CU

Earthquake in Japan

2011-03-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

There was an massive earthquake in Tohoku region in Japan, March 11th.
I've been watching NHK(TV station in Japan) on UStream since the earthquake occurred.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/7478107

I hope people in damaged area stay strong together and survive this catastrophe. My heart and thought are with people suffering dark and cold nights.

I know this post doesn't supply electricity to those who in evacuation place but I am hoping to spread awareness and support to them. If you read this post, please act, show support, and think about them. And this is just beginning of a long-term disaster. It takes long time to recover from such damage. I will support them as much/long as I can.

Masato

some new photos

2010-02-24T14:59:00.000-08:00

More photos from Japan are uploaded here.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=149206&id=528519823&l=feaff21e67

Denki Groove"Fake it!"

2010-01-25T13:48:00.000-08:00

Even though there are so many people making splash, the video feels empty. It doesn't take you anywhere. There's no emotion. It's Denki Groove's video.

Young Marble Giants

2010-01-22T14:32:00.000-08:00

I knew I had their album "Colossal Youth" in Japan but I could not find it for the last visit there. I've been listening their songs since I finally dug the CD out of pile of my junks on my latest visit to Japan. Young Marble Giants are a band from Wales, UK in 1978-1980. Their minimalistic sounds and Alison Statton's vocal are quite unique. They influenced REM and Nirvana. I like the way Bass sounds. It's exciting. Oh, I like Alison's braded hair too.

some new photos

2010-01-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

I've posted some new photos from trip to Japan. It's nice that friends and family can share photographs no matter where they live. That's the biggest reason I shot digital on this trip. I feel like spending more time and energy to share in 2010.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=130193&id=528519823&l=a26ad8023e
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=139845&id=528519823&l=c6948223dd

enjoy!

Hiroshi Sugimoto "Kokeno musumade" 杉本博司　”苔のむすまで”

2010-01-16T14:10:00.000-08:00

銀座の書店でこの本に出会って以来、惜しむように、丁寧に一章ずつ読んでいる。新しい発想というよりむしろ今までにある知識の奥と裏を探りつつも、結果として現代に通用する知性に溢れる一冊。写真家、現代美術家としてニューヨークを拠点に活躍する杉本博司の初の評論集と帯にある。平易かつ明哲な文章。英語版はまだ出版されていないだろうが、いくつかの章は日本文化に造詣が深い外国人でなければ読みこなすのが大変かもしれない。著者は鴨長明、能楽、神社、古墳、和歌、といった日本に古くからある文化や歴史などを通じて著者自身の写真や現代の事象について考察する。それに加えてアメリカ、ヨーロッパ文化、考古学、科学史などの事例、知識をもって論理に普遍性を持たせてある。そこに通じるのは過去への興味を掘り下げた理解と、そこから導かれる現代的な見方であり、決して骨董道楽もしくは歴史マニアの過去への憧憬や安住ではない。

自分自身、日本の文化や古いものが好きで大学では和歌を勉強した。しかしその興味を現代にどのようにつなげるか、今の自分の写真にどう活かすかについて考えたことすらなかった。この本を読んでヒントを得た気がする。たとえば、両親の実家に近い伊勢神宮は古い歴史を誇る。子供の頃から何度も参拝し、その厳粛で神々しいたたずまいには親しみを覚えつつも常に圧倒されてきた。これまでに何度も写真に撮ってきたが、どうもその神々しさが表現できない。もしかしたら直接撮影するよりもまったく別の方法で自分の感覚を形にできるのかもしれない、そう思った。やり方はほかにもある。歴史は常に悠々と流れている。人知を超え、時代を上り下りながら。そこに飛び込むことも大事かもしれない。

現代に生きる我々が必要とするのはいまここで現実を理解して対処する力である。杉本博司は現代美術家としての透徹かつ明晰な視線を通じ、過去と現代を自由に行き来する。その視線に先には未来すら見えているにちがいない。だとすれば大変うらやましい。

iceland#2

2009-11-25T07:16:00.000-08:00

a structure in Strandir region in the West Fjords, Iceland

Honorable mention

2009-11-20T09:36:00.000-08:00

One of my photographs(attached image) has got an honorable mention in "Fine Art, Still Life Pro" category at International Photography Awards. You might say "IPA? what, beer?" well, it's a photography awards by Lucie Foundation. Their mission is:

- Honor Master Photographers
- Discover and Cultivate Emerging Talent
- Promote the Appreciation of Photography Worldwide

Ok, it vary general. Their mission reflects on their choice of photographs: almost everything, but photo journalism and glossily photoshopped advertising images seem dominant.

Anyway, I am happy to be recognized and I hope I win next year!

http://photoawards.com/en/Pages/Gallery/hmentionPRO.php
http://photoawards.com/en/Pages/Gallery/zoomwin.php?eid=8-10526-09&uid=&code=Still%20Life

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

2009-11-16T07:25:00.000-08:00

This is a photograph from Iceland trip. Blue Lagoon lies in the middle of lava field about 40 min. away from Reykjavik. It uses geothermal power to heat water up. Steam behind dark soil is the geothermal power plant. Besides being photogenic, this hot spring/spa is sooooo relaxing. Slica mud makes water milky here and it's good for skin. I stopped by there on the way back to Keflavik airport. It made me feel everything was alright after eight days of driving and photographing. It's the best. I know it's hard to get there but Icelandic air offers a great deal to stop over at Reykjavik with a flight between US and Europe.

http://www.icelandair.us/offers-and-bookings/book-packages/package/item216734/Iceland_Stopover/

new photos-fashion test

2009-08-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

model:Amanda Merten
stylist: Molly Kennedy
photo assistant: Drew Carter
location: Stanfordville, Dutchess County, NY
special thanks to Dan and Corina Lecca

photo show

2009-07-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

Oi! I am having a mini show at Hummingbird Cafe, Wakayama, Japan. This is the logo. It's all about Montevideo, Uruguay.

