Wednesday, 22 August 2018

In Search of Angels, Trolls and Dragons

Common Yellow Swallowtail

Papilio machaon hippocrates

(male)

Fukushimagata, Niigata, Japan

August 2018


Well, away from festivals and birds I have been searching for a new quarry for summer. I have been slowly getting some images of the summer insects. It is difficult. I have watched many butterflies and dragonflies shoot by me and I stood helpless to respond. I have mainly only photographed those that have landed near me.

Today's post is just a sample, and as often is the case, I may not post all the images I have attained. 

Baby steps for today, as it is time consuming to search through, edit and identify the images I have collected. I think it is worth some effort when I look at the results. They are quite stunning creatures when we stop and look.


Japanese Copper

Lycaena phlaeas

(female)

Fukushimagata, Niigata, Japan

August 2018

Painted Lady

Vanessa cardui

Fukushimagata, Niigata, Japan

Painted Lady

Vanessa cardui

(female)

Painted Lady

Black and White Citrus Longhorn

Anoplophora chinensis (Forster) or Anoplophora malasiaca (Thompson)

Tainai, Niigata, Japan

August 2018

Painted Lady

Painted Lady

Pseudothemis zonata

Toyanogata, Niigata, Japan

August 2018


Monday, 6 August 2018

Hirosaki Neputa Festival

Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri

Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan

August 1, 2018


Got off to a flying start for the summer vacation on August 1st. We rocketed up to Aomori Prefecture for the opening night of their Neputa Festival. For 200 years, communities have brought their giant lantern floats to parade them through the streets of Hirosaki. We were so lucky to get a hotel room for the night and front row seats right in front of the judges.

We were lucky to have a clear summer night and enjoy the lanterns escorted by tribes of huge taiko drums and flutes.