It’s Been a While

Hi everyone, it’s been awhile.

So many words: written, not sent. So many thoughts: fleeting, no longer relevant.

What to make of all the chaos around us? I try to walk a straight path forward.

I spent the summer in America with trepidation, then it turned out to be completely normal, bearing no resemblance to what I was seeing in the news, or what passes for news these days.

I came back to Japan and went to the Osaka Expo 2025 again; a World's Fair filled with modern progress and hope for mankind. Even in the USA Pavilion. Was this really America 2025, or some previous version yet to be updated?

My partner and I went to Vietnam, where we were greeted by five days of torrential typhoon rain and wind. Yet people seemed happy. It made me want to explore more of southeast Asia.

Rolling into the Christmas season, Japan seems to want to do something about their foreigner problems, too. Fortunately their ire is targeted more at other Asians (the bulk of visitors & immigrants), not so much at Americans/Europeans. But where do I fit in? I just sent in my Japan visa renewal. Will this be a sign? We’ll find out soon enough.

Anyway, one way for me to keep moving forward is to keep posting one good photo every day. I hope you’ve been seeing them. A reminder that you can get the latest photo in your inbox by subscribing to my daily email, here.

Arashiyama 2026

Announcing the 2026 Hermosawave Calendar.

It’s my 20th edition! This year the calendar focuses on the Arashiyama District of Kyoto, Japan, where I have been spending most of my time these days. It’s a beautiful spot and a favorite of Emperors and visitors for over 1000 years.

Arashiyama is featured in my book Empty Kyoto and in frequent daily photos. It’s a must visit on the list of every visitor, both Japanese and international.

I’ve collected some of my most scenic and tranquil photographs to share in my new calendar: Arashiyama 2026. The 14-month calendar is A4 size, top and bottom, slightly wider than US Letter. A small edition, printed in Kyoto. Order here...

Now shipping worldwide! Orders to USA addresses will be shipped from America to avoid the Trump Tariffs. Others will ship from Japan. I hope you enjoy it.

If you're going to be in Kyoto this spring, photos of Arashiyama from the calendar and others will be displayed at my exhibition during the Kyotographie KG+ Photography Festival, May 2~17, 2026. More to come...

Although I had been here several times before, I first visited Arashiyama with my camera in 2006.

In those days before Instagram, the Bamboo Grove was mostly empty of other people. Social media has both opened our eyes to special places around the world, while destroying much of what made these places special to begin with. 6/7, as the kids say.

Japan doesn’t have a Thanksgiving holiday, yet one is reminded to be appreciative and grateful every day. To have empathy and compassion. That is the Japanese way. That’s why I love it here.

So, I’d like show my gratitude for my friends in Kyoto, who are warm, friendly, encouraging and supportive. You all make things better every day. Arigato gozaimasu.

And to my family of course, who are always there for me. ❤️

I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and a joyous holiday season.