Monthly Archives: March 2014

Japan: a journey between tradition and modernity

AmnesiArt


Short but evocative, this video is a must-see for anyone who has either spent time in Japan or has always dreamed of going.

Produced by AmnesiArt, a film and Fine Art photography production created by Nick Arcivos and Ryan Earl, this film gives you the opportunity to explore the country through Tokyo, symbol of modernity, Nara, and Kyoto, the cultural capital.

A first stay in Japan has allowed them to discover its rich culture, its fascinating architecture and friendly people. They propose to provide more information on their production and share their feelings.

“The idea behind this film was thought out in two steps: The first took place a few years ago, after discovering this beautiful country and the desire that gave them to capture the special atmosphere of Japan. The second, more recently, is the shooting which lasted two weeks from Kyoto to Tokyo, through Nara.”

They wanted to let people discover the wonders offered by this country through its gastronomy, architecture and culture. They wanted to show the harmony of coexistence between tradition and modernity. Although Japan is well-known for its technological advancement, it has retained much of its traditional appearance.

They had in mind to seduce not only fans of Japan, but also people who don’t know this wonderful destination. Through genuine moments of Japanese lifestyle, they wanted to represent the atmosphere so unique to this fabulous country.

“We are very pleased with the quality and number of feedback we have received from all over the world. A large number of people have expressed their feelings after watching the film, which exceeded our expectations.”

Amnesiart has been featured by the major photography/film brands such as Canon, Carl Zeiss…and major blogs like Photography Blogger, Compétence Photo, and Camerapixo.

You can visit their website: www.amnesiart.com and follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/amnesiart and Twitter @AmnesiArt.


Sakura on the way

Sakura, Cherry Blossoms, Mt. Fuji


The Japan Weather Association has announced the news that’s eagerly awaited across Japan every winter – the expected arrival of the “sakura kaika”, or the opening of cherry blossoms. The sakura is of course Japan’s national flower and its arrival also marks the coming of spring. The fact that the often dramatically beautiful display of color only lasts a week or two is considered both an opportunity to consider the beauty and transience of life itself and a chance to party and get blind drunk under the falling blossoms.

So when should you plan to visit Japan or hold your hanami party? For the Tokyo area and most of central Japan, the sakura are expected to peak around the end of March and beginning of April. Southern parts of the country will see it about a week earlier, and the sakura front will move north of Tokyo over the period of a month and a half until early to mid-May.

See the map below for the expected dates when you can see various parts of the country at their most beautiful.

Sakura, Cherry Blossoms