Author name: Larry

A Fire Dance at Singapore Night Safari_202509
Documentary Photography

Trust in the Flames — A Fire Dance at Singapore Night Safari

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In September 2025, I watched a fire dance show at Singapore Night Safari. Ten years ago, I saw a similar performance in the Philippines and found it ordinary. This time was completely different. Two dancers moved through the jungle night, weaving flames with power, grace, and trust. When the female dancer pushed her fire fans forward, I saw the image of Guanyin. When the two dancers smiled at each other, I felt the bond built from years of practice. This was not just a show—it was art made of light and shadow.

Into_Singapore_Zoo_202509
WildlifeNature, Travel Footprints

Into Singapore Zoo — A Quiet Journey of Wildlife Observation

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In September 2025, I spent a day at Singapore Zoo, visiting Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari from afternoon to night. The overcast weather and a short thunderstorm did not affect my visit — in fact, the quiet atmosphere made it easier to observe. With a better lens this time, I captured many close-up shots: the symbiosis between rhinos and mynas, the interaction between orangutans, a giant panda skillfully peeling bamboo, the worried look in the eyes of an endangered cotton-top tamarin, and a brown fish owl gazing at its keeper with trust. These moments let me see the personality and life stories of different animals.

The-Grandeur-and-Serenity-of-Dongjus-Dongyang-Mountain-Trail
Travel Footprints

Sleeping Guardians on the Cliffs – The Grandeur and Serenity of Dongju’s Dongyang Mountain Trail

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In October 2025, I joined a National Geographic photography workshop to Dongju Island’s Dongyang Mountain Trail and experienced the best weather of our four-day journey. When the military fortress on the cliff came into view, I was deeply moved—it stood like a sleeping giant, quietly guarding the coast. The trail wound through magnificent bay terrain, where giant rocks, waves, hiding goats, and tiny figures of distant travelers together created an unforgettable journey of dialogue with history and connection with nature.

My First Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri Experience_202508
Documentary Photography

Sacred Waters and Joyful Hearts – My First Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri Experience

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On August 17, 2025, I stepped into Tomioka Hachimangū for my very first Japanese traditional festival. It was the mikoshi procession day of Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri, blessed with perfect sunny weather and crowds that burned even brighter than the summer sun. The most amazing moment was witnessing the famous “water-splashing festival.” Before the mikoshi appeared,

Midnight at Senso-ji_202508
Travel Footprints, Architecture, NightAstro

Senso-ji Under the Starry Sky – Serenity and Solemnity at Midnight

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On the night of August 14th, 2025, I made a special trip to Senso-ji to capture its serene moments under the starry sky with a wide-aperture lens. In contrast to the bustling daytime crowds, only about a dozen visitors remained at midnight. The five-story pagoda appeared exceptionally beautiful against the star-filled sky. Although the main hall was closed, the courtyard stayed brightly lit with devotees still drawing fortune slips. Looking back at Kaminarimon Gate before leaving, the statues of Fujin and Raijin stood quietly, guarding this sacred ground. This night at Senso-ji revealed a unique atmosphere where relaxation and solemnity coexisted, offering a peaceful tranquility completely different from daytime.

Travel Footprints

Summer at Sensoji Temple – Revisiting the Ancient Temple

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On a summer afternoon in August 2025, I revisited Sensoji Temple in Tokyo. Unlike the cherry blossom season, summer’s Sensoji was crowded yet still captivating. From the massive red lantern at Kaminarimon to the bustling Nakamise-dori shopping street, and the incense and Buddha statues around the main hall, every corner tells stories of history and faith. I paid special attention to the Kobunacho lantern, the Shijinbashi lantern donated by Konosuke Matsushita, and unexpectedly discovered the Shiranami Gonin Otoko statues, savoring the cultural depth of this ancient temple amid the crowds.

Summer-Journey-Along-Sumida-River-West-Bank
Travel Footprints, WildlifeNature

Summer Twilight by the Sumida River – A Quiet Evening with Wild Birds

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On the afternoon of August 15, 2025, I walked along the west bank of the Sumida River from Azuma Bridge to Sumida Park. During this photography journey from sunset to nightfall, I encountered a gentle, fearless seagull and an elegant heron resting by the pond. As darkness fell, the pond water reflected the shore lights, creating a dreamlike scene with the heron standing on a stone. The soft glow of Tokyo Skytree, reflections of boat-shaped lamps, and colorful lights of yakatabune boats together wove the most beautiful memories of this summer twilight.

Summer at Sumida River East Bank
Travel Footprints

Summer Hours by the Sumida River – An Afternoon Encounter with City Views and a Grey Heron

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On August 13th, 2025, I spent a summer afternoon along Tokyo’s Sumida River east bank. This spot offers a unique view where Tokyo Skytree, passing trains, and the riverside come together in one frame. The biggest surprise was discovering a grey heron under the bridge. With my telephoto lens, I captured its focused grooming, especially the amusing moment when the wind lifted its head feathers – creating a funny contrast with its sharp, piercing gaze. An unexpectedly joyful afternoon of photography.

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