I feared that there might not be many people coming to see my photos of just ordinary scenes. And, I felt I would feel sorry for Yodobashi Camera who supported my exhibition if it turned out to be unsuccessful. However, so many people came and I learned that they felt sympathy for what I photographed. So, I was very glad and thought I shouldn’t change my style.

This is a very fortunate thing and it means I can continue aiming and shooting whatever that gets to my heart.

During my exhibition, I tried to speak to as many audiences as possible and I shot them in front of their favorite photos. Interestingly, I was able to shoot them with all the 24 photos exhibited.

The most popular one was the shot of a mother and a child playing with water in an autumn light. The calm lakeside scene embraced by the clear yellow maple leaves is my favorite, too. I guess such a peaceful photo is wanted by these people moving about restlessly in the city.

Although there was a suggested route and an explanation of the title near the entrance, the majority first took a general look of all photos and started to approach their favorite ones to take a close look. Many people said they wanted titles and explanations of each shot. I learned some people become more interested if they were provided with background information which don’t always emerge in the photos.

I guess it was the first day. There was a lady relaxing in the piano piece of “With the Wind.” The long chair in the center was very effective element as a place to put luggage, to take a rest, and to make conversations. Next to the gallery, there was also a coffee shop and it was good place to get some light food and chat with friends.

And, there was another big unexpected incident. Ta-da! I purchased the Leica M Monochrom. I heard stock is still very low and only a few of them arrive once in a while, and the “once” was the very time I was there. What a timing! But, it wasn’t a matter that could be solved by a few bank notes! Am I lucky or unlucky? All right. Let’s think I am lucky. This is another playing of “With the Wind.”

This is a monochrome-only camera, so of course it doesn’t take color photography. I guess this camera is only for professionals and genuine photo enthusiasts. I was interested in its picture quality, but honestly, I had never thought of buying it. I heard that a great monochrome photo is like a haiku that clearly expresses the deep meaning of things using limited words. So, I decided to try it playing my own tone.

I hear that, to take real monochrome photography, I need to have advanced developing and retouching skills even after shooting. Due to the absence of color information, I must express the atmosphere and the emotion only by tonality of one color and lighting conditions.

I once had a lecture on monochrome photography at Leica Academy workshop and now I’m forced to put it in practice. But, I’ve only been shooting what I like intuitively. Searching for the subjects that match monochrome photography isn’t really my style. Yet, I think I should be able to notice it.

So, I guess I should start from improving composition and angles to better capture the light and the shadow. But, I may not have time to shoot people in that way because I shoot instantly after I decided to shoot in most cases. This was shot on my way to Nakano. While the old man in the liquor store was taking a break before he opens the store, the couple was walking to their workplaces. This downtown atmosphere is the scene I want to shoot regardless of the kinds of camera.

This camera unexpectedly took me to the serious world of monochrome photography. So what! I’ll keep shooting anyway.

The next day after my exhibition ended, the bright light came into the taxy I was taking after the business lunch in Shibuya. The silhouette of the stickers on the window was interesting. I hadn’t thought of photographing the subject like this before I took this shot. Am I becoming more monochrome-conscious? Anyway, this shot makes me remember my exhibition and my work that I feel satisfied with during my visit to Japan and I even become nostalgic.

I had given up seeing sakura (cherry blossoms), but I could see them until they become double-flowered. My 19-day stay in Japan was so condensed, thanks to the exhibition, camera, my friends, and work.