Colors of My Heart

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 / ...

Kinchakuda in Hidaka City, Saitama, is a must-visit spot for photographers in autumn. From mid to late September, around five million cluster amaryllis bloom across the fields, creating a vivid red carpet that stretches along the winding Koma River. This breathtaking sight is not just a floral display, but a beautiful harmony of nature and landscape. The flowers bloom densely along the river’s curves, offering excellent composition opportunities. Early mornings often bring mist and soft light, adding a dreamlike atmosphere to your shots. Using side light enhances the petals’ translucence, while dappled sunlight in the woods creates rich contrasts between red flowers, green leaves, and shadows. Wide-angle lenses capture the scale of the bloom, while telephoto lenses highlight the density and rhythm of the flowers. Nearby, fields of blooming cosmos also offer wonderful photo opportunities—I'll share more about them in my next post. The photos taken with the E-5 were by me, and those ...

​​Okinawa's Daiseki Rinzan (currently called Asmui) is a natural tourist destination located in the southern part of the island, renowned for its unique limestone topography and rich ecosystem.  The landscape is dotted with distinctive rock formations, shaped by erosion into what appears to be a natural work of art. This area is home to endemic plants and animals, making it an excellent spot for trekking and hiking.  Additionally, it holds cultural significance as a sacred site, steeped in many local legends. Well-maintained trekking paths, viewpoints, and dining facilities catered to tourists make it easily accessible by car from Naha City.  When visiting, it is essential to adhere to good practices, such as wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, staying hydrated, and taking your trash with you. Daiseki Rinzan is a valuable destination to appreciate the nature and culture of Okinawa.​​​​​​ ​​​It has already been over 12 years since I first visited this place. By a st...

The Ryukyu Kingdom actively engaged in trade with China, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations, with Shurijo Castle serving as a key hub for these exchanges. However, in 1609, the Satsuma Domain invaded, bringing the kingdom under its control. Despite this, Shurijo Castle remained the royal palace, preserving Ryukyuan traditions and cultural heritage. After the abolition of the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1879, the castle was repurposed for military and educational use. However, during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, it was completely destroyed by U.S. bombardment. In the postwar period, the site was used as the campus of the University of the Ryukyus, but by the 1970s, efforts to restore the castle began. The Seiden was reconstructed in 1992, and in 2000, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tragically, in 2019, a massive fire once again destroyed the castle’s main structures. Currently, restoration efforts are underway, with the goal of completing full reconstruction by 2030. Desp...