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20th Feb 2013: The Most Breathtaking Sunset in My Life

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Sunset with the Peugeot 205 CTi in Enoshima, Shonan After three long years of infertility treatment, filled with emotional and financial uncertainty, my wife and I shed countless tears together, unsure of what the future would hold. This photo was taken in a parking lot in Enoshima, right after we received a prenatal diagnosis at a nearby hospital. On that day, the doctor told us, “There are no problems.” For the first time, we were able to feel pure joy from the depths of our hearts. With tears of happiness streaming down our faces, we captured this breathtaking sunset alongside my wife’s beloved car, the Peugeot 205 CTi. This photograph preserves a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life — a memory more precious than words can express.  Time has flown by, and our daughter is now twelve years old. Olympus PEN E-PL1 / M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 / 1/800s / F11 / ISO200 / -0.7 Peugeot 205 CTi This car came into our lives as part of my wife's "dowry"—she had cher...

25th Nov 2012: Japanese Garden of Showa Memorial Park in late autumn

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In the Japanese Garden of Showa Memorial Park, the vivid colors of maple and other autumn leaves begin to deepen in late autumn, creating a serene and elegant seasonal atmosphere.  The surface of the pond reflects the vibrant foliage, unfolding a dreamlike scene reminiscent of a painting.  As you stroll along the garden paths, trees dressed in shades of red, orange, and yellow form a canopy overhead, while fallen leaves beautifully carpet the ground beneath your feet. Especially at dusk, the soft light gently illuminates the leaves, making it an ideal time for photography. It is a perfect place to escape the bustle of the city and quietly embrace the essence of autumn.  When I visited, the foliage was already nearing its end, but I was fortunate to capture leaves glowing in the sunlight. Olympus E5 / Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD / ISO100 / f3.2 / 1/500s / -0.7 Olympus E5 / Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD / ISO100 / f3.5 / 1/250s / 0.0 Olympus E5 / Zuiko D...

10th Nov 2012: Tamozawa Imperial Villa Park in Nikko

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Tamozawa Imperial Villa Park is a tourist attraction located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, where beautiful gardens and historical buildings are combined. It was originally built as a royal villa for Emperor Taisho when he was still Crown Prince and was later used as a summer resort for the imperial family, including Emperor Showa. It is now open to the public as a park. The garden is designed to allow visitors to enjoy the scenery of the four seasons, and you can enjoy different charms depending on the time of year you visit: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter. I have visited several times to photograph the autumn leaves. The overwhelming beauty leaves me speechless. It is close to tourist spots such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine, so it is a recommended place. For those who like landscape photography, the gardens in each season and the historical buildings will be great subjects. Olympus E-5 / Zuiko Digital ED 14-35m...

4th Nov 2012: The autumn foliage in Oku-Chichibu

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The autumn foliage in Oku-Chichibu is one of the most beautiful natural sights in the Kanto region. The best time to view the vibrant colors is typically from mid-October to early November. In the mountainous areas such as Mount Kumotori, Mount Kobushigatake, and Mount Kinpu, trees like maple, rowan, and beech turn vivid shades of red, yellow, and orange, painting the slopes in a stunning gradient. Due to its remote location, Oku-Chichibu remains quiet and deeply immersed in nature, making it an ideal destination for those who wish to photograph the autumn leaves away from the hustle and bustle.  When I visited, the weather was perfectly clear with a crisp autumn sky, and I was able to capture the vivid colors of the foliage beautifully by using a polarizing filter.     Olympus E5 / Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD / ISO100 / f3.4 / 1/250s / 0.0      Olympus E5 / Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD / ISO100 / f3.5 / 1/200s / -0.3    ...

20th Oct 2012: Autumn Roses at Jindai Botanical Garden

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A Tranquil Celebration of Color and Fragrance Nestled in Chōfu City, Tokyo, Jindai Botanical Garden is a spacious and serene haven known for its annual Autumn Rose Festival. Each fall, the garden bursts into bloom with approximately 400 varieties and 5,000 rose bushes, transforming the rose garden into a vibrant tapestry of color. Unlike their spring counterparts, autumn roses are slightly smaller but possess deeper, richer hues and a more intense fragrance. Their elegant charm is best experienced in the early morning, when the scent is at its peak. To accommodate this, the garden opens early on weekends throughout October, offering visitors the chance to admire dew-kissed roses in the soft morning light. The rose garden is designed in the style of a French sunken garden, with clearly defined walkways and flower beds. Informational signs accompany each rose variety, allowing visitors to learn about the flowers while enjoying photography at a relaxed pace. As autumn deepens, the garden ...