Secret Japan

I love so much about this picture: the detail of the stall-holder's clothes, the sharp focus in the centre and blur around the edges, the implied action of the right hand with chopsticks, the busy-ness of the stall, the contrasting colours (even though it's black and white). In addition, the composition is nicely divided horizontally into 1/3 at the bottom and 2/3 at the top, which is the main subject area. And it's so good in black and white; it's hard to imagine that colour would have been better! Probably it would not. If I hadn't already visited Takayama three times, with another visit planned for October, I would definitely be tempted to visit on the basis of this picture!

I love this because it's a really hidden aspect of Japan. The composition is great with the figure at the intersection of vertical and horizontal (imaginary) lines roughly 1/3 of the picture from the left and 1/3 from the bottom ("rule of thirds"). The S-curve through the rice also enhances the picture, leading the viewer past the figure and away into the unknown! And there's just a touch of red for extra interest - and perhaps to remind us that this is Japan!

Homeless people are really a secret part of Japan. We often think there are none, but there are and you've captured a certain irony perhaps in this picture of a bookish homeless man. It may make us think about where he came from, how he became homeless, what will happen to him... or we may just enjoy the picture for its detail and pathos.

I love the lighting provided by the "light up" but without the two red parasols (or umbrellas) it would be much less interesting. They make all the difference! Great photo!

This is a beautiful picture - I love the warm colours of the leaves, which is different from the vibrant reds we often see (and which I also like!) The upward angle is very effective and the steps leads us to the torii gates. But we're not looking straight at the them, rather slightly off-centre which makes the picture more interesting I feel. The level of detail is very good: the stone, veins on leaves etc giving it a slight "grunginess" which I find appealing. In short, a great photo which becomes more and more interesting the longer you look at it.

I really like these torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Initially I thought this was too well known be in my top ten, but the light and the single person in some kind of traditional dress moving from light to darkness make it a really good photo.
And what is he looking at? That's interesting too. Great photo!

I love the contrast, the detail, the driver's expression, his reflection in the mirror ... so many things. It really captures the essence of Japanese trains other than the famous Shinkansen. We can even see one of the peculiarities of Japanese train and taxi drivers: they wear gloves!

Great photo of an unusual subject. It certainly deserves its commendation in "Secret Japan".

This is a beautiful picture of an interesting bridge. I think I've crossed a similar one near the shrine at Ise, but I haven't been to this one, so maybe one day I will. Thanks for all the information, too!

What could be more symbolic of Japan than a red paper umbrella? Well, many things perhaps, but I love this photo for the way the light illuminates them whilst leaving almost everything else in the shadows. As regards composition, the first umbrella falls neatly on the intersection of two lines 1/3 up and 1/3 into the picture ("rule of thirds"), which then draws the viewer into the rest of the picture. Finally, the figure inspecting the menus adds a little life; I think the picture would be lacking without it. Great job!

Definitely an aspect of Japan that I see here every day but that is probably unknown to anyone who has not visited the country! W tend to think of Japan as a country of great beauty, and it is, but there is another side to it as you have shown. Apparently cables are strung above ground because it is safer - or easier to repair them - in the event of an earthquake.

Great shot!