Colors of My Heart

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Japanese government eased its ban on overseas travel on the condition of mandatory quarantine upon return. Taking advantage of this, I made a short business trip to the United Kingdom and Turkey.  I didn’t have much opportunity to take photos in the UK, but I managed to capture a few in Istanbul, Turkey. It was my first time visiting the city. Until then, my only impression of Istanbul came from the old hit song by Mayumi Shōno, ‘Tonde Istanbul.’ Because the lyrics mention deserts and mirages,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9gPz6FXwaU I had imagined a dry, Egypt-like landscape—but the reality was completely different. Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and one of the most unique in the world, as it spans two continents—Europe and Asia—divided by the Bosphorus Strait. For centuries, it has thrived as a crossroads of civilizations, blending diverse histories, cultures, and religions. Founded as Byzantium in the 7th century BC, it became...

In March 2020, when it was decided that we would return to Japan from Mexico, we took a family trip to Cancún as a way to conclude our time in Mexico. We had visited Cancún the previous year as well, so this was our second trip there.  We stayed at an all-inclusive hotel, enjoyed plenty of delicious food, and spent relaxing days on the beach. Simply gazing at the emerald-green sea and the pristine white sand was enough to soothe our hearts. Taken with iPhone7 / Olympus E-M1 / 40-150 F2.8 Participating in the ranking If you think the content is good, please click and follow. 気に入っていただけましたら応援よろしくお願い致します。 にほんブログ村 にほんブログ村

The only concern I had while living in Mexico was safety.  At that time, incidents such as kidnappings, robberies, and even murders were frequent.  For peace of mind, I often traveled to the United States  during vacations .  These photos were taken during a Christmas holiday trip from Mexico to Las Vegas. My family stayed at the Bellagio, enjoyed the fountain show, and rode the Ferris wheel.  For a while, we were able to forget the security risks back in Mexico and truly relax. Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/60sec ／ ISO3200 ／ -0.7 Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/60sec ／ ISO1000 ／ -1.7 Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/60sec ／ ISO1000 ／ -1.7 Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/60sec ／ ISO2500 ／ 0.0 Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f2.8 ／ 1/60sec ／ ISO1250 ／ +0.3 Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO...

Shichi-Go-San is a traditional Japanese celebration that marks important milestones in a child’s growth. It is observed for boys at the age of five and for girls at the ages of three and seven, according to the traditional Japanese way of counting years. These ages have long been considered significant stages in a child’s development, and the custom expresses gratitude for their healthy growth so far and prayers for their continued well-being. The origins of Shichi-Go-San date back to the Heian period, when rituals were performed among the imperial court and samurai families before gradually spreading to the general population. In those times, infant mortality was high, so ceremonies such as Kamioki (beginning to grow out the hair at age three), Hakamagi (wearing a hakama for the first time at age five), and Obitoki (starting to wear an obi sash at age seven) were held. These practices form the basis of today’s Shichi-Go-San tradition. In modern times, it is customary for families to v...