Confession: My whole life I have been greatly amused by all of the people in the world who love Japan, Japanese culture, want to be in Japan, be Japanese, eat Japanese food… all because of anime and manga. Now, I know that there’s no reason why not; one reason is as good as any other to broaden your horizons and experience different cultures. I know this with the rational part of my mind but maybe it’s just the stupid 8-year-old in me that needs something to point and snicker at just to balance out the tired old grownup part.

But, uh, I went to Japan and I loved it there. Actually, the longer I’m home the more I miss it. I still don’t care about manga no matter what anyone says, but the culture and the people have captured my heart. If it were not so far away I would go back. If I had more time I would learn to speak the language.

For now I will just continue life in America and like all the other convention-goers, I will look at beautiful old photos and prints of geisha and maiko, marvel at the extreme juxtapositions of conservative and crazy in their society and try to flavor my own projects with their standards of art.

I am fortunate to have beautiful friends. Beautiful, patient, and with very good tolerance to cold and wind! I could get used to shooting lovely models. So many ideas in my head, not enough time…

Thank you, Nikki!