Ichi-go ichi-e | One time, one meeting

[@felm.974]

Will def get the map when I go to Japan, thank you, your videos are always very inspiring.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! Glad you enjoy them! :)

[@chuckl7713]

I love how the "nothing going on" neighborhoods in Japan are still pretty amazing. Walkability is basically an after thought here in the U.S.

[@EYExplore]

Haha, right true true. I didn't mean to totally disparage this neighborhood, but just wanted to really underline that it's totally a random part of Tokyo with nothing famous about it. But I had a nice time exploring it. :)

[@allen.9]

Lol right? I live near Los Angeles, and even when I’m in the city it is nearly unwalkable. The only city in the US that I find myself walking around in is NYC.

[@alx7157]

Another rad vid, Lukasz. I lived in Kobe for 6 months. There was a coffee shop near me that said "Come in, English freely we do". Could not pass that up, it became my go to joint. Cheers.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! That sounds like a fun spot, haha! :)

[@alx1533]

For sure. I just wish Suntory made coffee back then. They’ve done an excellent job with whiskey.

[@alx1533]

Suntory

[@ratgirl13]

Does doing a tea ceremony alone every morning as I make coffee count?

[@EYExplore]

Of course! As long as you do it mindfully. :)

[@DebiSenGupta]

Your book has reached India - I should get it in a few days. Vey excited.

[@EYExplore]

Awesome!! Thank you so much! :)

[@leechapman7959]

Thanks a lot for the mention, Lukasz. I definitely get the mindfulness element too. Something I've also embraced more and more as time has gone by. A worthwhile photo will either happen or it won't, and trying to force it won't change that, so better to simply go with the flow and enjoy the walk regardless of what it does or doesn't produce.

[@EYExplore]

Yes! I had to learn this. It did not come to me naturally. I really *wanted* to make nice pictures. Now, it's a happy by-prduct. :)

[@allen.9]

I like that point you made about the green vine and that it might not be there again. I often think about stuff like that when walking around. I think about how things may change around me by the next time I see it, and that motivates me to capture a photo and always keep it the way I saw it. It’s pretty interesting that although I’ve never heard of ichi-go ichi-e, I’ve been subconsciously thinking about it.

[@EYExplore]

I'm glad to hear that! I think it's a very simple and intuitive concept but it's nice to give it a label and make it explicit! :)

[@davidbradley3196]

Look at those pins!

[@EYExplore]

Pins??? I'm sorry if I don't get the joke haha. :)

[@Earthluck]

Thank you so much for sharing and really appreciate the quote!! “One time, One meeting” you should incorporate more Japanese quotes into your street videos

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! I have one ore two more planned. So, it's not the last time! :)

[@Serjoscha90]

This concept is popular in Kendo too. In many traditional Japanese arts probably.

[@EYExplore]

I'm sure it runs deep in east Asian thought. :)

[@tysons6972]

l think the mindful approach is the same as the going on an adventure you take your camera and go, its about the journey in the moment not whether you get a photo or not

[@EYExplore]

I completely agree! :)

[@Rumplestiltskin7]

i agree with your final thought. If you try too hard to get the best picture possible you end up beeing too critical and not liking or wanting to share 99% of the photos you take.

[@EYExplore]

Yes! :)

[@cameronrramos]

Great to see a new video, grats on the book launch too :)

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much! :)

[@simonjarmanphotography9428]

Visiting Japan in March, I only really shoot astro so your videos have been helpful for street photography inspo!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! Glad to hear that! :)

[@RyanHolben]

Lukasz, I received your book! Actually I got two, I accidentally ordered another, so I gifted it to a friend. Anyway, congratulations on the publication! I really enjoyed seeing how you ordered your work to flow from one photo to the next according to various common visual elements. I hope to visit and take your workshop someday-- cheers!

[@EYExplore]

Oh man, that's awesome!! Thank you for getting two!! I'm glad you enjoyed the flow of the book. It was hard to get 'right' and honestly I don't think it could ever be perfect. I'm glad there was a publisher involved that gave a deadline... If it was up to me I'd still be shuffling photos around and the book would never be out! :)

[@RyanHolben]

@@EYExplore that’s funny. It does seem like there’s a near-infinite number of choices to make. We’ll always be chasing perfection. :)

[@laxcdn]

First trip to Japan in April, I would go out at 5am and walk for hours and just enjoyed seeing every, but if something struck me to be photographed I took it. The same with the workshop I took with you. We walked around and took shots of things but enjoyed everything around. There were things I saw that you hadn't before and took photos of them, so everytime you go out, you can see something different. I recommend the workshops highly.

