VOICE FROM ASIA

Sign of Spring

2010-02-21T23:26:00.007+09:00

Ueno, Tokyo
Japan

It's still chilly in the morning, but we can find a sign of spring here
in Ueno Park, Tokyo.
The plam trees are already showing signs of blooming.

It won't be long until the park is crowded with many people who enjoy blossoms.
　

Miscellaneous Photos #2

2010-02-13T00:39:00.005+09:00

Apgujeong, Seoul
South Korea

The rest of the photos at the cafe in Apgujeong.

I spent several hours on the day admiring the interior decoration.
　　　

Miscellaneous Photos #1

2010-02-10T01:42:00.006+09:00

Apgujeong, Seoul
South Korea

Miscellaneous photos I took at my favorite cafe.
I upload some of them here.

Chill-out atmosphere.
　　
To be continued later.　
　　

Royal Guards

2010-02-07T23:40:00.016+09:00

Gyeongbokgung, Seoul
South Korea

Today's photos are Royal Grards at Gyeongbokgung
on a clear day after the melting of snow.

Naturally, their uniforms have changed into warm ones for winter use.

The beautiful bow and arrows make me imagine the world of the Middle Ages.

Standing very still in the cutting cold wind.
　　

Refurbished "Hanok"

2010-01-29T08:20:00.005+09:00

Samcheong-dong, Seoul
South Korea

At Samcheong-dong area, there are many cafes and restaurants
constructed by refurbishing "Hanok", Korean traditional houses.

It was very cold today, so I went through the gate of one of such "Hanok" cafes
in my wandering and ordered a glass of hot wine.

Shortly three American teenage travelers also came to the cafe.
While overhearing their joyful and loud talking,
I found it was already getting dark outside.
　　

Hanbok

2010-01-23T20:22:00.014+09:00

The National Folk Museum of Korea, Seoul
South Korea

"Hanbok" is the traditional Korean clothing which is worn as formal wear
on a festival and celebration day.
The "Hanbok" we can see today is said to be the descendant of
the late Joseon dynasty's design (the late nineteenth century).

A special exhibition "Forever Fabulous" at the National Folk Museum of Korea
show you a new understanding of "Hanbok", or "Reinvented Hanbok Works".

The traditional clothing is in harmony with Fancy paint,
embroidery and beaten gold.

This exhibition is untill February 15 at the National Folk Museum of Korea
in the photo.
　　

On a Cold Winter Day

2010-01-17T23:29:00.012+09:00

Apgujeong, Seoul
South Korea

A hot green tea latte on a cold winter day.
It warms me up on a day like this.

This is a cafe in Apgujeong area,
where is a fashion and shopping district located to the south of Han River (Hangang).

A relaxing time for a brief moment.
　　

Snow-covered Palace

2010-01-10T19:57:00.008+09:00

Gyeongbokgung, Seoul
South Korea

2 hour flight from Tokyo,Japan to Seoul,South Korea.
It took me to the completely different winter scenery.

In Tokyo, the lowest temperature during winter is rarely below zero degrees C.
On the other hand, here in Seoul, even the highest temperature is usually
below zero degrees C.

I was puzzled by heavy snow.
This year, it seems there has been more snow than usual.

　　
　　

2010-01-08T23:41:00.015+09:00

The Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art, Craft Gallery
Takebashi,Tokyo
Japan

The Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art is comprised of some buildings.
One of them is this Craft Gallery displaying textiles, ceramics and
other Japanese crafts.

Originally, this Craft Gallery was built in 1910 as the headquarters of the Imperial Guards.
This Western-style building which had gone through the war
was preserved and restored after the war,
and then it was opened as an annex to the main building in 1977.

The red brick building under the early evening sky in winter.
The most beautiful time of the day.

　　

"Hatsumoude"

2010-01-02T23:01:00.020+09:00

Fukagawa, Tokyo
Japan

New year's visit to a shrine is called "Hatsumoude" in Japanese.
Most Japanese visit a shrine early in the new year to pray for
their happiness and health.
　　

