Life in Japan - Pictures galore !! Arcades, Temples, Rainy days, etc

The masks are fine if one uses them to reduce one's own projectiles (coughs, sneezes) from impacting on others.

They won't stop anyone from catching a cold.

They won't do squat against the majority of harmful particulate matter, i.e. in Beijing, they're now being sold to help curb the effects of pollution. The particles are in the PM2.5 range, which is very small. The really damaging particles are smaller (they make up a fraction of PM2.5) and penetrate far into the lungs, causing scarring and cancers. They easily pass straight through those masks.

If you want real particulate protection, you need a gas mask or a wet microfibre cloth or something. Best thing to do, is to a) not live there, or b) try not to be walking around outside during rush hours.

I can talk about this for hours (I study particles from 1nm to 10,000nm (10µm) as my day job... I just hope it's not too boring!

 

I actually read for the polution out of Beijing, the masks do jack shit. I always assumed the masks in Tokyo was just the Japanse doing one of the things it does best: selling fear.

 

Initially scrolling down the page I thought this was a CG render! Amazing!

Old-school Celica?

 

It sure e is an old school Celica as seen in Sega Rally.

 

Sakura season has started already, and caught us by surprise!

 

I may go and take a few Sakura shots tonight if I can be bothered Nice ones you have there Martin. Classic Celica too.

 

Well, not too much as far as Sakura went so I took a few shots of other stuff.


Memorial to the dead - Night by Yakum01975, on Flickr


Shimonoseki Skyline- Night by Yakum01975, on Flickr


Lonely Phonebox- Night by Yakum01975, on Flickr

 

That lens has opened up a whole new world for you (night)

 

:tears_of_joy: It sure has. Too bad night is kind of creepy in the park that has a monument to the dead. They actually perform a ritual dance to ward off evil spirits around that area. I'm not sure when the event takes place but when it does I'll be sure to grab a load of photos.

I really am grateful that you recommended that lens. I'm loving it so much that it's become my main lens.

Man, that's one "enhanced" vending machine. We don't see anything like that down here although I did see plenty when I lived in Tokyo. Great shot though. I'll be checking Flickr to see what settings you used for that shot. That's the best way to learn I think.

 

I'm really pleased it's become your go-to lens & you're welcome. Send me an old dreamcast if you find a spare It'd great having a lens which hardly leaves the camera. It makes you think about what shot you'll get before picking it up, rather than "just see what happens".

I've not actually put it on Flickr yet; I need a paid account really. I already have over 200 photos on there... but I am kind of reluctant to pay when other sites host for free.

I made a blog post, and the info is there www.martinirwinphotography.com/2013/03/22/coffee-time/

 

You're right about thinking what shots can be achieved. I'll be using the big boy Panasonic lens tomorrow though for my sons "graduation" from kindergarten as I have a feeling a good zoom will be needed plus it's shit hot when it comes to video. So hot that it puts my actual Panasonic HD video camera to shame.

Nice blog you have going there. I'm more of a tea man myself but I do enjoy a nice coffee at least once a day. What's your hot can of choice from the vending machines? I normally go for a Wonder Morning Shot (maroon can) or the Georgia Vintage European. Not that either can beat a real coffee but still nice to swig back on the 40 minute drive to work.

 

I know I'm not one to talk, but keep moving, Yakumo. You'll meet your goal soon if your new habits become routine.

And of course, take pictures along the way.

 

??? My new habits? I'm lost on this one. What do you mean?

 

Here's a few I took in the last few days.


Smile, you're on camera x2 by Yakum01975, on Flickr


look where you walk by Yakum01975, on Flickr


old biker by Yakum01975, on Flickr


6th birthday- coffee by Yakum01975, on Flickr

 

Well done!!! I'm hungry now

 

That cake was delicious

 

A few more from around Tokyo:

http://www.martinirwinphotography.com/2013/03/21/sakura-season/

www.martinirwinphotography.com/2013/03/25/sakura-on-the-meguro-river/

 

Was about to say, there are like zero Sakura photos here.
Megurogawa looking nice. Might try to make it down there this week, but it's suposed to be cloudy damn near all the time except for today. I went to Aoyama Reien this morning, but will take me a while to process those.


Sakura (01) by gaijin_punch, on Flickr


Sakura (02) by gaijin_punch, on Flickr


Ume by gaijin_punch, on Flickr

 

Amazing pics! Keep them coming!