Been away for awhile and thought I would check in. I have been having some fun with ChatGPT. It generated this image of what it thinks my personal heaven looks like. What do you think? #japan

As the plumb blossoms in Tokyo give way to the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms, I am immersed in thoughts about the more profound significance of the Spring season in Japan. It symbolizes a time of awakening—of renewal, growth, and profound change. It is a season I always look forward to.

Kicking off a three-night adventure in Kagoshima and Yakushima. Loving the vibe of the town and the surrounding natural environment here. The season is still winter but with a tropical flavor. As an example, here is a Club Moss plant happily growing outside of the local airport.

In recent years, there has been a surge in social media posts, on LinkedIn in particular, that center around an infographic. Some are quite useful, while others are not. This article is the result of my investigation on this topic. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
substack.com/home/post/p-...

The annual awakening of the plumb blossoms in Tokyo is always a welcome sign that the dreary post holiday period is nearly over, and Spring is around the corner. #plumbblossoms #flower

I snapped this photo of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture on a cloudless day exactly six years ago. So much has changed in my life since then but this magnificent mountain has never wavered. #photography #japan

For my fellow Gen X peeps: I recently realized I can count the number of years I have until I reach the "mandatory retirement age" in Japan on my two hands. In my latest substack piece, I explore the life implications of this. #retirement

steffeneckart.substack.com/p/life-lesso...

Candelabra in Shimoda, Shizuoka Pref. #photography #japan

Red leaves in Ota Ward, Tokyo. 🍁 #photography #japan

Today on a pre-Christmas day trip to Manazuru in Kanagawa Pref., I witnessed the largest and most vibrant rainbow that I have seen in my life. I will take it as a good omen for the year to come. #japan #photography

Good morning Bluesky friends. Heading out for the day and I took a long route to visit Honkaku-ji temple on the way to Ontakezan Station. I thought the manicured pine tree has an interesting shape. #photography #temple #japan

In October I visited the Jindai Botanical Garden near Mitaka in Tokyo. The rose bushes were on full display and were wonderful to see in a season not known for flowers in full bloom. Highly recommended, perhaps for Spring next year. 🌹 #japan #photography #flower

One thing I love about the local neighborhoods in Tokyo is there is always at least one picturesque, well-kept temple or shrine. They provide a quiet beauty and a sense of peace, even in densely-populated urban areas. This is Mitsuzoin (密蔵院) not far from where I live. #japan #temple

A search for other profiles with the name "Captain Obvious" produces the following list. A peak into their profiles reveals that they include conspiracy theorists covering the full range of the political spectrum. Not sure how I feel being among such company. 😑

Today my wife took a walk around the Institute for Nature Study in Shirokanedai (国立科学博物館附属 自然教育園) and snapped these photos of the Fall coloring. I don't remember it ever being so vibrant or so pervasive around the city during this season. I wonder if this year is exceptional. #photography #japan