Japan. hop on a Jet and travel 13 hours halfway across the planet. Japan. An Island nation, Efficient, Calm, Patient, Reserved and Peaceful. Boarding the Shinkansen and speeding across the Japanese countryside at speeds of 185+ MPH I would experience more imagery and excitement than my lens (and eyes could handle) The Megaopolis that is Tokyo. 30 Million strong and efficiently prepared for your enjoyment. Where even the youngest of Japanese citizens treat you and your property with respect. Where trains are never late, and never unsafe. To the Peace Memorial Park of Hiroshima. Where a humbled culture was destroyed and rebuilt again. Stronger and Laser Focused. To Kyoto, the gorgeous historic and cultural capital of Japan. Old world charm meets Chicago-esque neighborhood comfort. To Kesennuma, a fishing town in the North country, where tradition and family are strong and people like Baba Kuniaki opened their homes to us… Sharing the stories and reality of life resuming prosperously after the March 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami destroyed so very much.
Never in my life have I felt so welcomed and respected. Inspiration surrounds.