2009-06-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

Some shots from miu miu resort 2010 show in New York.
I always end up with those funny shots.
Photographs reflects who I am...does it really?

YMO "Behind the Mask"

2009-06-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

behind the mask

2009-06-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

This is me! I made this mask at El Museo del Barrio on Fifth Avenue, during Museum Mile. Museum Mile is an event by Museums between E80th st and 103rd st on Fifth Avenue. Admission was free 6-9pm. I love this festival because it reminds me of street festival in Japan! There's a chalk drawing on the street, jugglers, magicians, street musicians, etc. Of course this is so much better. El Museo del Barrio had an mask-making event. They photographed me and printed it out on card stock. Then I painted and decorated it with glitter! While making it, I though of YMO's "Behind the Mask" a song to which I used to run before class starts at elementary school. My mask got a lot of nice words later on the street later. It made me feel a bit better after all things happened lately.

One of teachers at my school must have been a big fan of YMO. He would not know how many kids were affected by this song. I was one of them for sure.

Pen Magazine#2

2009-06-02T22:42:00.001-07:00

This is a page on Ninth Street Espresso in NYC that I photographed for Pen magazine. It took me so much time to do this job because of lack of experience but I am so happy to see the result here.

By the way, I like people at Ninth Street Espresso for their enthusiasm on coffee. They can talk about coffee easily for an hour straight. It's always amazes me to know there is an expert in any aspects of our life. A barista said to me brewing a cup coffee is an art as a musician plays music. Now, I want my photograph as bitter and rich as goos espresso.

my photographs on Pen magazine (Japan)#1

2009-05-30T15:33:00.001-07:00

I proudly present my first editorial job with Japanese magazine Pen!

another first communion

2009-05-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

I documented a day of this boy's first communion. This is a photograph when he got out of stretch Limo at party place. It's quite interesting to observe the whole day. Each family has its own way to celebrate.

the first communion 2

2009-05-08T21:37:00.000-07:00

feel grown-up.

adults want to have some fun.

so do kids!

still learning how to dance.

cake moment!

the first communion

2009-05-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

This is a photograph from a Haitian-American girl's first communion party. I shot another party for her cousin the last weekend and I am booked this weekend too. Whole communion culture among Haitian community is interesting for me.

Free Bouncy Ride

2009-05-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

Car Service?

Jeremy Jay

2009-04-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

I went to see Jeremy Jay's show at Silent Barn in Brooklyn the other day. His latest album "Slow Dance" is full of story on mellow melody and jangly guitar. I really like it. And the performance was so good! I danced a lot with camera on my hand. I hope more people discover his music!

hawaii

2009-04-29T22:02:00.001-07:00

I love Hawaii.

carnivore society meeting

2009-04-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

2009-04-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

The internet is not a dream-come-true. It's only what I do that turns me on.

group web show

2009-03-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

My photographs "Out Of Color" are featured in this group show "Exploring the Light." They said that they don't even know how they found me but I appreciate it!
http://www.entopicgroup.com/paginas/i-1.html

A magazine in New Zealand is supposed to publish my photographs this spring too. Exciting!!

神宮

2009-03-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

今まで以上に伊勢神宮を撮ろうと思います。divine light at Ise Shrine.

i heart ny(by a photograph)

2009-03-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

On Pichfork

2009-02-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

I am a "TV host" in this video for The Homosexuals.
It was shot by Carlos Perez and it is featured on Pichfork now.
I am proud.

真面目に演技の勉強をしてる人には申し訳ないようなろれつの回らなさですが、ビデオに出るのはいいもんですな。やってよかった。

2009-02-01T21:18:00.000-08:00

紫檀に映える
Sushi looks appetizing on rosewood.

Cudbury Chocolate ad

2009-01-26T19:08:00.001-08:00

This is cute. Why in portrait studio? Anyways, brief views of inside of the studio look real with lighting equipment and light table. Sound effect with red balloon reminds me of Rage Against the Machine's guitarist making scratch sound with guitar.

2009!

2009-01-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

This is my family photo 2009 version!

it's amazing that all of us got together in this photo. My grandmother is already 93 years old. My father survived heart attack November 2008. Anything could have gone wrong but we're here on New Year's day again. I am so glad with this photograph.

I wish happiness, health and wealth to my family and my friends!

Glass Candy

2008-12-27T17:39:00.000-08:00

Glass Candy is playing with Nite Jewel. It's my dream bill. By the way, I have never seen Glass Candy on video before. So, from her voice, I just guessed she was a 45 yrs-old disco singer from 80's because she's so good and I heard some fatigue in her voice. I thought she should not be on tour singing in front of a lot of hip young kids in a small club w/o mirror ball(disco ball?) just because she deserves a bit quiet and better life than road trip over 40 towns in 45 days, etc. That was my wild guess. Anyways, I love Glass Candy!

