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...

The park is a beautiful Japanese garden located in Ogikubo, Suginami Ward, Tokyo, and is popular as a spot where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons. This park was opened in 1981 by Suginami Ward, which developed the house of musician Motoo Otaguro as a Japanese garden. It is a quiet and well-maintained garden. Otaguro Park is especially famous for its autumn leaves. The maples and ginkgo trees are dyed in vibrant colors, attracting visitors. The park is also lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere.  The park is filled with a teahouse and a garden centered around a pond, where you can feel the traditional beauty of Japan in the silence.  I happened to stop by this park on a family outing and was impressed by the beautiful autumn leaves. The entrance lined with ginkgo trees, the garden was bright red with autumn leaves, and it was a place where you would want to take pictures forever. It is definitely worth to visit. Olympus OM-D E-M1 / M. Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm...

It is one of the city's most beloved spots for viewing golden ginkgo foliage in autumn. Each year, it captivates countless visitors with its radiant seasonal beauty. Especially striking is the approximately 200-meter-long ginkgo-lined path stretching from “Fureai-no-Michi” to “Yurinoki Hiroba.” During peak season, the trees form a golden tunnel, enveloping passersby in a warm, glowing atmosphere that perfectly embodies the deepening of autumn. This ginkgo avenue has a unique history—it was originally planted in front of the former Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Yurakucho and later transplanted to the park. As a result, many of the trees are over 100 years old, towering majestically and displaying brilliant yellow hues. When the leaves fall, they blanket the ground like a golden carpet, creating a breathtaking scene that draws photographers and families alike. It’s a truly ideal location for capturing the essence of autumn in Tokyo. Olympus OM-D E-M1 / ED 40-150mm F2.8 PR...

Located just a one-minute walk from the north exit of Nerima Station, Heisei Tsutsuji Park is a beautiful garden themed around the azalea, the official flower of Nerima Ward. Covering approximately 8,600 square meters, the park boasts an impressive collection of 600 varieties and 16,000 azalea plants, making it one of the largest of its kind in Tokyo.  In spring, Kurume, Hirado, and Kirishima azaleas bloom in succession, with the peak viewing season spanning from mid-April to mid-May. The park is well-equipped with benches, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the vibrant floral scenery. It’s an ideal spot for photography and leisurely strolls, especially during the spring bloom.  I fondly remember a moment when my daughter, still in her stroller, saw the azaleas and raised her feet in delight as if cheering. It’s a cherished memory that brings a smile every time I see it. Olympus OM-D E-M1 / ED 14-54mm F2.8-3.5 II / F3.2 / 1/1000sec ／ ISO100 ／ +0.3 Olympus OM-D E-M1 / ED 14-...