[@EYExplore]

Yes, I recall! Something new can always be found on a walk. :)

[@dbugatto]

Lovely vid as usual , your channel is proving a great primer for my 1st visit to Japan next yr with my sons . I'm a photographer and an illustrator , so I suspect it will be a visual overload for me .

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! I'm glad to give you some inspiration! :)

[@drewrad8]

always look forward to the mix of japan, photography, and philosophy. I hope we don't have to wait a month for the next one! Would never want you to sacrifice quality for quantity though

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!!! I really wish we didn't have to wait a month but life is full on right now haha. However, the next one is shot, is philosophical, and is a part of Tokyo we've never been to (Kichijoji) and it shouldn't take me a month to edit and post it haha. :)

[@NuclearScrub06]

I had the opportunity to visit Japan for the first time last week. I loved getting lost in the backstreets of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka! Walking around and taking pictures of anything that caught my eye was the most mindful experience I've had so far, and even the bad shots (by my own amateur standards) felt meaningful. You put in words what I felt during those moments, Lukasz. I really enjoy your content and I look forward to another trip and doing a workshop with you!

[@EYExplore]

I'm so glad to hear that this sentiment was felt by you on your trip. It's what photography is all about: a personal journey through the moments of life as the universe presents them to you and no one else. And if we can share that moment in some way, that's a welcome bonus! :)

[@tjftor]

great video

[@EYExplore]

Thanks! :)

[@ehtesham_digital]

Love your contents 🙏🏼

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much! :)

[@waliabbas]

I left a like as requested, pleas don't stop making videos ❤❤

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! We will not stop! :)

[@cristianvitali7208]

Your YT channel is a photophilosophy mindful channell! Really thanks! Always a pleasure waiting for the next one!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! I'm very happy you enjoy it! :)

[@happygolucky1833]

tks Lukas, really enjoy your videos and photos. very kool 📸 recommend custard puff pastries from Beard Papa in Akihabara/Shibuya/Kichijoji if you haven’t tried them.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks! Beard Papa is a chain all over the placed. I used to get them a lot in Ikebukuro. Had one the other day in Shinjuku station. Yummy! :)

[@happygolucky1833]

@@EYExplore lucky you 😉

[@nikilk]

It's mindful by itself watching these videos with you in it.

[@EYExplore]

Haha, thank you for saying so! :)

[@josephlai1078]

Concept is also mentioned in your photo book. I often find that mundame areas sometimes bring a lot of surprises. Tokyo is definitely one of those cities. Hoping to go back again in the near future.

[@EYExplore]

Yeah that's right! It did end up in the preface! Thanks for getting the book! :)

[@sergejkurakin]

Good job on philosophical aspect! Thank you!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@willyonamountain]

And the new book!

[@EYExplore]

Yesss! Thank you!! :)

[@cinevit]

I have to agree that "trying " to take good photos on the streets could be extremely exhausting, at least for me. And the photos I took that I like the best were usually a result of simply noticing something without trying hard to notice it.

[@EYExplore]

Yes! We have to be like water, flowing effortlessly. :)

[@tomasmendesmartini]

Today by coincidence I just finished reading The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura. There is a lot of information about Japanese aesthetics that can also be applied to photography.

[@EYExplore]

Oh that's great! I will check out this book! :)

[@philippavramov]

maybe some sceneries and (decisive) moments are such that they need a picture of them to be taken to fully make sense (to the observer). by taking the picture one is framing / creating this moment. pressing the shutter is the high-light of a process for which the resulting picture is producing the occasion.

[@EYExplore]

That's a very interesting point! I like that! Maybe I've been doing it so long that I've forgotten the soulful joy of just pressing the shutter. :)

[@phorne96]

Love the more philosophical bent while doing the street photography.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! I'm glad to hear that! :)

[@robertleeimages]

Still can't believe this channel only has 32k subscribers, its far better than majority of all the stupid reaction channels that have in the 100's k

[@EYExplore]

I really appreciate the positive sentiment! But I get it, most people want something quick, bite-size, easy to digest, and our videos are kind of slow and meandering and lack clickbait thumbnails/titles. BUT! I'm mostly okay with that. I feel we have an awesome community of interested people who leave great comments and really enjoy what we do. And that makes me very happy! :)

[@dbugatto]

Agreed.

[@Porkchop1999_]

Thank you for the awesome video~ This is one of the few Japanese phrases I remember by heart, Glad to see it used in another situation, Very fitting for photography where each shot is inherently different Thank you for all your hard work, Please keep it up m(_ _)m I hope your having a lovely day, Have a wonderful rest of your week, Be safe and Take care out there wherever you are (^=W=^)7 And you too fellow viewer~

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much for enjoying the video and the kinds words of encouragement! I wish you all the best! :)

[@adarrylljacksonsr7525]

I'm wondering if the "Japanese Only" was more about them possibly only speaking Japanese?!🤔 That was my first thought but it wouldn't be the first time I'm wrong about something! 😬😅

[@EYExplore]

Yeah I had that thought too. I'm not too worried about such signs. But I have also encountered places that refused me service even when I did speak Japanese, but they are extremely rare nowadays (that was years ago).

