by Frank Miller | Jun 28, 2023 | Chanbara, Japan
After a year in Japan I had it pretty much figured out. After two years, it was more like I had Japan halfway figured out. After four years, I’d finally graduated to understanding that I really didn’t know anything. That was probably more of a ‘growing up’ thing than...
by Frank Miller | Jun 27, 2023 | Chanbara, Japan, Ultra-Right
I don’t know how it became a thing, but when I lived in Japan it was quite common for people to make a ‘peace’ sign when photographed. No one I asked seemed to know why, but I think it had something to do with the Beatles. Regardless, it was pretty ubiquitous....
by Frank Miller | Jun 1, 2023 | Chanbara, Japan
This sign was outside a gas station. The choice being offered was between regular and high-octane fuel. As an American, the first image conjured up to me by the word “magnum” is Dirty Harry’s powerful .44 revolver that can ‘blow your head clean off.’ Magnum is also...
by Frank Miller | May 24, 2023 | Chanbara, Japan, War
Kamikaze reunion. It sounds like the beginning of a joke. But it was a real thing and somehow I got to see it. I was out taking pictures and ended up at the Kochi airport. Saw a group of older men, one holding a Japanese battle flag, and asked if I could photograph....
by Frank Miller | May 3, 2023 | Japan, Photography & Life
Testing out a new gizmo for portraits on my most patient model. Overall I like how it looks. It’s a bone-simple setup; an Aputure 120D in a beauty dish above at about 45 ° with a Westcott Eyelighter reflector below. Shot on my iPhone 8 and tweaked in the ProCamera...
by Frank Miller | Apr 27, 2023 | Chanbara, Japan
Flower viewing parties (hanami) happen in the spring. Groups will set out tatami mats and picnic through the evening. Like most things in Japan it gets quite crowded so having a good spot is important. Often times junior employees will spend the day reserving a spot...