Shibuya Evening Lights

Although I am not one that enjoys Shibuya at least, not in the normal sense... I dislike the chaotic energy and the crowds that bring that energy. (Although Japan hosts the most civil and Disney version of large crowds.) I do enjoy the lights and people watching, and those reasons, and the close proximity to my residence bring me back to Shibuya fairly often.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 400, 1/25 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 400, 1/125 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 400, 1/80 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 400, 1/60 sec.

Winter Hats

Last August 2013, I took a walk through Shibuya and took many photos of people in hats and blogged about it in a post titled, Thinking about hats.... Seems that I am experiencing a sort of artistic déjà vu and shot more people in hats in Shibuya with the same trusty 30-year old 85mm f/1.4 AI-S Nikkor.

However, these samples were not of the straw variety favored in the summer, but were suited for a Tokyo winter although the fashion inspiration had to cross the pacific from the American west. Seems that the original hat of the West, the “Boss of the Plains” is admired for its fashion sense and practicality in the land of the rising sun.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 100, 1/80 sec.

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

Momori Clover Z vs KISS

Momoiro Clover Z has been collaborating with Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame band KISS. Their collaboration (or is it VS) single will be released tomorrow 28 January 2015 in Japan. Although I experienced the Momoiro Clover Z phenomenon last year though the unusual parade of fashion near the Meiji Jingu Gaien, the hysteria move a notch higher and expand globally. A gigantic billboard announcement was on display at Shibuya Station on 19 January 2015.

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

I don't like Shibuya...Really, I don't like Shibuya...

The area around Shibuya station is a little too crowded for my liking.  But then again, the very reasons that I don't like it... it's frenetic, chaotic and crowded.. are the very reasons that make it interesting.  It's a beautiful, chaotic, symphony of people, lights and buildings.  A whole orchestra sounding off simultaneously to attract your attention.

Here's the entrance to JR's Shibuya Station.

Not many people look down here, but there's some nice Hachiko hand-hole covers located near the Hachiko's statue.

Here is the famous statue of Hachiko near Shibuya Station.

Here's another view of Hachiko's statue and his admirers.

One more of Hachiko.

Here's the ubiquitous shot of Shibuya Crossing and it's favorite scramble.

Another look at the scramble... The vehicular traffic stops and thousands of people cross every few minutes.