Beyond the Tamagawa: Under the tracks

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Under the tracks

nani?

Since I have been in Japan, I have never been especially enthralled by the the events most associated with Japan. I don't really have nay special interest in Geisha, most popular festivals, Shibuya crossing and other well-traveled spots. I do admit a weakness for Kyoto, but so far, that's about it.

Recently, for a number of reasons including the time, expense, and frustration of getting away from town as well as a bit of a change in personal circumstances, I have become more and more interested in people and how they actually live their lives.

Watch the bikes!

On what may turn out to be one of the last days of sunny weather before rainy season begins, I spent some time under the railroad tracks in Jiyugaoka. For a place under the railroad tracks, it's an awfully nice area.

Friends

It's a lovely day.

noritai!

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When I was in high school, I found a photography book in the library about Japan. This was no ordinary Japan photo book as there was little in it that would would have been identified with the stereotypical Japan. As I recall, there were seascapes, landscapes, and other types of photos, but no temples, no shrines, no festivals, no geisha, and no shots of the intersection in front of Shibuya station. I was disappointed.

I wish I could recall the name of the book for I'd love to see it again. It comes close to my view of Japan. I don't think of the country or its people as weird, uniquely unique, Zen-like, or anything like that. It is a country, a people, and a culture that differs only by degree---when it does actually differ---from other countries. Just like every other country and culture on earth.

I no longer bother much with the typical "Wow, it's Japan" photos. I try to photograph things which for some reason interest me, or represent something to me, or perhaps I just like the colors, tones, shapes, or light. Perhaps disappointing for anyone looking for photos of Kinkokuji Shrine (though some are here), but those types are readily available anywhere. If nothing else, I will amuse myself with an expensive hobby.

(Since I am occasionally asked, I generally use Nikons: D300, D70s, or borrow my wife's D40. I occasionally use an old Olympus OM-1 for film, as well as Oly digicams, and a now sadly deceased Oly 35ED rangefinder.)