoshi Details

[春日部夏休み] Mikoshi Details
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

Japanese religious festivals (aka 'matsuri') are usually based on Shinto, and one of the main events during a matsuri is the carrying of Mikoshi(s). As defined from wiki: "A Mikoshi is a portable Shinto shrine that serves as a vehicle of a divine spirit in Japan. During a Matsuri(festival), these Mikoshis are carried over the shoulders by a group of people with the use of poles."

Mikoshi carrying somewhat looks like the bayanihan imagery of Filipinos, however, with an added twist of fun and competition. Several groups participate and carry their own portable shrines (Mikoshi). Throughout the course, they carry the Mikoshi and swing/sway it so that the little bells inside would chime. They say the rowdiest and most fun group wins.


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Taken on July 13, 2008
Location: Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan

See Flickr post #38 (click link here)