Like most baby boomers born just after WWII, I was not a fan of Japan or the Japanese when growing up. As a kid I read comics showing fanatic soldiers waving swords and screaming Banzai as they attacked brave Allied soldiers. During my teens, my family was assigned to Singapore and there I learnt about the Japanese occupation of Malaya during WWII. I attended Changi Grammar School and passed Changi Prison each day. Even the Chinese lady who ran the school “tuck-shop” conjured memories of the war. She received that concession from the authorities in gratitude for the clandestine support she provided for the prisoners-of-war in Changi. The passage of twenty years had not softened memories of the war and I absorbed a general prejudice against Japan and Japanese with no firsthand knowledge or understanding of either.
My prejudices began to change in 1988 when I was assigned by Mobil to work with a Japanese engineering contractor in Yokohama. This was followed by two more assignments to Yokohama allowing me to spend about four years living in Japan. Thereafter, I worked with Japanese engineering companies and made regular business trips to Tokyo and Yokohama until I retired. Suffice to say, that those four years living in Yokohama and the long working relationship with Japanese colleagues educated me and changed my opinions from prejudice to admiration for Japan’s culture and a deep respect for the capabilities and qualities of its industry.
Terminal 2 - Narita
Kannai Station - near Yokohama as the local train from Tokyo and Yokohama departs towards Yamate.
United 737 departing Narita for Guam [Apple iPhone 4 pic]
Summer Fashion on sale in Yokohama
The Maid of Isezakicho by Sato Tadayoshi. This 1978 edition of "Young Woman" stands in the pedestrian area of Isezakicho shopping area close to Kannai Station in Yokohama. I fell under her spell in 1988 and have watched her age as time, sea-air, acid rain and air pollution take a toll of her delicate features.
Artisans in Isezakicho pedestrian precinct (Yokohama) preparing for the festival
Portable drum - but stationary piano
In the land of Nod - Not everyone in Japan conforms
Venus observed Here - Erected 100 years after the event
Late afternoon view towards Fuji - faken from the observation deck of the Landmark Tower
Lost in thought - but what photographer can ignore those red tresses and green shoes?
Minato Mirai 21 - The Landmark Tower, (hotel and offices), two sets of office buildings, the Yokohama Bay Hotel and the sail-shaped Intercontinental Hotel
Hotel photographer recording the happy couple during the reception. But the question remains, "Where did you get that suit?"
Young girl heading for School - Yokohama JR Station. Japan - where even little girls are safe in Japan when they use public transport to travel alone to school.)
Favorite diner - Nogecho - Yokohama
An inner courtyard - Sankien Gardens
Okanomiyaki restaurant - Yamate
The corner cafe - Yamate
Fast food- traditional style