NITE JEWEL

2008-12-25T12:27:00.000-08:00

Nite Jewel will be playing somewhere in New York on March 7th, 2009. I can't wait. Anyone wants to join me?

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

I have been printing photographs for new portfolio for a while. It's been exciting even though it's exhausting. Through this process, I realized how much I love photography. It's my life!

This year, I traveled a lot. I went to Vancouver, Washington DCx2, Uruguay, Argentina, Japan, Palm Beach, Miami, US Virgin Island, Dallas, Houston, Boston, Detroit, Canada, Portland(OR), etc. I shot three times for Latina magazine. Thanks Latina! I shot twice for LaVie Magazine. Thanks Sunny! Of course I shot hundreds of fashion shows and backstages. All of those jobs gave me confidence and fun. Thank you all for your encouragement and friendship in 2008. I wish you a Happy Holidays!!

Japan '09

2008-12-21T10:34:00.000-08:00

I am visiting Japan from December 30th to January 22nd. It's going to be great!

I change my mind just for today, or at least for a while

2008-12-17T19:04:00.001-08:00

It was not bad to shoot Geggenheim and Balloon thing on Park Ave/57th st tonight. I thought I would be bored quickly but it was quite fun. New York City hasn't been my subject at all since I moved here. Now, I feel like shooting it. I also went to Roosevelt Island this morning to see if I could get any shot of Manhattan with fog. I shot films and I don't like it. New York needs faster turnout.

photo meeting

2008-12-16T23:05:00.000-08:00

This evening, Anja Hitzenberger invited me to photo meeting with her friends. They gave me a lot of suggestion as to my on-going portfolio. It was very nice to know what other photographers are doing because it gives me an idea that everyone has to reinvent career and business all the time. Since I don't often reach out to photo community, I feel I have been caved in alone with uncertainty. So, I really appreciate Anja had me in the meeting.

This photograph above was quite popular tonight.
And this one.

The Homosexuals

2008-12-14T18:18:00.000-08:00

I was filmed for a music video of The Homosexuals, a rock band, yesterday. My character was a TV show host in Japanese music program. It will be on Pitchfork soon. I can't wait to see it! Carlos Perez is the director and he was great. It was a nice birthday-weekend occasion!

Birthday

2008-12-11T21:18:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that I am thirty-six years old today....

Baloon Project

2008-12-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

Hey! I am back on blogging. I hope it lasts longer.
These are photographs of an art project on Park Avenue and 57th street. I hope more building lose their tenants and make empty space as an art project. Then, New York will be better place.

Rachael and me!!

2008-10-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

We had a good time in Portland, OR.

www.rachaelkubik.com
Well, her website seems under construction now..

Jeff@Flora

2008-10-12T05:39:00.000-07:00

I photographed Jeff Chen, the owner/florist of Flora for LaVie, a magazine in Taiwan.

One autumn afternoon

2008-10-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

After crazy September(with my exhibit and NY fashion week, etc.) I went to see momo and her daughter Youme. The air was warm and soft. Time flies and things get better.

Thanks!

2008-09-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks guys for coming to the opening tonight!! Photos look great with white frames and real gallery light! I appreciate L'asso having my show too. They are the best in NYC.

show opening tomorrow

2008-08-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

My photography exhibition "This is new West" opens tomorrow!
Reception: at L'asso, Mott/Kenmare, New York, 6-8pm, Monday September the 1st!

All photos are for sale. A small portion of profit from the sales would be my beer money.

2008-08-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Joel photographed this. Thanks!!
his Flickr

exhibition!

2008-08-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

My photo exhibit opens September 1st, Monday at Lasso in NYC!

taxidermy

2008-08-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

Men love this place.

Louise Bourgeois!!

2008-08-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

This photograph has nothing to do with Louise Bourgeois!

Louise Bourgeois exhibit at Geggenheim is mind-blowing!

She offered me a refill of coke. Burger was ok.

2008-08-12T22:05:00.000-07:00

off

2008-08-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

I am finally back in NY after all travels. Now, it's time to work on my book.

Detroit/Canada#2

2008-07-14T20:15:00.001-07:00

Those boys play basketball with rolled plastic wrap and milk crate in a shady alley, when the restaurant they work is slow. They were very nice. To me those nice kids represent hope in Detroit.

momo, Yuji, Youme!

2008-07-10T07:02:00.001-07:00

happy marriage and being born!

Detroit/Canada

2008-07-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Detroit/Canada trip! It was so fun but it was sad to see bad area of Detroit.

Dima photography

2008-06-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

I was so glad to see Dima at Pier 59 studios today. We used to work a lot together. His fashion photography is fantastic! I love his latest photos on his website.

www.dimaphotography.com

Shoot the day

2008-06-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

I just signed up for "PHOTOSHELTER Shoot the day!" Anyone can sign up at

http://community.shoottheday.com/

I will be shooting bathing suits fashion show in Miami on July 20th.(although there's not much space left for fashion on their clothes;)

kosher wine

2008-05-31T10:07:00.000-07:00

KEDEM winery was on 9W in Marlboro, NY. Their wine was good even though Kosher wine is heated to boil on its production. Is it bad for wine? The winery didn't look like south williamsburg.