[@paulm8157]

Thoughtful, but a bit fuzzy topics, Lucasz. On one hand, every day comes once in a lifetime and we should be open to special moments. (I once happened upon a rifle range that had a “blood drive” sign outside. (No kidding.) Took the unplanned shot.) Shooting w/intent = a bit more planning. Did I get it right? Like going to a carnival w/intent of capturing motion of rides. Both have a place, but Ichi-go Ichi-e would not fit the carnival ride photo. Fav pics include monk statue and 3rd rendition of green vine. BTW, with so many shops closed in vid, what time of day were you filming? Cheers!

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, I agree this was a very fuzzy video. I kind of went into not knowing exactly what I wanted to say, and I almost didn't post it after making it but... here we are. Yeah, I guess what I wanted to say is that (at least for me, at this point in my life) I don't go shooting with much intent. Most often I am just out somewhere and I have my camera, and so I shoot. And even if I do go with intent, once I am there in that location it's still that time, that moment, that meeting, never to be repeated again. So it's each 'now' is special, no matter how mundane or how intentional. We were filming in the afternoon, like 2pm or so. I think this area, like a lot of less famous parts of Tokyo is slowly dying.

[@jimclinefelter3352]

Um, how could you go to Aoto Station and not mention the great statue of Strauss that was right behind you^^

[@EYExplore]

I had no idea! It's famous for that?? :)

[@jimclinefelter3352]

A bit! The funny thing is, people keep stealing his violin bow....@@EYExplore

[@EYExplore]

@@jimclinefelter3352 Really?? That's hilarious! Why is there even a statue of Strauss in this random little part of Tokyo?

[@callmehank88]

Lukas thanks for the video. Interesting subject. Are you guys feeling any pressure on account of the reported push back against foreigners filming and walking around like the "live streamers"? When is the updated map coming and will anyone buying the Tokyo map get the upgrade for free? I'll look at booking a workshop, not sure which workshop appeals the most but I'm working on it.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks! We've felt no pressure or issues, but we don't do any stupid nonsense and basically stay away from hot spots for such activity anyway. The map update... sorry I'm dragging my ass on it because the tour season was super busy, but I am planning to get it done over winter. And it will just be the same map you already have, no additional purchases necessary!

[@thomasanderson5929]

Why not shoot with an M43 camera that has interchangeable lenses if you're going to go with a setup that small? You can get super small pancake lenses on M43 like the 20mm f/1.7 or the 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6... both can basically fit in your pocket, both weigh less than 100g and both are surprisingly REALLY sharp. The obsession with getting as close to a full frame camera sensor is really WEIRD.

[@EYExplore]

I don't really care. I don't get why you care? I just like this camera. It has nothing to do with the sensor. The obsession I don't get is the one people like you have: with other people's camera choices. You like what you like. Great! It's as though you came up to me and told me "I don't get why you wear those shoes, these other shoes blah blah blah." It's just a personal choice. That's all. Though if you wanna get technical, I absolutely doubt a m43 camera with a pancake lens is as flat at the GR when the lens is closed. It's is immensely pocket-able. Now there are other options this small, such as the Sony RX100, but I just didn't like how that one felt in my hands (it was on my radar when choosing the GR in the first place). I also considered the Fuji X100T at the time. In the end, the ergonomics and size are right for me. I don't need to change lenses. So, I chose this camera the same way I choose my underwear or my shoes: it's comfortable. :)

[@foreigndaruma9825]

I've been getting back on the meditation wagon lately. What I've learned(this time around) is to notice the thought that(sometimes) precedes the action. This can mean taking a photo, or it can just mean opening the fridge with the hopes of finding pudding. Every little bit matters. 99% of the time, the noticing comes a few seconds after the thought. That's fine. You can't affect something you're not accustomed to be aware of. A judge is not much help without a police force. Do forgive this pretentious late-night rambling and keep being nobody but yourself.

[@EYExplore]

Yes!! I also meditate and I also noticed so often that before I say something or before I do something (especially when I'm with other people) there is a very clear internal process that precedes it and is just out of reach of my control... thought sometimes it feels like I was in control. Then again, there is no self, no I to be in control. It's just a bundle of processes. But I only understand that sometimes, and can only grasp onto that notion fully once in a while. Usually I am absorbed in the self. Anyway, I love the rambling! :)

[@76Jvt]

Japanese only 🙄

[@EYExplore]

I give them the benefit of the doubt.