Japan
Fukagawa Hachimangu Matsuri (41 images)
Fukagawa Hachimangu Matsuri (41 images)

Went to check out the Fukagawa Hachimangu Matsuri today in Koto-Ku, Tokyo. Based on the website, this festival is one of the Tokyo’s Three Greatest Summer Festivals, in which people scattering water drops over Mikoshi carriers. Kodomo-Mikoshi (46 portable shrines carried by children) parade in the neighborhood. It was definitely a sight to see, a […]

Sunflowers (13 images)
Sunflowers (13 images)

Went to check out a local sunflower farm nearby since it’s in season right now. It was pretty overcast today, wish there was a little bit of sunlight to shine on the crop, but no luck.

Yokohama Fireworks (17 images)
Yokohama Fireworks (17 images)

Tonight we made the trek out to Yokohama for an annual fireworks display that’s put on during the summer. The fireworks are shot from a barge in between the coast of Yokohama and a US military pier, Yokohama North Dock, and it’s a pretty spectacular sight since it’s so close together. Tried doing something a […]

Cherry Blossom (11 images)
Cherry Blossom (11 images)

season came and left within a matter of a week. This year it seemed some of the trees were a little too early or too late due to the inconsistent temperatures and random high winds and rainy days. Nevertheless, it was definitely another beautiful sight to see. Here’s a few shots I snapped right before […]

Snapshot: Last Day with the Mash
Snapshot: Last Day with the Mash

Today was a sad day, as my Cinelli Mash build came to an end. It was my first “real” track frame that I built up from scratch and it’s been around Oahu twice, served me well on century ride, and was always my go to frame to just mash out and not have to care […]

Blood in the Snow (17 images)
Blood in the Snow (17 images)

It was dumping snow in Kanagawa this morning, definitely a first for me since arriving here over a year ago. I decided to snap some shots of the Red Baron out in the fresh powder. Definitely loving this weather!

Stratos Pista (11 images)
Stratos Pista (11 images)

Snowed last night, enough to stick on the ground. We haven’t gotten much snow here this year so tonight was definitely a treat. Decided to take the pista out for a few shots in the heavy snow. White on white is just looks so clean.

Ralph’s NJS Samson (13 images)
Ralph's NJS Samson (13 images)

On New Years Eve, I was able to shoot Ralph’s newly finished NJS project. Definitely a different build from his previous NJS Bomber Pro; all freshly polished Suntour components really set the frame off. I’ve grown to love how well these hand-built frames ride and look. Each frame is handcrafted and tailored to fit each […]

Offroading (13 images)
Offroading (13 images)

I woke up at 4AM yesterday in hopes of going to another awesome Sekidobashi (Bicycle Swap Meet) that’s held only twice a year. When I arrived in Fuchu, there was only disappointment and a ton of rain. By tradition if it rains out on the Saturday the swap meet is held, the meet is postponed […]

Enoshima (16 images)
Enoshima (16 images)

Did a short ride around the coast of Kamakura and Enoshima this weekend to change things up from my usual routes. Enoshima Island is a popular attraction with many shrines and gorgeous views of the coast. On a clear day, the island has a great view of Mt. Fuji; however, it was too foggy on […]

Snapshot: Sakura
Snapshot: Sakura

It’s been about a week or two since all the sakura trees were in full bloom. It’s amazing how beautiful these trees are and how fast it transitions into just another ordinary-looking tree within a matter of days. It is definitely one of Japan’s gifts that hopefully everyone can witness at least once in their […]

Sekidobashi (36 images)
Sekidobashi (36 images)

It’s been a while since I’ve last updated; over a month since the 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Tohoku region, which rocked most of Japan and created so many new uncertainties for the well-being of many people here. Whether it being the initial earthquake, the record 33-foot tsunami that wiped out many towns on the […]

Week 2 in Japan (64 images)
Week 2 in Japan (64 images)

I think it’s finally sunken in that I’m going to be here for good for a couple years. I’m slowly getting my routine down, starting real work tomorrow and somewhat know my way around just by walking everywhere. I’ve grown accustomed to the “slow” lifestyle of walking everywhere, which will only get faster once I […]

Snapshot: Car of the Day
Snapshot: Car of the Day

Spotted this sick Honda Jazz (Honda Fit in the US) while looking at used cars. It wasn’t for sale, but definitely deserved a quick photo session. It’s amazing how intricate car enthusiasts are in Japan, it really takes everything up another level compared to the mods done back in Hawaii. But then again, Japan isn’t […]

Week 1 in Japan (87 images)
Week 1 in Japan (87 images)

It’s been a long week, with tons of paperwork, learning, eating, photos, and definitely walking. Traveling to Machida, Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku were the highlights of my week; hopefully, I’ll remember how to get back there on my own. Like many people have said before, I’ve never been to a place that served junk food. […]

Food: Mankin Gyoza House
Food: Mankin Gyoza House

Tonight we ate at Mankin Gyoza House near the Zama train station, a favorite to many of my coworkers. It’s definitely a different take on gyoza when compared to the typical thin-layered gyoza served at most ramen shops. The wrap used to make the gyoza is a lot thicker, which gives it a chewier texture. […]

Snapshot: Machida
Snapshot: Machida

Traveled out to Machida today with my orientation class to learn how to use the train. I forgot how smooth the train rides on the railway and how fast and reliable public transit is over here. It makes me a little more optimistic about Hawaii’s future rail system, but I know it won’t be anywhere […]

Snapshot: Car of the Night
Snapshot: Car of the Night

Spotted this beauty tonight during my 3-mile walk exploring outside the base. So many sick cars driving around and just parked in random places. I’ve become quite tired of Skylines; it seems like every time I turn my head, there’s R33/R34 GTR or sedan driving by… The VIP scene is definitely booming in Japan, so […]

Snapshot: Snowing in Japan
Snapshot: Snowing in Japan

It has only been two full days since I’ve been here in Japan, and I’ve experienced so many new things already…  I can’t wait to see what else I have in store.  I was told that the day before I arrived in Japan, it had snowed and that I may or may not be able […]