Colors of My Heart

My journey with photography began at the age of eight, when my grandfather gave me an Olympus Pen D. I took it along on a school excursion and captured my first photos—and I’ve been photographing ever since, for nearly half a century. Perhaps inspired by watching me, my daughter expressed a desire to take photos when she was seven. We gave her my wife’s old E-PL1 and since then, we’ve occasionally gone out together to take pictures. The cherry blossom photos I’ve uploaded this time were all taken by my daughter. I taught her the basics, like camera settings and how to use the electronic viewfinder, but when it came to composition, I simply told her to shoot whatever she liked. Maybe I’m just a doting parent, but I think her sense of framing is quite impressive—she’s already a fine little photographer in her own right. As her father, my biggest concern is how long she’ll keep wanting to go out and shoot with me. The cherry blossom photos I’ve uploaded this time were all taken by her. I ...

Straddling the border between Nerima and Itabashi wards in Tokyo, Johoku Chuo Park is one of the largest green spaces in the northern part of the city. In spring, it transforms into a beloved cherry blossom destination, drawing visitors with its serene beauty. Among its many highlights, the row of cherry trees lining the Shakujii River is especially enchanting. Their pale pink blossoms reflect softly on the water’s surface, creating a dreamlike scene as if the flowers themselves are cascading gently into the stream. The riverside path remains quiet and peaceful, offering a hidden retreat where one can escape the bustle of central Tokyo and enjoy hanami in a relaxed, contemplative atmosphere. Olympus E-M1 / Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD / ISO100 / f5.6 / 1/320s / +3.0 Olympus E-M1 / Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD / ISO100 / f3.5 / 1/320s / +1.0 Olympus E-M1 / Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD / ISO500 / f6.7 / 1/320s / 0.0 Olympus E-M1 / Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F...

When people think of Kinchakuda in Saitama Prefecture, the vibrant red spider lilies (Manjushage) are what usually come to mind. However, just a short distance from Kinchakuda lies a beautiful field of cosmos flowers.  Every year, when I visited to photograph the spider lilies, I would always make a stop at the cosmos field to capture their beauty as well. The sight of cosmos blooming in profusion under the clear autumn sky was truly breathtaking. Olympus E5 / Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD / ISO100 / f3.5 / 1/640s / +0.7 Olympus E5 / Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm F2,0 SWD / ISO100 / f2.9 / 1/1250s / 0.0 Olympus E5 / Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm F, 2. 0 SWD / ISO100 / f2.6 / 1/3200s / 0.0 Olympus E5 / Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm F2.0 SWD  / ISO100 / f3.0 / 1/2000s / 0.0 Olympus E5 / Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm F2,0 SWD / ISO100 / f3.1 / 1/2000s / 0.0 Olympus E620 / Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm F2.0 SWD / ISO100 / f5.7 / 1/1600s / 0.0 Olympus E5 / Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm F2.0 SWD / ...

Aoyama Cemetery, located in Minami-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo, is a serene and peaceful place, quietly nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. In spring, the grounds come alive with the vibrant bloom of approximately 320 cherry trees, making it one of Tokyo’s most distinguished yet understated cherry blossom viewing spots. The cemetery features a diverse array of cherry tree varieties, with Somei Yoshino as the main species, complemented by Yaezakura and Shidarezakura, offering visitors a rich and colorful visual experience. One of the most captivating sights is the cherry-lined road that runs north to south through the center of the cemetery. This path stretches for about 750 meters, with cherry trees blooming on both sides, creating a breathtaking tunnel of blossoms. Simply walking along this road allows one to fully embrace the gentle spirit of spring. Due to the nature of the cemetery, no festive events, illuminations, or gatherings are held, making it an ideal ...

For the Japanese, plum blossoms (ume) are among the most cherished flowers.  Alongside cherry blossoms, they are known as a symbol of the arrival of spring. When we trace their historical and cultural background, it becomes clear that plum blossoms are deeply connected to the Japanese sense of beauty. Because they bloom in the early spring while the chill of winter still lingers, plum blossoms have long been regarded as a symbol of hope that emerges after enduring harsh conditions. This sentiment has been expressed in countless traditional waka and haiku poems since ancient times. In addition, the plum blossom’s elegant fragrance and dignified appearance have made it a symbol of grace and integrity throughout Japanese history. It is no surprise that plum motifs frequently appear in various aspects of Japanese culture, such as the tea ceremony, traditional paintings, and kimono patterns—reflecting a spiritual aesthetic that resonates deeply with the Japanese heart. Even today, plum ...