くいだおれ

2008-05-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

くいだおれ人形を初めて見た！This is one of the most famous figures on the street in Oasaka area. It stands in front of a restaurant "Kuidaore," which means being broke by eating too well.　

back in NY

2008-05-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

It feels always strange to be back in NY after visiting Japan. It's mix of excitement, confusion, fatigue, optimism, etc.

vacation!

2008-05-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

I hope 70 rolls of 120 films are enough to cover my trip in Japan.

no cocktail party for me

2008-05-01T05:51:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't make it to cocktail party. They are idiot.

semifinalist

2008-04-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

With this photograph, I am one of semifinalists for the 59th Art of North East(AONE) at Silvermine Guild Arts Center, New Canaan, CT. I hope I win the first prize and join cocktail party.

Japan

2008-04-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am going back to Japan from May 2nd to May 13th. I love flying.

Bridal Market Fall 2008 continues..

2008-04-13T04:36:00.000-07:00

From Platinum

Bridal Market Fall 2008 Starts!

2008-04-11T21:34:00.000-07:00

From Pat Kerr. Beautiful! Pat Kerr is very nice. The model looked so happy to be there too.

Back from Palm Beach

2008-04-09T19:48:00.001-07:00

The beach in Palm Beach, Florida was nice. Its water was clear and salty. Dark turquoise water swelled and crushed with white splash. I love my life.

Latina

2008-04-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

My photo is on the April issue of Latina magazine, page 96. I will post it soon. Thanks Latina!! I am flying to Palm Beach, Florida tomorrow! Beach with palm trees!

photos from Uruguay/Argentina

2008-04-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

I started posting photos from Uruguay/Argentina trip on my flickr.

montevideo, uruguay

2008-03-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

This is my last night in Montevideo, Uruguay! It's been a wonderful to be here and Argentina. Now I know that life is full of fun and wonder.

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

2008-03-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

So, I am in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, which is one of the world heritages selected by UNESCO. This small town, three hours away from Buenos Aires by boat is full of great historic houses. Yes, I am in Uruguay! I just want to let you know that it is summer here. I went to beach today, a perfect summer sunday. People are so nice here. I have had great time. I am going to Buenos Aires tomorrow. By the way, I skipped a lot of story about Vancouver and Tafino, BC, Canada... Maybe later..

St Regis---Alain Ducasse

2008-02-26T18:33:00.000-08:00

The new restaurant in St Regis in DC will be supervised by Alain Ducasse!. It reopens late spring. I am looking forward to it. By the way, the restaurant is sooooooo good at St. Regis in DC. I had a fantastic Lamb the other day. And they serve their original blend tea in tea pot. I like it.

Vancouver#4--shrimp dumpling/roast pork noodle soup

2008-02-26T18:13:00.000-08:00

02/14/08--i woke up 6am feeling calm. I knew I did everything I could do to get visa. So I was quiet and cooked & ate pancake, which I haven't had for many years. I don't understand pancake. It's like draining flour into your stomach. Anyways, I had an appointment at 10:30 am and arrived at embassy around 9 am. It was way too early. So, I had a cup of tea in nearly empty starbuckes. Time runs slow there. I love it. Afer going through security check as complicated as airports', I finally reached to the room for interview. At first, they took fingerprints. Then, interview. I guess I was nervous that I went into wrong booth. The guy beyond glass looked confused and I realised I even didn't look at number on window. Asap, I jumped in to the right booth. A white guy was interviewer(officer). He asked me what my job was, where I studied, and surprised to know that I went to school in Wvoming. I don't remember the detail of the conversation but it lasted only for a few minutes. It was easy! I got a card to get my passport back on Tuesday, Feb 19th and it was done! Afer that, I felt all the pressure and burden that has been on me for the last 12 months are gone. I had shrimp dumpling/roast pork noodle soupin Chinatown for a reward. It was so good.

Vancouver#3---subway sandwich

2008-02-24T18:08:00.000-08:00

So I arrived at Vancouver at 5:30 am. I took public bus to downtown to save some money and checked in at Samesun, a hostel full of Australian and British. My room stung. I haven't stayed this kind of accommodation since 1996, and I felt glad and stupid of myself that I was still comfortable even though I am used to good hotels (I am writing this in hotel St. Regis DC). I wasn't sure if I like Vancouver at this moment because I was so nervous about the next day's visa interview at American consulate. I went to bed early after washing down subway sandwich with a pint of beer. Oh, thank you all for your text messages! They calmed me down. I needed them.

Vancouver#2---some sort of pasta

2008-02-23T18:10:00.000-08:00

13Feb2008, my flight to Vancouver took off about 2 am. It was delayed by 5 hours. But I really didn't care because I was happy to see a photographer, Kate Sears, whom I used to work for, on my row in the airplane! She is a great life style photographer and I enjoyed to work with her. She was on her way to Vietnam! Funny thing was that just before getting on board, I called Jonathan, who reffered me to her. It's such a small world even in Big Apple. Anyways, it was a great start of my trip! Oh, I had dinner at 3 am and got sick. It was some sort of pasta. I don't remember Good start?

Vancouver#1

2008-02-22T20:40:00.000-08:00

Vancouver was fantastic! I met so many great poeple there. They were so friendly and real. I will be back!!

