Midtown Maple Leaf Illumination

The Christmas Illuminations are up at Tokyo Midtown. Not sure if I fully understand the theme this year, but according to the Midtown event website the theme is "Midtown Cruise," allowing you to journey away from Earth and out into Space!

Although the contrast and sharpness are good considering the challenging conditions, the colors tend to blend a little and the maple leaf takes a back seat to the bokeh from the Christmas lights. The performance by the 24 mm f2.0 AI Nikkor is amazing considering this glass is about 35-years old.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f2.8, ISO 1600,1/80 sec.

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.

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.

Godzilla in Midtown!

Sorry I have been negligent in updating my blog. The family and I were away in the states visiting family. I returned several weeks ago, but have been busy recovering from a respiratory infection and jet-lag.

Upon my return I found that the Tokyo Midtown Garden had been taken over by Godzilla! It seems that Godzilla and his tail will be in the garden until the end of August. It seems that in the evening he will be putting on a light and sound show every half hour from 7 to 9 p.m.

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

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f2.8, ISO 800, 1/13 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f4, ISO 800, 1/25 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f4, ISO 800, 1/15 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f2.8, ISO 800, 1/30 sec.

Why bother?

I spotted this small can of beer in the Precce Premium Food Market located in the basement of Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi. I don't drink often, but a normal 355-ml or 12oz can would be refreshing. A can slightly over 1/3rd this size is barely a mouthful and would probably be more frustrating that thirst quenching.

Anyway, I am not sure why anyone would purchase a 135-ml can of beer. Perhaps they have a small bladder? They use beer for mouthwash? The store was sold out of larger cans? They get drunk real easily?

None of these excuses, seem really very good. I just wonder what the pitch to the beer company must have been.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.0, ISO 400, 1/320 sec.

Midtown Clouds

I've been looking at some photos that I took last year and trying post ones that I may have overlooked. This shot of Tokyo Midtown photo has caught my attention. It has just the right lighting and reflections on the windows of the building.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ v120 mm, f5.6, ISO 100, 1/800 sec.

Modern Art or Playground Equipment?

In the Hinokicho Park located behind Tokyo Midtown are some beautiful sculptural playground equipment. This photo was taken just a few weeks ago, just after peak sakura.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f5.6, ISO 200, 1/125 sec.

Reflections and Clouds at Roppongi Midtown

I don't usually highlight photos of modern architecture on my blog, but I did like this reflection of clouds on the monolithic Tokyo Midtown Tower. It was a peaceful, but fleeting moment. Clouds never hang aroung for long.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 16 mm, f8, ISO 400, 1/100 sec.

Fly Away

The "Design Ah!" exhibition is on at Tokyo Midtown's 21_21 Design Sight until 2 June 2013. I'm not sure if this paper mache sculpture of a flying boy was part of the exhibit, but it was in front of Midtown several weeks ago. My children have reported that it has since departed or flown away. Just wish that I took several more photos of it.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f2.8, ISO 200, 1/2500 sec.