Richard J. Duong Photography

A Trip to Nakameguro, Tokyo

Richard — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:52:15 +0000

Looking for some place new to go on a Sunday afternoon, I decided to take a trip to Nakameguro, an up-and-coming fashionable neighborhood in Meguro Ward, Tokyo. Although I did bring my camera with me, this was not intended to be a photo walk. In the event that I ran across something interesting, I’d be ready. In addition, rain was in the forecast, so I wasn’t expecting much in terms of quantity.

While walking through the narrow streets of Nakameguro, a few things did catch my eye worthy of posting.

A dual-car garage containing a Mercedez-Benz G-Class SUV and E-Class Sedan

An izakaya storefront containing multiple bottles of sake situated on a ledge

An empty can of Super Sounama beer left behind on a street bench

Ayano’s Children Portrait Session, Kichijoji, Tokyo

Richard — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:57:59 +0000

The eldest and final kid model from my Kichijoji children’s portrait session is Ayano. Ayano, a 13-year old first-year junior high school student and dancer, also has aspirations of becoming a model some day.

During our shoot in Kichijoji, Ayano was extremely cooperative and took to instructions well. Her cooperation and willingness to do as I asked made her a very easy model to work with. Having fun while modeling is very important. This was clearly the case with Ayano. Her cute, natural smile says it all!

Emi’s Children Portrait Session, Kichijoji, Tokyo

Richard — Mon, 30 May 2011 11:00:51 +0000

Emi, another one of my kid models from my recent children’s portrait session in Kichijoji, is a 12-year old elementary school student. In addition to being a student and jazz dancer, she has aspirations of becoming a model and actress someday.

Emi was very comfortable in front of the camera. Not only is she a natural but she’s extremely photogenic. This is evident in all of her photos. Don’t be surprised if you start seeing Emi in television commercials and advertisements in the Tokyo area in the near future.

Hina’s Children Portrait Session, Kichijoji, Tokyo

Richard — Sun, 29 May 2011 07:37:15 +0000

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to photograph several adorable girls in Kichijoji, a youthful, artistic, and slightly countercultural neighborhood in Tokyo.

The first and youngest of the girls was Hina, an 11-year old elementary school student. Although quiet and reserved at first, Hina later opened up and became more comfortable as the session went on. By the time the shoot transitioned from a nature theme to an urban one, she was full of confidence struttin’ her stuff through the streets of Kichijoji.

Hina has a very cute and innocent look about her, yet mysterious at the same time. I wanted to capture her in these moments where she gazes into the camera with her enigmatic eyes.

A Photo Walk to Nakano

Richard — Thu, 05 May 2011 00:18:55 +0000

One day after returning from a trip to Los Angeles for Golden Week, I decided to take a stroll to nearby city, Nakano, for a photo walk. I have yet to really explore my neighborhood or surrounding areas, mainly because everywhere I go is underground by subway. I’ve bus’d it from my home to Nakano in the past but never by foot. It was a nice day out so I figured why not?

The photo walk started in Shin-egota and ended at Nakano station, primarily via Egota Dori and Nakano Dori. Along the way, I ran across many interesting things and places, including Tetsugakudo Park, a park dedicated to philosophy. After arriving at Nakano station, I took the bus to Kichijoji where additional photo opportunities presented itself in the form of a music festival featuring Japanese bands of all types.

Flowers in full bloom during Spring time in Japan.

Japan is modern in many ways, just not with its bus stops.

A statue of Mahatma Ghandi in the Garden of Philosophy at Tetsugakudo Park.

Araiyakushi Park

Araiyakushi Temple

Nakano Sun Plaza

Kichijoji Music Festival

Photographing the Tokyo Tower from Roppongi Hills

Richard — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:40:40 +0000

Admittedly, I’m not all that impressed with the Tokyo Tower, especially now that it’s no longer the tallest artificial structure in Japan (Tokyo Sky Tree is). The Eiffel Tower-inspired lattice tower is painted a dull orange and white and is 333 meters tall. At the tower’s base is a 4-story building containing museums, restaurants and shops. Aside from this building and the nearby Zojo-ji Temple, there isn’t much else to see or do.

However, I am interested in the Tokyo Tower when it makes for a good photo, especially when complimented by other buildings or structures. There is this spot at the Roku Roku Plaza in Roppongi Hills that has a great view of the Tokyo Tower. Every time I visit Roppongi Hills, I make it a point to stop at this spot for a quick photo or two. In the foreground are many small apartment buildings, while in the background are many taller buildings, including the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower.

My last visit to Roppongi Hills was strictly for photo purposes. In addition to photographing the Tokyo Tower during sunset, I captured some images of other interesting spots in Roppongi Hills after sundown. There was no shopping, dining, or entertainment this time.

The Mori Tower

The Fountain at Roppongi Hills Arena

A Walk Through Daiba-Itchome Shotengai, Odaiba, Tokyo

Richard — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 15:57:05 +0000

On a recent visit to Odaiba, I was introduced to Daiba-Itchome Shotengai after some unexpected rain had fallen while shooting the Tokyo skyline.

Daiba-Itchome Shotengai is an intriguing recreation of 1960′s Tokyo and is located on the 4th floor of the Decks shopping mall. The entire floor is filled with shops and decorations featuring toys, food, memorabilia, and other products from the 60′s. The decor and feel of Daiba-Itchome Shotengai is quite nostalgic and impressive. I definitely got the sense that I was in a different era.

To keep consistent with Daiba-Itchome Shotengai’s throwback theme, I processed the photos accordingly to give them that vintage look they deserve.

White Ketchup’s Performance at Live House Motion, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Richard — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:50:26 +0000

Ryuta, a friend of mine here in Tokyo, recently invited me to an event where his band, White Ketchup, performed in front of a modest crowd.

The event took place at Live House Motion in the Kabukicho district of Shinjuku. Of the several bands that were featured that afternoon, White Ketchup was scheduled to perform last. Ryuta and his high school mates capped off the event in style…performing a combination of both English and Japanese songs.

Below are some photos of White Ketchup’s performance from the event, including Ryuta and several other band members.

A Photo Walk Around Shinjuku

Richard — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:10:31 +0000

What was supposed to be an afternoon photo walk through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden turned out to be a stroll through various parts of Shinjuku, Tokyo. Unfortunately, I didn’t do my research prior to setting out for Shinjuku Gyoen. The garden is closed every Monday, except during cherry blossom and chrysanthemum seasons.

Plan B called for a walk through Shinjuku to Tochomae, making stops at Shinjuku Chuo Park, Kumano Shrine, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

A Photo Walk in Inokashira Park

Richard — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:53:19 +0000

One of my favorite parks in Japan is Inokashira Park located in Kichijoji, a western suburb of Mitaka, Tokyo. Among the many things to do and see at Inokashira Park, flower viewing in the Spring and koyo viewing in Fall are most popular. The park, fairly large in size, features long walking paths, a lake, a small temple, a petting zoo, an aquarium, and the Ghibli Museum. On weekends and holidays, Inokashira park is filled with people looking to take in the lively environment from artists, musicians, and street performers alike.

Although I have been to Inokashira Park several times before, I never happened to have my camera on me. During my last visit, I decided to bring my camera to capture some koyo (Autumn colors) images before the Winter season kicked in.

Beware of who you ride these paddle boats with. It is said to be a way for lovers to tell one another they want to break up!

A quick stop at Starbucks at the entrance of the park is highly recommended before your stroll through the park!