Godzilla looks scary in the daylight, too!

Not completely sure, but without the darkness and colored lights Godzilla is still quite impressive! Anyway, now that September is here, I am sure that he is being dismantled this morning. I wonder what I will find when I return?

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 100, 1/800 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/1000 sec.

The King of the Monsters looks more menacing with clouds, smoke and light effects!

The clouds, smoke and light effects in this photo make Godzilla look more menacing! Luckily for us, a small fence protects us. Anyway, the King of the Monsters gets packed up and heads to parts unknown (perhaps Monster Island?) after tonight.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f8, ISO 200,1/200 sec.

Midtown or Giant Gravestone?

I am probably not the first one to think this, but doesn't Tokyo Midtown look a lot like the gravestones in nearby Aoyama Bochi?

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f8.0, ISO 100, 1/160 sec.

Thinking back to a cooler summer

As I previously posted the family spent a few days in San Francisco cooling off after spending a hot but dry week in Las Vegas visiting my Dad, brother and sister. On the Fourth of July, we spend the evening on the roof of my college buddy's house enjoying the night lights and hoping to catch some fireworks. The fireworks were a bust due to the low hanging clouds and turned into colored fog as my friends described them, but the view of the night lights was amazing. One of the great views from the roof was of the Coit Tower.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f2.8, ISO 3200, 1/10 sec.

More Soap Bubbles in Yoyogi-Koen

In early May near Golden Week, the family spent an afternoon at Yoyogi Park and enjoyed playing with soap bubbles. The soap bubbles and equipment to create them were generously provided by the Yoyogi Shabondama (or see the original web site at  代々木公園@シャボン玉ブログ).

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f5.0, ISO 100, 1/125 sec.

Akebono-bashi Kushiyaki Restaurant Store Front

Back in the spring walking with the family through an interesting shopping street in Akebono-bashi-dori, this yakitori (or kushiyaki) restaurant storefront caught my eye. It's not anything fancy, overtly flashy or nostalgic, just typical of what can be found in many neighborhoods throughout Tokyo and Japan. One look and you'll want to pass through the blue & white noren and sliding wooden slat doors, sit and have a drink and several sticks of grilled chicken and veggies.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.0, ISO 160, 1/40 sec.

Sometimes I wonder what is appropriate?

Am I a prude or perhaps a little too conservative? But when I was walking though one of the back streets in Harajuku along Omotesando, I came across this window with children's and toddler's t-shirts. On first inspection they seemed attractive featuring bright colors, interesting graphics and good design. However, I am not sure if it is appropriate to have a hemp or cannabis leaf on a children's shirt.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f4.0, ISO 800, 1/13 sec.

Columbus Tower at Night

Our family vacation in late June and July was rather frantic and far flung. One of our stops included a stay with friends in San Francisco. After a dinner at Tomasso's our evening walk took us past the Columbus Tower in North Beach.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf2.8, ISO 800, 1/20 sec.

Aomori Nebuta Matsuri Lanterns

In norther Japan, these lanterns are made for the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri. I haven't had the opportunity to visit Aomori especially during festival time, but several smaller versions of these lanterns are currently on display in Tokyo Midtown.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/50 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/40 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 400, 1/320 sec.