autographs at GODZ in Tokyo including Stratovarius, Outrage, Children of Bodom, and The Crown

The metal bar Godz in Shinjuku, one of Japan’s many themed establishments in this genre, is not easy to find. You probably don’t want to look at a map as you’re walking the alleys of Kabukicho, or you’ll have five Nigerians all over you trying to get you to go to their place. Study the map beforehand and then walk straight there without talking to anyone or responding to anyone trying to help you. Head downstairs for Godz.

Once inside, strike up a conversation with anyone, and the rest of the evening will be wonderful.

Today’s photo is of some signatures hanging on the wall. I took this picture to compare the Outrage autographs to the ones I have hanging in my office. It looks like Naoki Hashimoto wasn’t with the band when the other three members signed the one hanging in Godz so maybe this one was obtained around the time of 24-7 or “Cause for Pause”.

Posted on May 3rd, 2015 under Japan. Tags: metal, Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G lens, Nikon D600, outrage, Tokyo. Comments Off on ロックバーＧＯＤＺ

Lastings Milledge of the Yakult Swallows

The “best 16-year old player” in 2001 is currently working to come back from a couple of injury-plagued seasons in Japan. He has played in just 4 of the Swallow’s 28 games so far this year.

Milledge’s best year as a pro came in 2012 for the Swallows when he hit .300 with 21 home runs. Today’s photo comes from 2013, the first year of a three-year $4.4 million contract for Lastings which has produced only 17 home runs so far and a batting average below .250 for Yakult.

Posted on May 2nd, 2015 under Japan. Tags: baseball, Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Lens, Nikon D600, sports photography, yakult swallows. Comments Off on Lastings Milledge

Posted on April 30th, 2015 under Japan. Tags: festivals, matsuri, Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G lens, Nikon D600, shinto, Tokyo. Comments: 2

大仏 (Kamakura, Japan)

More than five years have passed since my last time in Kamakura (when I took today’s photo). I need to go back. Soon. Please.

Posted on April 29th, 2015 under Japan. Tags: buddhist, kamakura. Comments Off on Daibutsu of Kamakura

Osaka after dark

My random, desktop image of the day is this one from the top of the Umeda Sky Building. This place offers night views for a fee, but you’ll be better off going up with a lover than a camera as most of the views are partially obscured by fencing (as you can see in the bottom of this photo if you look closely) or building parts.

Posted on April 24th, 2015 under Japan. Tags: buildings, night photography, Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G lens, Nikon D600, osaka, Umeda Sky Building 梅田スカイビル. Comments Off on Osaka nightscape