DC

2008-02-22T20:26:00.000-08:00

Oi! I am back on the east coast! I went through NYC for about 5 hours and arrived at Washington DC. I love staying in St Regis in DC!! It's so good. Hostel in Vancouver was smelly. One of my four roommates screamed after midnight something beyond my understanding, like "It's no use to track me down, stupid guys!" and kept gulping some kind of liquid all though the night. I wanted to join him.

So, I had to go through stupid procedure at the U.S. embassy in Vancouver. I will report it asap. Anyways, I've got new visa valid for another three years. I really thank your support!

vancouver

2008-02-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

I am flying to Vancouver tonight to get new visa. I just received documents yesterday and have no time. Please wish me a good luck! I need it this time so badly. ビザ更新でバンクーバーに今宵飛びます。昨日書類をもらったばかり。幸運を祈ってくれ！いやほんと大変です。

NYFW#3/三日目

2008-02-03T19:15:00.000-08:00

スーパーボウルゆえファッションは霧散。Shipley & Halmos, a fashion house had an extra fashion show only for me tonight. I arrived a bit late. The PR girl for that fashion house went crazy to know that I was there for GQ. She dashed into backstage and gathered all models about to take clothes off and leave. She made it because it was a small show/presentation in a photo studio. I didn't get her name but she must be a great PR. Now, I am curious with their clothes because I found out that they were ex-Trovata. Although I never bought their clothes, I liked Trovata. I would go see their clothes at store and get disappointed with prices tag beyond my budget. Shipley & Halmos seems a lot cleaner and skinnier than Trovata. I need to see photos again.

New York Fashion Week day one/ニューヨークファッションウィーク初日

2008-02-01T18:46:00.000-08:00

photos from a men's fashion show

a little creativity

A peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwich at Michael Angel show was so good. I got wet. I didn't see fashion at all today. ピーナツバターといちごジャムのサンドイッチがおいしかった。雨でびしょ濡れになった。ファッションを見る余裕はなかった。あかんな。

赤福営業再開にむけて

2008-01-29T20:31:00.000-08:00

赤福もどうやらそろそろ営業再開しそうでなにより。三重県保健所（だったっけ）から営業再開のお墨付きももらって、あとは自社の体制を整えるだけとなったようです。同時に大阪と名古屋での赤福生産をやめて配送機能だけ残すということに。ということは生産はすべて本社工場だから、新たな雇用が神宮周辺で発生しそう。これを機に全赤福は人力作り立て指型（五十鈴川の波を表しているんだっけ？）新鮮を売りにしてもらいたい。本店で味わう赤福とお茶一服は日本人の心のよりどころでしょ。赤福を味わいたくて平成おかげ参り大流行くらいの勢いでお願いしたいね。写真は赤福氷。安くはないけどこれもおいしい。餅の柔らかさとかき氷のシャープな冷たさ、そして控えめに感じる甘みが、意外においしい。いや、おいしいだろうなーとは期待してたんだけど、実際食べると想像以上においしい。こんなん英訳するんかな。Akafuku, Japanese's favorite confectionary plate served only in Ise City, Mie Pref., Japan, is ready for re-opeining of their business after being banned for its false practice of production dates and re-used material. Because my parents are from Ise and I have spent so much time there since I was born, I love Ise City. Akafuku is the most popular local sweets in Japan. It's a simple rice cake wrapped with sweet red bean paste. Ha! the previouse sentence is too simple to describe what it is and made me mad because it dosen't tell you none. You know, "rice cake wrapped with sweet red bean paste" is pretty much the words for Japanese sweets when we explain in foreign country what the ordinary Japanese sweet is. And, we ignorantly omit the important part: history and spirit. Those Akafuku people respect Ise Shrine with 2000 years of Japanese history and show on Akafuku ("rice cake wrapped with sweet red bean paste") the shape of the wave of Isuzu River, which is sacred river of Ise Shrine. Anyways, I hope Akafuku get over the bad past soon.

出ました！／Visa Approved!

2008-01-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

いやーやっと出ました労働ビザの延長許可。＄１０００の特急申請は効いたぜ。これでもう３年アメリカにいることになるかな。三年前に最初の労働ビザが出たという電話を弁護士からもらったとき、アドビ社のフォトショッププレゼン中で静まり返っているなか思わず『イヤッホーイ、ありがとうございます』と叫んでしまったけど、今回はちょっとトーンダウン。いやーうれしーねー。気づいてなかったけどずっと精神的重圧だったみたい。今日はすっきりしました。I've got H-1b visa (work poermission visa) approval for another three years today! It lift up the burden that has been on my shoulder. This is what all immigrants have to go through. I bet this dynamism accelerates productivity in this country. Time is always limited for temporary visiors here and we try to achieve as much as we could in each time frame. Another three years, splendid years start soon.

