Hell being Heaven

What is this title all about? Well… the place in question is called Jikokudani, which means Hell’s Valley in English, but to me, it’s actually the opposite.

One of the things I enjoy the most is taking a day off from the madness of Tokyo life to do what I love the most (which is exactly why I turned it into my job). A working photographer has to deal with a lot beyond just the shooting part—the fun, creative side that everyone sees. There’s also the less glamorous but essential side of the job: invoicing, endless emails, hours of editing, and all the logistical work that keeps everything running. It’s a constant balance between passion and practicality. That’s why I consider myself lucky to have a good friend in Lee Chapman—someone who understands this world inside out. So, whenever we can, we carve out time for what we love most: simply walking, shooting, and enjoying the process without all the business side of things getting in the way. You know, just strolling around with our cameras, chatting, and, at the end of the day, sharing a couple of beers in an izakaya. