2024-10-15

Sequoyah Aono, Dexter Head, 2019


A Fusion of Traditions: Sequoyah Aono’s Marble Self-Portrait・「青野セクウォイアの自己肖像彫刻『デクスターヘッド』：ミケランジェロに触発された美」

Sequoyah Aono, a New York-based sculptor, has a unique multicultural background that deeply influences his work. Born in Naples, Italy, to an American father and Japanese mother, Aono was raised in Japan, where he cultivated an appreciation for both Western and Eastern artistic traditions.

The marble sculpture, Dexter Head, featured here is a striking self-portrait of Aono, inspired by Michelangelo’s David. This 3-meter-tall masterpiece (9.8 feet) blends classical and contemporary styles. From the right, its minimalist flat side reveals a silhouette of Michelangelo’s renowned work. From the left, however, the sculpture transitions into a lifelike, three-dimensional depiction, incorporating Aono’s own facial features. This juxtaposition highlights the artist's creative exploration of identity and form.

Carved from white marble, the sculpture is a harmonious blend of clean, minimalist geometry and the graceful, flowing lines of traditional techniques. Its dimensions—3 meters high, 1 meter wide, and 2 meters deep (9.8 ft x 3.2 ft x 6.5 ft)—command attention while maintaining a sense of elegance.

Aono began work on this piece in his New York studio around May or June of 2019. By September that same year, the completed sculpture was installed at the Pola Museum of Art in Hakone, Japan—a fitting home for a work that bridges cultural and artistic traditions.

  • Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 09:12・2024/10/15
  • Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
  • ISO 3200 for 1/110 sec. at ƒ/2
  • Provia/Standard film simulation

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Sengokuhara Silver Grass Field

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Morning Light on Sengokuhara: Silver Grass and Tradition at Mt. Hakone
仙石原すすき草原：箱根山北麓に広がる、伝統と美の保護


The vast fields of Sengokuhara, situated at an altitude of approximately 700 meters, are blanketed with tall susuki grass (Japanese silver grass, Miscanthus sinensis). Lush and deep green in summer, the grass transforms in early autumn, sending up glistening mauve seed heads that evolve into silvery tufts by mid-autumn, creating a magical landscape that attracts both domestic and overseas visitors.

A gently climbing path flows straight through the field along the northern slope at the northwest foot of Mt. Daigatake, an inactive lava dome that forms part of the Mt. Hakone volcanic caldera in Kanagawa Prefecture. This dirt path stretches 680 meters (2,228 feet) across the full width of the slope, offering visitors an immersive journey through swaying seas of silver grass.

Designated as one of Kanagawa’s “50 Best Scenic Spots” and among the “Top 100 Flower Viewing Spots in Kanagawa,” Sengokuhara is a favorite for nature lovers. Leaving home at 4:00 a.m., I embarked on a less-than-two-hour drive from Yokohama via the Tomei Expressway, with a few stops for hot drinks and a stretch break for my border collie, Dale-chan.

The grassland’s scenic beauty is preserved through controlled burning, a tradition rooted in practicality dating back to the Edo period (1603–1867). Back then, the grass was harvested for thatching rooftops, an essential material in Japanese architecture. However, as modern building materials replaced traditional thatch, the fields languished for several decades.

In 1989, preservation efforts were reintroduced on a trial basis, and since 2000, annual cutting and burning have been conducted to prevent trees and invasive plants from overtaking the field. This practice has ensured that visitors can continue to appreciate the unique beauty of these fields, as well as the cultural significance of Japanese silver grass.

Today, Miscanthus species are recognized not only for their ornamental value but also as potential resources for biomass energy. Initially valued as grazing and structural materials in China and Japan, these grasses are now found worldwide, naturalized in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and beyond.
  • Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 08:05・2024/10/15
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 28 mm ISO 100 for 1/20 sec. at ƒ/11
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  • Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 08:07・2024/10/15
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 95 mm ISO 100 for 1/15 sec. at ƒ/11
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  • Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 06:49・2024/10/15
  • Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
  • ISO 160 for 1/320 sec. at ƒ/2.2
  • Astia/Soft film simulation
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Sengokuhara Village

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Sengokuhara Village: Home to a Silver Grass Haven Beneath Mt. Hakone
金時山の麓に広がるススキ草原の町、仙石原


Sengokuhara Silver Grass Fields, nestled at the base of Mt. Hakone’s northern slope in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, offer a sweeping view of Mt. Ashigara to the north, quietly overlooking the peaceful resort town of Sengokuhara.