New Museum

2008-01-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

I went to New Museum. Main purpose of the visit was to see their event space on the 7th floor. There are some fashion shows up their during NY fashion week. From 7th floor, Bowery street looked as nice as park avenue. When I was inside I forgot that I was in Nolita area with those restaurant supply stores and Bowery mission. I felt it was a bit too separated from the reality just outside. Then I went down to main gallery. I really liked sculptures and collages. They are so messy and full of junk yet powerful and fun! Layers and mixed media seem to correspond to today's reality. I can't explain any more than this since I am not so good at words but I felt something new.

photoshelter

2008-01-24T19:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, a stock photo website, Photoshelter's event was fun.　Since, magazine's shooting budget is next to none, and this country is in recession, I assume stock agencies will soon take over editorial/advertising photographer's job. This is a time of drastic change in the business. きのう行ってきたストック写真会社のイベントはおもしろかった。ビールもいっぱいあったし。撮るならちゃんとモデルリリース（写真の商業使用を認める趣の許諾書）を取ることにした。やっぱ人撮るんなら顔が写ってないと。顔が感情を表すからね。

キヨマー

2008-01-20T16:57:00.000-08:00

オリックス清原、ずーっとリハビリ中で現状やっと５０mのジョギングができるところまで回復したらしい。ダッシュじゃなくてジョギング。なんだか闇雲にああおれもがんばろうと思う。

Latina

2008-01-16T17:56:00.000-08:00

I shot a beautiful girl(she was amazing! very nice, beautiful and professional!) at Estee Lauder office for Latina magazine. Hey, it was my first editorial job under my name! I've shot thousands of photographs but none of them credited my name. photography is not all about name recognition but it's nice. I thought I would get nervous but I didn't at all. The story comes out in April issue. It's called "Cool Creer." Check it out!

ラティーナという雑誌のお仕事拝見記事の写真をきのう撮った。これが初の雑誌仕事。今までに別の人の名前でもっていろんな雑誌に撮ってはいたけれど、やっぱ自分の名前が載るってのはいいね。前日、当日も全然緊張しなかったし、あっさりしたもんだった。こんなもんかな？　それよりも宮沢賢治の”銀河鉄道の夜”のほうが気になる。ジョバンニが近頃眠くて仕方がないという最初のくだりから共感した。自分がこっちに来たころや、うちのおばあちゃんのことを想った。

ICP

2008-01-09T19:42:00.001-08:00

I went to an open house even at ICP, International Center of Photography. I have been to old ICP in Upper East. It was small and dark with a lot of B/W photograph. I didn't know anything about photography but I was snapping a lot of photographs everyday. I liked Walker Evans' photo.I thought it would be great to live in NYC. That was back in 1996.

Now, Their new space is great! They have new and clean darkroom and digital lab. Class is limited to around 15 students, which gives you more access to teachers. People are nice. Their library has 15000 photography books. I talked to some instructors and they are so passionate on education that I was inspired a lot. I should shoot more!!

ICP、国際写真センター（って言うのかな？）の見学会に行ってきました。きれいな暗室とデジタル室、授業は少人数で、先生方は教育熱心。みんなすごく真剣だった。おれももうちょっと真面目に自分のやりたいことはなんなのか、自分の声はどこにあるのか考えてみようかと思った。そうすることにしよう。

pervert

2008-01-08T18:40:00.000-08:00

Ahghhhhh, guy next to me on F train patted and stroked over my thigh! Ew!! It was subtle but I noticed it! He bumped into me to take a seat next to me first. Then the guy inched towards me. He pretended that he was just holding a bag but I knew it! It was disgusting. I just left train asap. Now I am angry. I should have punched him.

うげー、痴漢だなきょうの地下鉄で隣に座ったおっさん。微妙におれのももをさすってた。すっげぇ嫌な気分。明日にでも地獄に落ちて未来永劫釜茹で、針千本、赤鬼青鬼に苦しめられてほしい。

paparazzi

2008-01-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,,2226725,00.html
It's an interesting story about their job.
I have shot some celebrities at fashion shows. I kept telling myself "I am doing this only for my client," while snapping pictures. Well, it's just a job at the end of the day. Not a big deal at all.

長い記事だけど面白いと思った。誰もがあほらしいと思いつつも仕事だからしょうがなくやってる。あーあ、写真家はもっとがんばって高い次元で勝負しなきゃ。自分自身、誰でもいいような写真を撮ってたらだめだなぁ。

Richard Prince

2008-01-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

I went to see Richard Prince "Spiritual America" exhibition. Some of "The Marlboro man" photographs looked so normal that I enjoyed them as nice landscape/cowboy photographs. Because those cowboys don't ride a horse but ride an SUV these days, because people are aware of tabaco ads' seductive nature, and because cowboys have been caricatured, "The Marlboro man" photographs are not as interesting as it was in 80's. But, still they are brilliant.　His latest works, Nurses and de Kooning, are far more interesting.

リチャードプリンスの大規模展示を見てきました。有名なマルボロマンシリーズは今この時代にちょっとインパクト無くしたようだけど、アイデアはすばらしい。展示全体（というかリチャードプリンスの作品が）がアメリカに潜む欲望や事実を考えさせるようにできていて、おもしろかった。それで思い出したのが昔日本でやってたラッキーストライクのTVコマーシャル。あの短いテーマソングは英語でなに言ってんのかわからなかったけど何となく一緒に歌ってたし、♪ラッキースラーイク♪のあとのスライドギターがみょみょみょみょーと鳴るのもアメリカだった。それと砂漠にのびる一本の道。黒いバイクにまたがって疾走！出てる俳優さんのあごは割れていたように思う。白いシャツのすそはちゃんとジーンズに収まっていたしやっぱアメリカだよ！

今見たらあごは割れてなかった。インターネット便利だけどタフガイ＝あご割れ幻想を打ち砕かれたよまったく。バイクも黒じゃないし。

January

2008-01-04T11:39:00.000-08:00

It has been so quiet this year. Well, only three days has passed. And in Japan the first three days of January are holiday. So, I have been reading all day.

