Pentax DA 560mm f5.6

As a photojournalist, I have a keen interest in new equipment.  Even more so when I feel it can really help with my work.  The longest lens I own happens to be a 300mm prime.  It's able to provide me with some real reach, but this new 560mm lens is really something special.

Hashimoto Apology

 

Today was a very interesting press conference by the mayor of Osaka, Toru Hashimoto.  He was there to issue an apology for his suggestion that the United States military make use of legal sexual services as a method of relief to reduce the rate of rapes committed by American servicemen.  The entire speech plus Q&A lasted nearly three hours.

Arab Ambassadors

Today was a last minute assignment at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.  It was a gathering and meeting of Arab ambassadors and the Governor of Tokyo.  We were only allowed 10 minutes to take our photos and shoot our video. 

19th International Conference on The Future of Asia

 

Mahathir bin Mohamad is a polarizing individual.  Hated and loved by many around the world, it was very interesting to cover him today.  I don't really have much of an opinion or anything to write about him, so I'll just share some photos I took at the conference.

The Cuban Five

This was an interesting assignment.  There was a press conference held in Tokyo today by the Cuban government.  The topic was the Cuban Five – A group of men who were arrested in Miami back in 1998 for conspiracy to engage in espionage. 

Tokyo Nail Forum 2013

Today was an interesting day for me.  I usually cover political and technology related topics, but this afternoon I was sent to cover the Tokyo Nail Forum 2013 – A trade show for nail fashion.  I don't have much to write about this, so rather I will just show some photos from today...

Tokyo Rainbow Pride Parade 2013

Today was a pretty fun day.  I really enjoyed this assignment.  Though I was there for a few hours, time really seemed to pass quickly.

Thousands of people turned out at Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park to take part in the Tokyo Rainbow Pride parade.

The week long celebration, known as Tokyo Rainbow Week, is the first of its kind and takes place during Japan’s Golden Week holiday.

It was an excuse for many to go out in costume and have a good time.

It’s also part of a series of activities in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues, which are still considered taboo in Japan and illegal in other parts of the world.

The atmosphere was one of joy and support of sexual minorities.  At the end of the day, it was a good start for what many hope is a better future for acceptance and understanding.

I'm looking forward to next year when I hope there will be an even bigger turnout.