I arrived just before sunrise, just in time to catch the first rays of light spilling over the ridge of Mt. Hakone despite the forecast of heavy clouds.

The history of Sengokuhara stretches back to the early Edo period (1603–1700). Back then, plains of silver grass blanketed the landscape as far as the eye could see, sparking hopes that the land could support grain crops. 

However, the volcanic ash soil and high humidity made farming unviable. Instead, the village turned to cultivating Japanese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis), essential for thatching traditional roofs. 

While once vital to daily life, today Sengokuhara is cherished for its scenic beauty and proximity to Hakone’s popular resorts and tourist sites.

  • Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 06:46・2024/10/15
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 53 mm ISO 400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/8.0

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2024-09-25

Soleil Hill Beach

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A Coastal Canvas: Feeling the Passage of Time at Soleil Hill Beach
「ソレイユの丘砂浜で時を感じる」


My visit to Nagai Seaside Park Soleil Hill (長井海の手公園ソレイユの丘) in Yokosuka, Japan, with my border collie was originally planned around photographing fields of flowers and scenic coastal views. Since I was visiting on a weekday, I anticipated a quieter park, allowing me to explore at my own pace without the rush of crowds.

However, the intense summer heat had taken its toll, wilting nearly all the flowers in bloom. I set aside the idea of photographing the park’s interior and opted instead for a leisurely walk around its outer paths, as dogs aren’t permitted in the central areas.

At the southernmost edge of the park, I discovered a small trail that led down to the coast and onto Soleil Hill Beach—a secluded, dark-sand beach accessible only to park visitors. 

Normally, I prefer shooting seascapes during early morning or evening light, when I can capture the softer hues of the blue or golden hour. Here, though, beach access is restricted to the park’s operating hours, so I had to work with the midday light. To compensate, I experimented with long-exposure shots, aiming to capture the gentle movement of the waves and the soft trails of foam as the water ebbed away from the shore.

One rock formation in particular caught my eye, part of the rugged coastline that defines much of the Miura Peninsula, south of Yokohama and Tokyo. 

This peninsula separates Tokyo Bay to the east from Sagami Bay to the west. Looking into the geological history of these formations, I was intrigued to learn that many of the rocks along this coastline consist of alternating layers of pyroclastic sandstone and mudstone, which were deposited on the seafloor between 10 and 4 million years ago. 

From around 500,000 years ago, tectonic forces and coastal uplift began exposing these ancient seabeds above sea level. The most recent uplift occurred in 1923, during the Great Kanto Earthquake, when sections of the coast rose approximately 1.5 meters.

The layers in these formations angle at an estimated 30 degrees, a reminder of the earthquakes and tectonic tilting that shaped this landscape, lifting some areas while lowering others. Over time, the natural striations in the rock have been softened by weather and waves, revealing a fascinating story of geological transformation.

Occasionally, when the sun peeked through the clouds, the water revealed dark hues of green and blue, adding depth and contrast to the scene against the otherwise muted, overcast sky. 

It’s this interplay of colors and textures—the layers of rock, the subdued tones of the sea, and the hints of ancient history—that made this spot feel somewhat special.

  • Location: Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 17:02・2024/09/25
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP + 10-stop ND filter
  • 28 mm ISO 100 for 1.0 sec. at ƒ/18

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Border Collie at Rest Stop

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Rediscovering Retro Japan: A Nostalgic Stop by Zushi Beach
逗子海岸近く、懐かしの休憩スポット「逗子海岸ロードオアシス」


On my way to Nagai Seaside Park Soleil Hill in Yokosuka, Japan, I stopped at a roadside rest area on Route 134, about 400 meters (1,300 feet) west of Zushi Beach in Kanagawa Prefecture.

This rest stop, called Zushi Beach Road Oasis, has a retro charm that took me back to my youth. It features a cozy restaurant reminiscent of company cafeterias from the 70s and 80s (Maruwa Shokudo) and 808Cafe10R, a small cafe also selling potted plants and succulents in small batches. Although the cafe was closed for lunch, its rustic display of signage, posters in the windows, and antique items from North America added a splash of life to the quiet atmosphere.

