Autumn in Japan II: people

Japan has fascinating landscapes and a wide variety of colors and scenery, and every time I visit the country I leave it in awe and inspired by the countless scenes and views that I have como to see, to experience, to walk and admire. Yet, for all the majesty and beauty of Japanese lands and forests, rivers and mountains, there is always something that grabs me even more strongly and that, invariably, makes up the majority of my best memories from the country: its people.

Karuizawa, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Nikko, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Kanmangafuchi Abyss, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Selfie, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Japanese are diligent and proudly so, hard-working, systematic and with a sense of pride and respect for what they are doing, and that is laudable; there is a bond between them and their jobs that probably we, Westerners, cannot really grasp, but there is always time for a break, a recess and days were work steps back and leisure time takes center stage. Whichever day they are in, they always seem to make the most out of each situation, however short that might be.

The gardeners, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Taxi stand, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Bush man, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

On one leg, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Japanese people love to enjoy nature (a "tamed" nature, we could call it, for it has been domesticated and arranged by generations to the point of being almost entirely controlled) and it is very easy to spot them walking in parks and nature trails, alone or in groups, admiring the smallest details (a ray of light through the canopy, a small flower) while strolling healthily.

Stroll under grey sky, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Stroll in the park I, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Stroll in the park II, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Approaching Japanese people is very different from South East Asian people, where I live, though; in a country so overpopulated, it's very important to respect each other's space and never cross the line that separates one from another, and that's why my people photography in Japan, as a foreigner, tends to be from a distance, discrete, almost invisible, and getting closer to them is something I have rarely done (unless approached directly by them, in a few, special circumstances, or when capturing animals).

The lady in pink, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Comfy bed, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Another way to be stealthy and unobtrusive while doing street photography is shooting through fences, gates, doors or windows; this technique implies a lot of patience to get the people in the zone you want them to be within your frame, and many times the wait is in vain, for no interesting arrangement comes to happen; but there are some lucky occasions when all necessary ingredients appear at the same time, and that is when you click the shutter with a sense of satisfaction and time well spent.

Through the gate I, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Through the gate II, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Through the gate III, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Looking out, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

One things that I really like from Japanese culture is how, despite the technological and social advances undergone lately, they still nurture and value their centenary traditions, and many customs and traditions seem completely unaltered since probably decades (if not centuries) ago. This coexistence of old and new, of tradition and modernity, is something that many other countries have failed to do in their race to modernization, and it's something I highly admire and respect.

Drying I, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Drying II, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Pipe and caps, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Family is the strongest bond between humans, and it always warms my heart when I see families, or couples sharing their time and doing activities together; after all, sharing is probably the strongest way to show appreciation, care, and affection.

Picnic time, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Over there, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

The path ahead, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

It took my eight years to visit Japan since first I started dreaming about it, and now I have been there already for the second time one year later. If this is any indication of a new routine in my life, something like a yearly trip to the land of the rising sun at different times of the year and visiting different regions of the country, I'm all for it! Summer it was last time, autumn this one, so maybe next time I have the change to go there will be under the cherry blossoms or amidst the cold of winter. For now, however, let's conclude this post with a few monochrome brushstrokes. See you soon again, Japan!

The slope, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Misty picture, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

The ticket, please, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm

Pupils, GX80 + Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm