The Golden Gate Bridge and downtown came into view. At last, San Francisco. In this season of 1988, it was the first place in America where I arrived from Japan and put down roots. Looking over the [...] Read more

That star above is not Sapporo Beer. The R beneath means Reserve. This is the Starbucks flagship that opened late last year. Japan apparently also has Starbucks Reserve shops where special beans can [...] Read more

On Sunday morning, I wake, stretch deeply, and begin with a light piano piece. First comes sharply chilled, clear Sauvignon Blanc. Closing my eyes as I taste it, a cool grassland flavor spreads [...] Read more

This summer has brought record heat, with repeated days above 30°C. Even so, low humidity means shade and the slightest wind prevent pouring sweat. Yet heat like this is exceptional in Seattle. The [...] Read more

Washington, home to Seattle, the continental American city nearest Japan, has Puget Sound winding intricately inland from the Pacific, with many lakes extending to the Columbia River border. Seattle [...] Read more

At a small theater in a small town, I saw the musical Snapshots. After their child graduates and leaves home, a wife grows tired of a husband who notices only work and of their dry daily life. As she [...] Read more

In the Seattle Art Museum lobby, a couple were taking a smartphone selfie. Their unstudied, appealing clothes caught my eye. The two outfits matched with great style. We spoke briefly and they let me [...] Read more

In early morning, the misty Sammamish River quietly marks time. Distant trees float softly on the water, appearing and disappearing as though lightly wrapped in thread unwound from a cocoon. The view [...] Read more

In May 2011, K from Yodobashi Camera came to Seattle to interview me for “Rangefinder People,” and we spent several days together. We made street snapshots here and there, shared meals at my [...] Read more