Inside Maruwa Shokudo, the simple Formica tabletops, stainless steel chairs, and no-frills decor brought back memories of company cafeterias where I used to have lunch back in the 80s, when a bowl of curry udon could be had for less than 200 yen!

I ordered a hearty dish made with locally sourced vegetables and fish—comforting and fresh. Meanwhile, my loyal companion, Dale-chan, happily waited outside, resting on a bench surrounded by succulents and a quaint Farmer’s Market sign.

Out on the terrace, I enjoyed my meal while Dale-chan indulged in some kibble and treats, making it a relaxing moment for both of us.

Though the sky was overcast, the view from Zushi Beach Road Oasis still held a quiet beauty, with calm waves lapping at the beach. On clear days, you can see the expanse of Sagami Bay stretching out beyond Zushi Beach—a peaceful sight that makes this stop well worth it.

  • Location: Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 13:58・2024/09/25
  • Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
  • ISO 2000 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/10
  • Provia/Standard film simulation

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2024-09-11

Highland Pine Trees

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Enduring Pines: Nature’s Sentinels at Makiba Park
「まきば公園の松：自然が守るたたずまい」


Perched on a 1,400-meter (4,600 ft) plateau in Yamanashi Prefecture’s Southern Yatsugatake Volcanic Group, Makiba Park offers expansive, lush pastures dotted with Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) and Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora).

The Japanese red pine, or akamatsu, is a coniferous tree native to Japan, Korea, and northeastern China. Known for its distinctive reddish bark, this resilient tree has long been valued in Japan for its practical uses. Its wood, which burns with intense heat, makes an ideal fuel for pottery kilns. Additionally, its durable, lightweight, and rot-resistant qualities have made it a preferred material in traditional construction.

In particular, akamatsu has been a staple lumber species in the building of old temples and shrines, where it was often used for beams due to its strength and resistance to decay. This resistance to rot also made it essential in ancient bridge-building, as submerged akamatsu wood withstands the test of time better than most other types of timber, thanks to its high resin content.

The tree’s resin not only enhances its durability but also contributes to its reputation as an excellent fuel source. It burns hot and clean, leaving minimal ash, which made it ideal for high-temperature pottery kilns. In the past, this resin was even collected to make votive candles, with the resulting soot carefully preserved to create high-quality ink. Historically, akamatsu was also a favored source of charcoal.

Standing in the cattle-grazing pastures of Makiba Park, I feel a deep sense of awe looking at these majestic pine trees. Their tall forms and weathered branches show resilience and a strong connection to this land, having been preserved and protected for generations. It’s humbling to see these trees left untouched, rising proudly against the landscape—a reminder of nature’s endurance and the respect that has allowed them to thrive here in the open fields.

  • Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 13:16・2024/09/11
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 53 mm ISO 500 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/7.1

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Highland Cattle Pasture

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Chasing Light and Shadows at Makiba Park
「牧場と夏の空：北杜の牧場風景」

Perched on a 1,400-meter (4,600 ft) plateau in Yamanashi Prefecture’s Southern Yatsugatake Volcanic Group, Makiba Park offers a serene escape into nature.

Expansive pastures, dotted with peacefully grazing cattle, unfold against a backdrop of lush mountain ranges, creating a tranquil, panoramic landscape that invited me to pause and savor the beauty of the highlands.

The cattle here are mostly Japanese Black, one of the four prized breeds known as wagyu, along with Holstein dairy cows. Near the visitor parking area, a restaurant serves up locally-sourced highland vegetables and dishes featuring succulent beef. This beef, made tender through a unique diet of wine lees—the nutrient-rich byproduct of fermentation—is a specialty of the region.

Despite free admission, the park sustains itself through proceeds from restaurant sales and grazing fees paid by local ranchers, with profits supporting the broader community.

To be honest, I'm not much of a foodie, so I completely bypassed the restaurant. I was far more drawn to capturing the dramatic summer skies, where afternoon light broke through cumulus clouds, casting alternating patches of light and shadow over the lush pastures and verdant mountain ranges beyond.

I hope to return in winter to capture this landscape transformed by a blanket of snow under clear, deep-blue skies.

  • Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  • Timestamp: 13:04・2024/09/11
  • Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
  • 63 mm ISO 200 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/10

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