Some people wear kimonos for "Hatsumoude".
　　

"Omikuji" is a sacred lot to tell fortunes of the year.
After drawing "Omikuji", people tie them to branches of trees or ropes in the shrine.
　　

Sacred sake cups for a new year.
　　

People buy "Omamori", good luck charms or "Hamaya", sacred arrows like in the photo.
　　

　　

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-01T21:21:00.007+09:00

Tokyo Tower, Tokyo
Japan

Best wishes for a happy new year from Tokyo Tower !
May the new year bring many good things to you.
　　

New Year's Eve

2009-12-31T19:08:00.004+09:00

Shichirigahama, Kanagawa
Japan

This is one of my favorite surf points, Shichirigahama Beach.
Unfortunately, the wind was on-shore today,　so I coundn't enjoy year-end surfing.

Thanks, 2009.

I wish you a peaceful new year.
　　

Tokyo Bay Area

2009-12-30T18:42:00.002+09:00

Odaiba, Tokyo
Japan

It's been a while since I posted previous photos.
I couldn't update this blog because I was too busy working over the past two months.

This is a photo of Tokyo Bay area.
I love this evening time of the day.
The color of the sky is changing into dark blue.

I could forget the bustle of everyday life.
　　

Evening Walk in Ginza #2

2009-11-06T21:42:00.007+09:00

Ginza, Tokyo
Japan

One of my favorite buildings in Ginza, a building of a luxury fashion house.

It's like a gem in the dark.
　　

Evening Walk in Ginza #1

2009-11-01T13:14:00.007+09:00

Ginza, Tokyo
Japan

Ginza is an upscale shopping area in Tokyo
where most of luxury brands have their flagship stores.

However, moat part of Ginza before 1600's was just a sand area facing the sea
and in 1603 "Edo Bakufu"(a feudal regime between 1603 and 1868) started
the reclamation of the waterfront around here.

It was the beginning of this major shopping district, Ginza.
　　
For more "Scenic Sunday" photos, here.
　　

Let's Play Tag !

2009-10-29T22:31:00.009+09:00

Gwanghwamun Plaza, Seoul
South Korea

A photo of a month ago.
Kids playing tag through fountains in Gwanghwamun Plaza
opened in August.
How energetic they are !
　　

Royal Guard

2009-10-25T00:00:00.005+09:00

Deoksugung, Seoul
South Korea

Deoksugung, located only one block away from City Hall,
is one of the "Five Grand Palaces" in Seoul.
At the main gate of Deoksugung facing Seoul Square in front of City Hall,
reenactment of the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony can be seen
three times a day.
　　

It can be a good experience to feel a Korean royal culture in the 17th century.

For more "Scenic Sunday" photos, here.
　　

View from the Window

2009-10-23T00:00:00.002+09:00

Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul
South Korea

Beautiful autumn scenery through the window.
The leaves are starting to change here, too.
　　

Autumn Sky and Royal Palace

2009-10-18T06:48:00.000+09:00

Gyeongbokgung, Seoul
South Korea

Gyeongbokgung is one of the five historical royal palces in Seoul
and this gate is the second inner gate in the palace called "Heungnyemun".
　　
There was a clear autumn sky above the gate,
so I couldn't help taking out my camera from the bag.
　　
For more "Scenic Sunday" photos, here.
　　

Seoul Museum of Art

2009-10-17T08:58:00.015+09:00

Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul
South Korea

The Seoul Museum of Art operated by Seoul City usually presents
an exhibition of both domestic and international modern art.
It was founded in 1928 and moved to its current building in 2002,
which had been the Korean Supreme Court from 1948 until 1995.
　　

Certainly, it has dignified atmosphere, dosen't it ?
　　
The current exhibition "City Net Asia 2009" presenting talented young artists
in Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing and Istanbul is until November 22.
　　
　

Band of Light

2009-10-11T08:40:00.009+09:00

Yurakucho, Tokyo
Japan

Band of light at the Tokyo International Forum.
　　

