Chasing Autumn 2020

Many people automatically picture themselves under a Sakura tree with petals falling on their heads when they think about Japan. Apparently, the Sakura has long been the country's icon. For me, however, the Autumn season is by far still the best.

This year's Autumn is frustratingly odd. I might be overstating it but this is solely based on my past experiences with Japan's fall season.

This season in Japan is not only famous for its variety of traditional Autumn food selection but also prides itself with picturesque natural sceneries around the country. As someone who has recently found joy and sanity in photographing, my excitement was over the top.

Juggling work, study, and family, I knew I only had a limited time to visit and revisit places to capture some of the perfect representation of fall in Japan. In addition to a packed schedule, I also had to keep in mind the impact of the CoViD-19 pandemic. Since there aren't any imposed restrictions in Japan due to CoViD-19, it is only up to us as responsible adults to take preventative measures. For me, this meant being at these places at the earliest possible time; a little before sunrise and when the sun perfectly hits the spot; a time when people haven't flocked yet.

Basically, I always had to check for forecasts before heading to a particular place. This saves me time, effort, and from the possibility of a huge disappointment. Nonetheless, with all my preparations, I still ended discontented and I felt as if I was chasing after something that is in front of me yet I couldn't get my hands on it. 

The places were not as I expected they should be. Many trees appear strange with unequal color change. Some trees have their leaves dried and curled at the ends as if burned while some trees are just starting to change color. Some have already turned bright red and a portion are still very green. Many trees have already shed leaves and therefore just look like dead trees. It seems like every place I visited, I visited at the worst time. It's just disappointing and it sure was a fire killer. 

                                                            (Hichisou-cho, Gifu ken)

                                    (Gifu Seiryu-Satoyama Park, Minokami-shi, Gifu ken)

                                     (Oyada Shrine, Maple Valley, Mino, Gifu ken)

                                            (Oyada Shrine, Maple Valley, Mino, Gifu ken)

                                                (Inuyama Castle, Inuya shi, Gifu ken)

                                                    (Korankei, Toyota shi, Aichi ken)

                                                          (Korankei, Toyota shi, Aichi ken)

                                                            (Kakamigahara, Gifu ken)

                                                                 (Kakamigahara, Gifu ken)

Be that as it may, I couldn't let it stop me from appreciating the beauty around me. I just had to look closer and see from a different perspective. In the end, I was still able to capture momentary beauties. 

                                                        (Shirotori, Nagoya shi, Aichi ken)

                                                               (Shirotori, Nagoya shi, Aichi ken)