Broken Wing and Orange Cosmos

I spotted this butterfly (perhaps a Painted Lady (or Vanessa Cardui)) fluttering through a favorite flower garden at Yoyogikoen. This butterfly seems to have seen better days and but was still making it's way through the world without part of a wing.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f1.4, ISO 500, 1/8 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f1.4, ISO 500, 1/8 sec.

Surprised by the Higanbana

This is a sure sign that summer is over, the Higanbana have bloomed and faded. These lovely higanbana or (Magic Spider Lilies) popped up in the planter across the street from our house in Yoyogi. Just over a week ago, they were in full bloom and now all that remain are stems.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens@ f5.6, ISO 400, 1/160 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f8.0, ISO 100, 1/80 sec.

Papillon at Kodomonokuni

Several years ago (2013) in September, I caught a snap of a Common Leopard (or Phalanta phalantha) butterfly resting on an orange cosmo with my Nikkor 85mm AI-S. Definitely not the ideal lens to catch this quick flying insect. Several days ago, the opportunity repeated itself at Kodomonokuni. This time, I had my 105mm Micro-Nikkor mounted and enough patience to capture this!

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f5.6, ISO 100, 1/500 sec.

Seems that Shikoku is Awa Odori Crazy (Part 4 - One More)

So I lied about the last Awa Odori post being the last... Oh well, here are some more photographic evidence that Tokushima is Awa Odori crazy. These were all taken at the airport, so if you thought that you might escape the madness by leaving the city center, you are wrong.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 100, 1/400 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f8.0, ISO 800, 1/60 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/250 sec.

Seems that Shikoku is Awa Odori Crazy (Part 3 - Last)

Since I myself am not Awa Odori crazy, this will be the last Awa Odori post. I did not have the opportunity on this visit to see any Awa Odori (dancing) or visit the Awa Odori Kaikan. Those who may more enamored than myself, will probably be let down by this final Awa Odori post of a crosswalk post and the stained glass feature topping it.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f5.6, ISO 100, 1/250 sec.

Seems that Shikoku is Awa Odori Crazy (Part 2)

In the lobby of our hotel in Tokushima we were greeted by these anime themed Awa Odori posters. I guess I'm not enough of a anime fan to be able to identify the anime in these posters, but I still like the design.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 400, 1/100 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 400, 1/200 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 400, 1/80 sec.

Seems that Shikoku is Awa Odori Crazy (Part 1)

Although we didn't know it at the time, Shikoku and especially Tokushima was gearing up for the Awa Odori Matsuri. It seems that a little of everything in the town had some sore of Awa Odori theme. I first noticed when we stopped for refreshments waiting for a connection at Awa Ikeda Station. This bottle of Sudachi Cider which I am not familiar with featured Awa Odori dancers. Anyway, I'm not sure if this is always available, a seasonal or special limited time beverage, but it was tasty and the label was unique and eye-catching.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f8, ISO 400, 1/80 sec.

JR Shikoku Diesel to Tokushima

It took me about an hour to realize that the JR Shikoku train to Tokushima was not electric, but diesel. It should have been obvious since there were no overhead lines and it made a pleasant diesel ticking noise. A little research, and it appears that this generation of trains is called the JR Shikoku 1000 series.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f4.0, ISO 200, 1/60 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f2.8, ISO 400, 1/10 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f4.0, ISO 400, 1/13 sec.

Zama Sunset over the Rice Paddy Fields

Although I still have one or two posts remaining from my Shikoku adventure, I need to take a break. Here's a quick shot the sunset over the rice paddy fields from mid-August, taken during the Himawari Matusri (Sunflower Festival) near the Sagami River in Zama City. It was taken by my small and slightly beat up 70's era Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI.I find it amazing that this 40-year old lens continues performs well (just like it's owner).

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f8, ISO 100, 1/400 sec.

Unusual Mascot at Oboke Station

I was told by a coworker that this statue at Oboke Station has some sort of cultural reference; however, I cannot figure out what it is.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f5.6, ISO 100, 1/160 sec.