Constantly Moving
My wife says I'm like a little mouse that can't sit still. When I'm not physically moving my mind is moving a thousand miles an hour. It is just the way I am wired. This year has been no different. I've had a lot of travel so far this year with trips to London, Mumbai, Osaka, Seoul, Manila, Bangkok, LA and Singapore twice. In another week I'm heading off to Mumbai and Singapore for a few days each. I'm looking forward to connecting with my friends there. I don't think I've stayed in the same place for more than 3 months for the last 15 years.
I've really enjoyed tinkering with everything getting the store up and running. Building the site, figuring out the supply chain, product selection, site copy, branding, email marketing and demand generation. After seeing the images that were provided from the manufacturers I decided to have the products photographed myself so sent one of everything to a product photographer. I don't want to sell them commercially now that they have been opened and these are really premium products so I had them sent to me in Tokyo. I now have more shaving products than I could ever use in a lifetime so I'm selling them wholesale to people in Tokyo. They haven't been used just opened and photographed. If you are in Tokyo and interested check out what is available here and you can contact me here and pick up in Roppongi Hills or Jiyugaoka.
When in Tokyo I've been staying close to family and not getting out much. I miss getting out and shooting. Walking with no real purpose other than taking a photos and enjoying the scene. My friend Steve was in town as well as another photographer I have been trying to meet up with so I took the opportunity for a rare night out.
But first a bit from my travels...
I love the continued expanding of flights from Haneda. I love a 40 minute drive to the airport vs. 2 hours. I do like to drive but appreciate the shortened trip.
Today's Configuration: Leica M Monochrom with a 28mm f/2.0.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino. I was too busy this trip but wish I had time for a few hands of Black Jack. Maybe next trip...
The restaurants and shops in Marina Bay Sands are amazing. This night I ended up having amazing Indian food.
I had a short business trip to Osaka. I haven't been to Osaka for 10 years. I really wish I had more time to travel around Japan.
Water Gang? (the Kanji in the eyes are water 'mizu')
First we hit up Shimokitazawa. It's been 4 years since I have been here. This place reminds me a bit of Jiyugaoka.
My friend Steve joined us for the night out.
It took me a minute to figure out why there was a Heineken sign. A FlowerShop Bar - OK.
A Coffee Shop T-Shirt Store...
On to Hamonica Yokocho. Another place I haven't been in years...
The little alleyways, bars and resturants make this such a fun place to shoot, and eat and drink.
This guy sits with his customers and drinks with them. The walls are full of pictures of his customers.
Joe in action...
Last stop Golden Gai...
Another night at the Photographer's Bar.
A new Bartender...
A new coffee shop opened up in Jiyugaoka - Alpha Beta Coffee Club. I really like this place. The coffee is fantastic and I really like the Tuna melt.
While I was walking around shooting some shots of the coffee shop I found one of my co-workers Naomi. She also recently started a business - Kittyzilla! Selling some cool cat related things she makes.
Thanks for stopping by today. Don't forget to visit Grown Man Shave.
Be well.