Japanese Life

Life as it happened in Japan.

2016, a Recap

2016 has been a game changer - I got married and started a new job with 84 Hospitality. This year, photography went from my main source of income to something I do at my job.

The first half of the year was a continuation of 2015. Portraits, events, travel, food, and a few commercial shoots sprinkled in.

After getting hired at 84, I didn't need to take on every single job anymore. I chose what I wanted to do in my spare time. This led to less "work" and more random daily photos of everyday life.

2017 will be the year I force my photography to evolve. My website will be geared less towards showing clients my best work, and more towards showing myself my progression.

Izakaya Houston

Shochu

Our asian fusion server

Today's Donburi: Curry

Izakaya Fries

Japanese curry dip, poached egg, bonito flakes

Karaage Chicken

spicy yuzu peel marmalade

House-made Venison Sausage

Happy hour Sake Flight

Korean BBQ Wings

Pork Belly & Shishito Peppers

Mochi & Bacon

BACON-WRAPPED GRILLED JAPANESE RICE CAKE

Howard

Spring Break Trip Part 2: Seattle, WA

Pour-over from Midori Bakery, Redmond, WA.

Part 2. To save a few bucks, we stayed outside of Seattle, in Redmond. The drive into the city added about half an hour to our day, but it wasn't terrible.

After visiting my hero, Bruce Lee's grave, we explored a bit of Capitol Hill. Linda was very excited for all the cherry blossoms.

After Capitol Hill, we went straight to Pike Place Market.

EAT ALL THE THINGS!

Girl drinking her coffee from the original Starbucks.

We had the best time learning about tea and making new friends at Vital T Leaf. Benny and Ping were awesome.

After the sun set, we headed to Facing East for some Taiwanese food.

Beef noodle soup and milk tea @ Facing East - Bellevue, WA

Linda got food poisoning from something earlier in the day so she missed out on the next morning's exploration of Fremont.

The International District of Seattle is legit. I wish we had more time to roam and try everything.

Before Linda and I had to head home, I really wanted to explore the Ballard neighborhood. I wanted to buy some beans before heading back, and I had my eyes set on Slate. Their service was awesome. I recommend the Samaria. The deconstructed latte was also very good. AND THAT STRAWBERRY CROISSANT from FUJI BAKERY. YASS.

The Spanish Fly @ Morsel & Bean - Seattle, WA

Seattle and Vancouver were both super awesome. I can't wait to go back and visit again.

Spring Break Trip Part 1: Vancouver, BC

First off, the only person in our group that truly had a "Spring Break" was Linda. Lucky her. I took a trip with my fiancee to photograph her cousin, Luwan, and fiance, Andrew's, engagement photos.

After landing in Seattle, grabbing a rental, and getting some lunch at Katsu Burger (amazing, btw), we hauled ass across the border to our awesome little AirBNB. We took a walk in the rain to find some food shortly after settling in. Vancouver is filled with grit, but it was surprisingly charming.

The next morning, after a quick bite at the neighborhood cafe, we drove to Lynn Canyon Park. We hiked and took photos all morning. I highly recommend this place. Beautiful and FREE.

The Wilder Snail - man that needs more caffeine.

Did I mention it was Cherry Blossom season? Gorgeous. Can't wait to see them in Japan one day.

Gastown was pretty cool. Lot's of cool shops and good eats.

Pork Belly Crackling @ Tuc Craft Kitchen — Pork Belly Crackling @ Tuc Craft Kitchen

Luwan and Andrew love to travel and eat. You can catch Luwan in a restaurant eating up food with her camera and her mouth with Andrew eating up what's left.

Linda and a pour-over from Matchstick Coffee Roasters

On our last day in Vancouver, we decided to check out one more suspension bridge: Capilano. There was a pretty high entrance fee, but it was fun to explore with all the million other tourists there. The park was very well maintained, but if you like less man-made stuff with your nature, I'd skip it.

I really enjoyed Granville Island. Lots of good food and people watching.

Our last stop before heading back to Seattle was at the Asian mall, Aberdeen Centre. WE. ATE. SO. MUCH. This mall was pretty much Hong Kong condensed into one building.