The green color of the trees reflecting light is beautiful.
One of my favorite night views of Tokyo.
　　
For more "Scenic Sunday" photos, here.
　　

Vermilion "Torii"

2009-10-10T00:05:00.000+09:00

Nezu, Tokyo
Japan

Tunnel of vermilion "torii", "the sacred gates to Nezu Jinjya Shrine.
Unless you bend your body to step forward,
you can't pass through the narrow "torii".
Step by step, you come closer to the the main hall of the shrine.
　　

Evening Walk around Nihonbashi

2009-10-07T00:10:00.007+09:00

Nihonbashi, Tokyo
Japan

I'll upload a series of photos of Nihonbashi area
(literally meaning "Japan Bridge"), one of the business districts in Tokyo.

The Nihonbashi bridge, after which this district has been named,
is known as "Origin of Roads in Japan", or the reference point
for all roads in the 17th century.

Unfortunately, an expressway was built over the Nihonbashi bridge
just before Tokyo Summer Olympics in 1964.
　　

However, when night falls, the bridge is illuminated with lights
and transformed into a fantastic form different from in the daytime.
　　

Harvest Moon in Tokyo

2009-10-04T00:05:00.015+09:00

Marunouchi, Tokyo
Japan

A photo of today's full moon taken in Marunouchi,
a business district located on the west side of Tokyo Station.
　　
In Japan, the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox
is celebrated as "Chushu no Meigetsu" (Harvest Moon).
　　

Here, at the garden called "Brick Square" opened last month,
I could enjoy my time under the moonlight.　
　　
For more "Scenic Sunday" photos, here.
　　

Flying Men

2009-09-27T08:13:00.004+09:00

Namsan, Seoul
South Korea

Flying men in the air !
They will welcome you at the base of Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower).
　　
For more "Scenic Sunday" photos, here.
　　

Evening Walks 2

2009-09-26T01:17:00.004+09:00

Garosugil, Seoul
South Korea

　　

Continued from the previous "Evening Walks" along Garosugil.
Many colors of lights in the evening.
　　

Evening Walks 1

2009-09-23T22:26:00.013+09:00

Garosugil, Seoul
South Korea

I'll try to up photos in some postings ahead
which I took on my recent evening walks.
This time, from Garosugil street.
　　

Garosugil (meaning "tree-lined street") is one of the fashionable streets
in Seoul which is flanked by many sophisticated clothing stores,
cafes and restaurants.

Most of the stores were opened late into the night,
so I could enjoy autumn night breeze and window-shopping there
at the same time.
　　

View From Namsan Tower

2009-09-20T08:47:00.002+09:00

Namsan, Seoul
South Korea

Namsan Tower (N seoul Tower) rises above the center of the city
as a landmark of Seoul.
Since the tower stands on Namsan hill, it can be found from anywhere in the city.

Going up to the observation deck, you can enjoy the great view from there
that spans 360 degrees.
　　
For more "Scenic Sunday" photos, here.
　　

Namsan Hanok Village

2009-09-19T09:57:00.013+09:00

Namsan, Seoul
South Korea

At the foot of Namsan Hill, near the major shopping district Myeongdong,
this Namsan Honok Village is located.
　　
Once you step into this village,
you can get away from the noise and clamor of the city.
　　

This folk village contains several traditional houses
and you can enjoy Korean royal meal and music in one of them.
　　

Torii on the top of mountain

2009-09-13T10:22:00.010+09:00

Hakone, Kanagawa
Japan

" Torii " is a gate to Japanese shirine and a mark of entrance to sacred space.
The red color stands out against the blue sky.
　　
For more "Scenic Sunday" photos, here.
　　

Moss Garden

2009-09-11T22:20:00.010+09:00

Hakone, Kanagawa
Japan

The moss was shining in the light and the shadow enhanced its beauty.
At the moss garden in the Hakone Shrine.
　　

View of Mt.Fuji

2009-09-06T15:28:00.000+09:00

Hakone, Kanagawa
Japan

Mt.Komagatake is located in Hakone,
which is the most popular hot spring resort in greater Tokyo area.
On clear days from the top of Komagatake,
you are able to get a beautiful view of Mt.Fuji in a little cool gentle breeze.
　　
For more "Scenic Sunday"photos, here.　
　　

