I landed in Haneda Airport at around 7:30pm local time. Quickly I went to take the train to Shinagawa to meet up with my friends whom I have known for years. As I got on the train, I immediately felt the manners of the Japanese people- everyone was so quiet, minding their own business and the train was very clean (compare to those in Hong Kong, London…). But as soon as I walked out of the train, everything changed dramatically. People rushing off work, catching trains, and everything just suddenly became so fast paced, and I am once again soaked into the hustle and bustle of the city.

I arrived slightly earlier than Jean, and soon we walked to the restaurant where Satoshi has been waiting for us. It’s been almost a year since I last met them, and they both looked wonderful despite the fact that they have been tortured by the Japanese working system- Long hours, lots of socials to go to, as with a minimal chance of promotion until they reach a certain age. Luckily for both of them, things are starting to look better. Satoshi is about to study his ‘dream’ master program in Europe; whereas Jean has been working on some interesting project for her company

Jean Looking happy as usual — Jean Looking happy as usual

The dinner was wonderful, lots of great seafood, refreshing beer and awesome sake. I also befriended a waiter, and he bought me a glass of sake. This is something that is not really common form me- knowing a stranger and getting something in return. I guess I will never see him in the future.

Satoshi Holding the head of a fish — Satoshi Holding the head of a fish

The Waiter keeps calling me his friend. awesome — The Waiter keeps calling me his friend. awesome

We left the place at around half past ten. Jean and Satoshi had to return to where the live and their life continue as usual tomorrow in this great city. Then I took the train to the airport from Shinagawa, and interestingly, I had to change at Kamata Station- a place that I stayed in many years ago when I was in exchange. Then here I am again, a year after my last visit to Tokyo…I will miss you forever, Miss Tokyo. There are so many things that I still do not understand, about the world, things around me, and especially myself. Seems like I have been in this state of mind for far too long, is it why I am trying to find an answer through taking pictures? Or am I looking for the right question? Miss Tokyo, I will love you forever.

Until next time, be strong and be gentle.

I've known Zita when I was studying in HKU, we stayed in the same hall and she was a junior of mine. We still keep in touch now and then but not often at all, so when I got a call from her for a photoshoot, it came to be as a bit of a surprise.

Turns out that Zita and a group of her friends since middle school are finally in town at the same time after many years, and to mark this event, they wanted to do a photoshoot together to celebrate their long friendship together.

As I was planning the photoshoot with Zita, I wanted to show how much her and her friends have now turned from a young girl to a woman; and also doing a fun/group shot is a must. We both liked the idea, so all we have to do is to wait until the day of the shooting.

Me and ZitaObviously someone is not giving me a shit — Me and Zita
Obviously someone is not giving me a shit

I must admit the individual portrait was a bit difficult to photograph because they are not professional models, and therefore takes longer for them to get warmed up and get into the mood of being photographed. So in order to light up the mood, I asked the girls to come over to see their friends get photographed and let me tease each other for a while. And we ended up having some good pictures.