Jim continued his Japan portfolio with 16×9 crop/style. Inspired by Cathy’s San Diego Iconic Locations, Jim focused on iconic locations in Japan. His multiple trips from 2007-2023 have been limited to southern Japan, visiting Tokyo, Yokohama, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara (deer city), & Kagoshima.
His photos of Diabutsu of Kamakuri were from 2010. The Diabutsu Buddha was cast in 1252 and weighs over 200,000lbs.
Photos of Kagoshima & its volcano, Sakurajima, were taken in 2007. Sakurajima is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupting hundreds of times a year, sending dramatic ash clouds into the sky on an almost daily basis.
In Nara Japan, ~1687 wild sika deer roam freely around the city. I have a vague memory of my visit in 1970 so we had to make the 30min train ride from Kyoto east. They are plentiful throughout the parks, temple grounds, and many green area in the city. Tourists can buy packets of special “deer crackers” (shika senbei, rice crackers) sold by local vendors to feed them. The deer can be aggressive if they know you have crackers to give, even in pockets. They will bow “politely” to earn a cracker, if prompted by you bowing as well. If you love seeing or being around deer, this is a unique and wonderful place.

Jim continues his Japan portfolio, focusing on 16×9 horizontal compositions in particular. Although many photographs in his archives are vertical – a suprisingly large percentage he realizes during this project. He’s recomposed verticals or selected mostly horizontal compositions to crop into this semi-panoramic format.