Colors of My Heart

  Big Ben is a clock tower located in London, England, and is officially known as the "Elizabeth Tower." The name "Big Ben" originally referred to the large bell inside the tower, but over time, it became associated with the entire tower. The Elizabeth Tower was completed in 1859. It was designed by William A. Banks, and the clock and bell were constructed by George Elliott.  The tower was originally constructed as part of the British Houses of Parliament and was completed during the reign of Queen Victoria. The large bell, known as Big Ben, weighs around 13 tons and produces a powerful sound, making it widely recognized as a symbol of London. The tower itself stands at about 96 meters tall, and at its top, there are four large clock faces. Each clock face has a diameter of about 7 meters, and the clocks are known for their intricate design and precision. Today, Big Ben is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in London, attracting many visitors from around th...

Every morning on my way to work, I passed a beautiful flower field. I often parked my car there and took a few photos. At the time, the only lens I had was a 24mm, which wasn’t wide enough for a full panoramic shot, but I still managed to capture the vast expanse of yellow flowers stretching as far as the eye could see. Nikon D850 ／ Nikon AF Nikkor 24mm f/2.8D ／ f/16 ／ 1/800sec ／ ISO800 ／ ±0.5 Nikon D850 ／ Ai AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED ／ f/16 ／ 1/400sec ／ ISO800 ／ ±0.5 Nikon D850 ／ Ai AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED ／ f/16 ／ 1/500sec ／ ISO800 ／ ±0.5 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

During my first spring after moving to London, I was captivated by the beautiful cherry blossoms blooming in front of the church near my home. Spring in London is a season when cherry blossoms bring vibrant color to the city.  The peak viewing period is from mid-March to late April, though some varieties can be enjoyed until early May. You’ll find delicate blossoms reminiscent of Japan’s Somei Yoshino as well as lush, layered petals like those of Yaezakura, creating a rich and varied display over several weeks. Unlike Japan’s traditional hanami culture, the common way to appreciate cherry blossoms here is through quiet walks. The sight of these blossoms harmonizing with historic architecture and verdant parks offers rare moments of serenity in the heart of the city. In springtime London, even a simple stroll through the neighborhood can lift your spirits and make the day feel brighter. Nikon D850 ／ Ai AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED ／ f/4 ／ 1/2000sec ／ ISO800 ／ +1.0 Nikon D850 ／ ...

January 2021 marked the end of an era. Olympus—after more than 80 years of shaping photography—sold its camera business. For me, this wasn’t just news; it felt like losing a lifelong friend. My journey began with an Olympus Pen D when I was 8, a gift from my grandfather. From that day, I lived through the magic of the Pen F, OM-1, OM-2, OM-3, OM-4Ti, and later digital icons like the E-P2, E-5, and E-M1. When I heard about the sale, my heart sank. I understood the business logic, but deep inside, I couldn’t accept it. The name “OLYMPUS” engraved on the prism meant everything to me. For over a year, I wrestled with the thought—what would Mr Maitani say if he were here? Finally, in March 2023, I made the hardest decision: to say goodbye. Micro Four Thirds had its brilliance—compact size, incredible stabilization, telephoto strength—but I feared innovation would slow under new ownership. In a fast-moving digital world, that felt fatal. So, I returned to Nikon—a brand that had been part of ...

I had never visited the Tokyo Skytree before, so I went there with my family. Rising to a height of 634 meters, the Skytree is the tallest freestanding broadcasting tower in the world and has served as a new symbol of Tokyo since its opening in 2012. It is also a highly popular tourist destination, offering magnificent panoramic views of the entire Kanto region from its observation decks. Situated in Oshiage, Sumida Ward, the Tokyo Skytree was built to ensure stable transmission of terrestrial digital broadcasting. Its height of 634 meters was deliberately chosen as a play on words referencing the old provincial name “Musashi,” thereby embedding a cultural connection within its design. Completed in February 2012 and opened to the public in May of the same year, it has since become a landmark of Tokyo, attracting countless visitors from both Japan and abroad. Inside the tower, visitors can enjoy the “Tembo Deck” at 350 meters above ground, as well as the “Tembo Galleria” at 450 meters, ...

Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park This park is a prefectural park located in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture. It is known as the "birthplace of aviation in Japan," from which the park takes its name. Since it opened in March 1978, it has been known as "Aviation Park." It is the largest prefectural park in Saitama Prefecture, with a total area of ​​502k m2. It was developed on the site of Tokorozawa Airfield, Japan's first airfield, which opened in 1911, and since its opening, independent facilities have been built one after another on the premises. Autumn Leaves Every year, from early November to early December, the trees in the park begin to turn red and yellow, and you can enjoy the autumn leaves of maples and ginkgo trees. The autumn leaves in the park are very picturesque, and you can enjoy leaf-viewing while walking along the walking paths. The best part of the autumn leaves at Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park is the autumn leaves in the Japanese garde...