Tokyo Station on New Year's Day

When I went back to the US at the end of the year, the return flight was at midnight. I arrived early in the morning on New Year's Day and got to see Tokyo Station for the first time since it was remodeled. I wish I could have gotten better shots of it. I will chalk it up to jet lag.

Sendai Nuke Protest

Last month I picked up a 28 mm lens from my favorite used camera-gear store and put it on my camera, eager to test it out.

I started walking north on Ichibancho and heard a loud noise that I thought was caused by a new pachinko place opening up - the people hired to go out and tell people what they are missing.

But, it turned out to be a rally against nuclear power.

It was a great way to test the new lens.

Zuiganji Light Up

One of my favorite times of the year is the light up at Zuiganji in Matsushima. I went last year, but this year was a little different. Last year I got in with my tripod, but no one said anything. That might have been since it was the last night of the year.

This year, however, I was stopped at the gate and they told me I could only use my tripod as a monopod.

I did not want to do that so, I tried to rely on my hands to keep the camera steady.

I really wish I had my tripod.

This highlight of this year was the priest playing the bamboo flute. It was very zen.

Which end is up?