Amidst the noise and confusion that often dominate Tokyo, this Shinto priest seemed to be in another world — even from another world. A man so calm and composed that merely watching him was therapeutic.

Amidst the noise and confusion that often dominate Tokyo, this Shinto priest seemed to be in another world — even from another world. A man so calm and composed that merely watching him was therapeutic.

Tokyo Times is owned and run by me, Lee Chapman, a long-term resident of Tokyo who arrived in 1998 for ‘a year or two’, and, for a myriad of reasons, stayed put.
Japan means many things to many people, but Tokyo Times is how I see it. The places. The people. The day-to-day situations. All of it shot using a Leica, a Nikon and a selection of lenses.
My photographs have appeared in the Guardian and Japan Times, plus numerous magazines and books. Should you wish to use any, or simply ask a question, you can get in touch with me here.
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I’ve always been a little envious of people who find peace through their spiritual beliefs.
That’s never bothered me to be honest, although it must be nice to be a little less scared of death…
Rather than anything particularly spiritual, however, this fella (to me at least) seemed to be in a deep meditative state, something I was a little envious of. A technique I keep meaning to learn, but never do.
I like the way you composed this shot with the bright and dark areas sort of keeping in balance.
Recently, the ever growing focus on money, status and “me, me, me” of society has made me want to explore meditation as well, just get a better focus on life. Unsurprisingly, this started around the time we took a Shukubo at Kōya-san (高野山): http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Japan/Wakayama/Koyasan/blog-449415.html
Thanks. The light was falling on him beautifully. A really lovely moment.
It’s something I’ve been meaning to try for a long long time. Not seriously, but enough to allow me to do it home for a short time everyday. I can well imagine how your trip influenced you. How was it?
The temple stay (shukubo) was awesome, together with my trip to Kamikochi and the stay in the Tokusawa Lodge there it forms the highlight of my many trips to Japan. My wife, who is Japanese, was not that keen on the idea but I insisted and even she was blown away by it. Her impression was that it was something old people do, but not so, I can recommend it to anybody.
Cheers. That sounds excellent. Definitely a place I need to experience.
Peace to you too, Lee ^_^v
Cheers!