I just finished Jean Cocteau's "Le Grand Écart." It's a short story about a young guy who came to Paris grew up through a short&passionate love. That's the way I saw the story. My friends, who were into French literature at college in Japan, would have said that I don't understand it.

Reading French novel reminds me of those intelligent friends. They seemed to know all language, music, art, etc. that I had no idea at all since I spent most of my high school days playing volleyball. I really adored and tried to catch up with them.

Now, am I trying as hard as I was back in my early 20's? No, not really. In a way, it was easy because there were always a guide around me. Either friends or professors showed me what to read and see.

I am swimming in the middle of slightly warm ocean without anything hang onto. I also see friends float around in their own way. It's nice and slow. But I will try a bit harder this year.

20F/-7C

2008-01-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

It is cold today. It was nice to walk outside feeling like being pinched. I found a book of Kenji Miyazawa, a great writer in early 20th century in Japan. The book is about stories for kids. Everyone likes him in Japan.

今日はよく冷えます。歩いてるとつねられてるみたいに痛い。さっき古本屋で宮沢賢治の童話集をみつけた！銀河鉄道の夜、注文の多い料理店などを収話。よだかの星は入ってない。それが一番好きな話なんだけど。

happy new year/謹賀新年

2008-01-01T23:07:00.000-08:00

あけましておめでとう！今年は０７年の苦労が実を結ぶ年。やりますよ。赤福も２月に営業再開するみたいだし、なんだか良くなりそう！。Happy New Year! What you spent time and effort on in 2007 will succeed in 2008!

today

2007-12-27T18:17:00.000-08:00

I have to mention this sad news today. As we all know, Benazir Bhutto, former Pakistani prime minister, was killed today. It's sad. Please stop killing people for political conflict. It's so stupid. Well, I am not going to pretend that I have been familiar with situation in Pakistan, and that I am generally into politics either but I believe politics should save people. That's what people involved are supposed to do. Nobody has claimed her assassination yet as of 930 pm, Dec 28, 2007. It's the worst way to close the year 2007. I hope 2008 is better. I hope she rest in peace.

満員御礼/thanks for coming!

2007-12-18T20:57:00.001-08:00

今日のレセプションは大入り袋配布とまではいかなかったものの２０人くらい見に来てくれてうれしかった。気持ちの上では満員御礼です。見に来てくれた方どうもありがとう。忙しくて来れなかった方もわざわざメール送ってくれてそれもうれしかった。夏からずっとout of colorに取り組んできて今日一段落つきました。でもこのプロジェクトはこれからもずっと続けていくつもり。この先にもまだ何かあるような気がする。

こうやって一つ一つの作品を世に問うて自分の中で区切りをつけるのは大事だと思った。前のcarter boysやうちのfamily albumはプリントを各一冊ずつ合計３セットのポートフォリオにまとめ、それに加えてうちの実家とcarter家にも一冊送った時点で一段落ついた感じがあったけど、今回はさらに進んでレストランでの一般公開にまで漕ぎ着けた。だから次の作品がまとまったらちゃんとしたギャラリーで展示して今度は半年くらいかけて展示の準備もしつつ各メディア、知り合いに向けて宣伝を行ってもっともっと濃くしたい。なんと言いましょうか、自信がつく。いやもちろん自分自身では自分の写真はいいかな？って思うけれど、さらにいっぱいほめてもらったり、いろんな人に見てもらうとやったぜ！と思う。友人が言うには、ニューヨークタイムスマガジンに見せろ、と。うむ、２０x２４インチのプリント送りつけたらいやがるだろうな。でもそれも面白いなと思う。よしやろう。

とにかく今晩来てくれた皆さんどうもありがとう。とてもうれしかった。
（と、書いても日本語のわかる該当者は一名だけだったから、これもどんなもんかいな？と思う。それと日本語で先に書いてしまうとあと英語で書くのがとても面倒くさい。）

Thanks guys for coming to reception tonight! You guys rock!! I hope everyone had a good time. And those who didn't make it but emailed me nice words, you rock too!!

It took quite long time to finish this project. I started in June and finally I had a reception. I am going to keep working on this though. I guess I could narrow down the focus of subject matter and make it stronger.

Tonight, I felt it important to finish any project. The last project, "Carter Boys" and my "Family Album" ended with 3 sets of portfolios and two extra copies for Carter Family and one for my family. It was a great accomplishment, I thought then. Now, I even got to show my photos in a restaurant and had a reception! It's a big progress. For my next project, I will have a show at a real gallery, and do all kinds of publicity work. That would be more fun! I learned a lot though this project and next one will be so much better.

I thinks I am going to send "out of color" prints to NYTimes magazine. Eight 20x24 prints would annoy them!

Thanks my friends!
Happy Holidays
Masato

Reception tomorrow, 6-8pm!

2007-12-17T20:39:00.000-08:00

Opening reception, tomorrow, Teusday, December 18th, 6 to 8 pm at

L'asso
192 Mott street, (Kenmare st.)
New York, NY

Please come by!

