The one thing I love about living in Japan is all of the culture there is to enjoy. I always enjoy going to shrines in the New Year, watching the streets of Tokyo fill with Kimono clad girls for Coming of Age Day, the edges of the rivers and parks turning pink with the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms, and the Right-Wing Nationalist face off with the Tokyo Riot Police on Constitution Day. Ah Tokyo…
I also love the yearly Matsuri. All of these provide me great opportunities for photography. I know I am blessed with endless subject matter around me living in Tokyo. I truly believe I have picked the right hobby for the city I live in. I shot the Jiyugaoka Matsuri last year and decided to try it again this year but try it on film. I just love the look of film.
Today’s Configuration: Leica M6-J , Kodak Portra 160 and various lenses, most my Noctilux 50mm f/0.95.
I quickly bumped into the owner of Popeye Camera out enjoying the festivities…
I’ll use the same description I used last year. ”It’s a bit hard to explain a Matsuri if you haven’t experienced one but basically people gather in town squares to socialize, drink and occasionally carry this shrine around…”
Matsuri is a festival that is usually sponsored by the local shrine or temple. There are no specific days for Matsuri Festivals but they are typically late summer or early autumn. Festivals are always great for taking photographs as people are always happy to have their photo taken and there is usually a lot going on. If you are not comfortable photographing strangers then this is a great environment to get started.
People are happy to pose for you…
This little boy was fearless…
Taking a well deserved break from ‘shrine marching’…
Such an interesting face… I was glad this guy stopped to pose for a picture.
There were cops everywhere standing off at a distance…
Me in the mirror…. Matsuri style. I look like a giant!
He turned out to be a friend of my friend Pieter… such a small world.
I ended up bumping into the two guys in the middle when I was on my way back from picking up my prints. I ended up giving them all of the prints of them and their friends…
Fish on a stick…
Thanks for stopping by today…
Setagaya-ku / Jiyugaoka! my small town! I miss you so much! Thank you share and the beautiful photos!
[...] was another Matsuri in Jiyugaoka a few weeks ago that filled the streets so I decided to hit the streets with my camera [...]
Nice set Jeffrey…
Peiter – I was surprised he knew you… small world.
Thanks Ben. I like that shot as well. It was one of my favorites of the day.
Are you going from an ‘almost’ daily blog to a Weekly Blog?
You continue to inspire. My friend and I started a similar project in New Haven, CT USA at http://www.ilovenewhaven.org. Continue the great work. I hope you get a chance to check out our efforts.
I was surprised he knew you. Pieter is famous!
Nice set, and great to see Maki of Tokyo Photo Society in action
You are right when you say a matsuri is a great place to get used to shooting strangers if it’s something that scares you! Great pics by the way, I like the one of the kid being held in his fathers arms.
Thanks Matthew. I am really happy with how those came out. I am loving film.
Thanks Arefti.
Thanks Joe. I love taking photos in mirrors…I like that you could see all of the ‘action’ behind me.
Hi Kate – Thanks so much! I am always happy when people comment for the first time. I am glad you enjoyed the images and they were able to bring you back in time.
Hi Dave, I’ve been following your blog for ages now, and never commented, but these photos of the Matsuri have compelled me to! I lived in Japan years ago and was lucky enough to be involved in a local Matsuri. These photos have bought all those memories back so vividly it’s like being there again. Thanks so much!
What a great set of photos! You really outdid yourself. It’s the next best thing to being there.
Fantastic images Dave!
Love the mirror shot.
Great shots! I’d love to be able to photograph a festival in Japan.
Dave, you keep delivering some quality photographs buddy. This latest group is just excellent. Wanna see more more more. Thank you as always for sharing.