Japanese Traditional Paper- Edo Chiyogami

2009-09-05T09:37:00.017+09:00

Yanaka, Tokyo
Japan

Edo Chiyogami is woodblock-printed paper
originated in Edo period (1603-1867).
This traditional handcraft has a lot of colored-pattern
designed in seasonal, natural motifs.
So, now it may be good to enjoy a pattern with a feeling of the early autumn.
　
　　

At the Chiyogami specialty store, Isetatsu opened in 1864.
　　

Bamboo forest

2009-08-31T21:52:00.004+09:00

Shuzenji, Shizuoka
Japan

A morning walk in a small bamboo forest along the river.
A ray of strong sunshine was making beautiful shades of green.
There, I took several deep breaths.
　

Shuzenji Temple

2009-08-30T09:02:00.002+09:00

Shuzenji, Shizuoka
Japan

One of the hot spring towns on the Izu Peninsula, Shuzenji.
In the center of this town, along the Katsuragawa River,
this Shuzenji temple is nestled in woods.
The time I arrived there was after 6 pm.
So, only continuous chorus of cicadas welcomed me.
　　

Tokyo Water Front City 2

2009-08-26T22:51:00.005+09:00

Odaiba, Tokyo
Japan

Although Odaiba is a newly developed urban area now,
it was originally built for defensive purpose armed with cannon batteries in the 1850's.
Some of battery islands can be found there even now.
　　

Tokyo Water Front City

2009-08-24T21:35:00.009+09:00

Odaiba, Tokyo
Japan

Odaiba is a new development district facing Tokyo bay.
Therefore, you can find some contemporary buildings here.
　　

Lotus

2009-08-21T19:29:00.008+09:00

Nami Island, Chuncheon
South Korea

Lotus flower is known as a sacred water lily in Buddhism.
The beautiful flower grows out of muddy water strongly.
　　

Force in Architecture

2009-08-16T23:23:00.011+09:00

Ewha University, Seoul
South Korea

I was moved by the overwhelming presence this building had.
　　

Riverside

2009-08-15T18:42:00.007+09:00

Hangang, Seoul
South Korea

A beautiful city always has a river.
Here in Seoul, it's the Hangan.
Under the blue sky, the usual river looks beautiful today.
　　

Microcosm

2009-08-09T08:46:00.006+09:00

Samcheong-dong, Seoul
South Korea

For him, here's Microcosm.
At a small aquarium along a path.
　

Early Evening breeze

2009-08-08T11:03:00.009+09:00

Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul
South Korea

A fitful breeze is passing through the histrical palace.
Nothing has changed here.
Quiet early evening in the summer.
　　
Changdeokgung Palace
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changdeokgung
　

Wooden Gate

2009-08-05T00:36:00.009+09:00

Bukchon, Seoul
South Korea

For a long period,it has protected inside from surroundings.
Naturally-colored beauty.
　　

Hanok

2009-08-02T22:46:00.006+09:00

Bukchon, Seoul
South Korea

Korean traditional house,
"Hanok" has been built to be at one with nature.
Well,no wonder it's unfazed over the sudden heavy rain.
　　

Time, Calm and Pale Green Moss

2009-08-01T22:19:00.010+09:00

Bukchon, Seoul
South Korea

A historical village on a steep hill.
Here,time heals everything.
　

Edifice

2009-07-31T00:33:00.013+09:00

Itaewon, Seoul
South Korea

Turning a corner, the huge construction makes an appearance
behind daily life.
　　

Different Culture

2009-07-28T22:05:00.011+09:00

Itaewon, Seoul
South Korea

Muslim mosque and Korean character.
Creating a new culture in a foreign land.
　　

Every Summer, Everyday Lives

2009-07-27T00:41:00.010+09:00

Itaewon, Seoul
South Korea

Everyday lives on a small hill just near Itaewon station.
Summer has come here,too.
　　