ついに明日レセプション！
暇があったら来てよ。
って、誰に向けて書いているんだろう。
こんなん読む日本人がニューヨークにいるかどうかもあやしい。
ブログは宣伝には便利だけどそれ自体を宣伝しないと無意味だな。

失敗してもいいからひらめきを貫き通す

2007-12-16T13:36:00.000-08:00

”満足しています”などと書いたけど、中途半端なだけだな。様々な新しいことに挑戦するのは大切だけど、作品を練り上げるとき、一つのひらめきを追いかけて突き詰めていかないとかたちにならない。びびってる場合じゃないね。自分の経験や知識を超えたところを求めていきたい。

featured!

2007-12-15T22:04:00.000-08:00

"Out of color" is featured at i heart photograph blog!! I feel that my photographs are in a way validated because I really like the photographs they pick up. "Wow, yeah!" was initial response. Then I noticed the blog chose two photographs to post: "pizza bianca" and "summertime". Both photographs are simple and has less contrast(darkness/brightness). They didn't choose the ones similar to still life paintings. That's their taste. "i heart photograph" like photographs that push border what photograph could do. And I agree with them. I know my instinct on "Out of color" was "pizza bianca," which meant to be funny in a sbtle way. I didn't visualized any paintery photographs. Then I got nervous with those white/bright photograph. I mean, I was not so sure if my idea was good or not. So, I turned to aethsetic that I saw in Dutch still life paintings. Well, it was good and bad. Some people had good response to darker photos, while others, especially young friends prefer bright ones. I was not bold enough to embrace new photographic idea inside of me but i am happy to know that I could get some idea from history of an art. Anyways, it's nice to know how people see my photos. Please take a look at "Out of color" and let me know of your thoughts.

お正月

2007-12-15T09:38:00.000-08:00

１２月１５日になってしまいました。今日までに移民局にビザの特急申請を出しておかないと年内に許可が出ません。申請料は１０００ドル。今手元にあるのは＄５。よってお正月には日本に帰れそうにありません。いま、自分のウェブサイトを見ると、一連の家族写真にある正月風景が懐かしくてしょうがない。あの写真はだいたいお正月前後に撮ったから基本的にはあれは正月アルバムみたいなもんです。伊勢の静かな風景や、近所の神社、伊勢神宮の潔く改まったたたずまい、空気や湿度、そんなことを思い出した。今年はNYにてお正月を迎えます。NYに”謹賀新年”は存在しないな。Woo hoo! Happy new year!、ってな感じ。小沢征爾が、お正月にうちの台所で飲んだ酒の味が忘れられない、というようなことを海外修行中に家族に送った手紙に書いた気持ちをちょっと実感しています。

Since my visa is not approved yet at this point, I am going to be in NYC for the new year's day. I will miss new years day in Japan.　My "Family album" on my website is about what my family do around every new years day. I feel quiet excitement for the day. I start over my life again every year with a wish to have better year at Ise Shrine.

website updated with "Out of color"

2007-12-12T17:17:00.000-08:00

www.masatophoto.com/ooc.html

reception!

2007-12-11T20:39:00.000-08:00

My photo exhibition is open! It runs until January 12th, 2008.

L'asso
192 Mott street (@Kenmare st.)

They have great pizza! Open from noon to late night.

Opening reception is on Tuesday, December 18th, 6-8pm.

with
$1 pizza
$3 beer
$4 Wine

See you there!

CU

Earthquake in Japan

some new photos

Denki Groove"Fake it!"

Young Marble Giants

some new photos

Hiroshi Sugimoto "Kokeno musumade" 杉本博司 ”苔のむすまで”

iceland#2

Honorable mention

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

new photos-fashion test

photo show

YMO "Behind the Mask"

behind the mask

Pen Magazine#2

my photographs on Pen magazine (Japan)#1

another first communion

the first communion 2

the first communion

Free Bouncy Ride

Jeremy Jay

hawaii

carnivore society meeting

group web show

神宮

i heart ny(by a photograph)

On Pichfork

Cudbury Chocolate ad

2009!

Glass Candy

NITE JEWEL

Happy Holidays!

Japan '09

I change my mind just for today, or at least for a while

photo meeting

The Homosexuals

Birthday

Baloon Project

Rachael and me!!

Jeff@Flora

One autumn afternoon

Thanks!

show opening tomorrow

exhibition!

taxidermy

Louise Bourgeois!!

She offered me a refill of coke. Burger was ok.

off

Detroit/Canada#2

momo, Yuji, Youme!

Detroit/Canada

Dima photography

Shoot the day

kosher wine

くいだおれ

back in NY

vacation!

no cocktail party for me

semifinalist

Japan

Bridal Market Fall 2008 continues..

Bridal Market Fall 2008 Starts!

Back from Palm Beach

Latina

photos from Uruguay/Argentina

montevideo, uruguay

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

St Regis---Alain Ducasse

Vancouver#4--shrimp dumpling/roast pork noodle soup

Vancouver#3---subway sandwich

Vancouver#2---some sort of pasta

Vancouver#1

DC

vancouver

NYFW#3/三日目

New York Fashion Week day one/ニューヨークファッションウィーク初日

赤福営業再開にむけて

出ました！／Visa Approved!

New Museum

photoshelter

Hiroshi Sugimoto "Kokeno musumade" 杉本博司　”苔のむすまで”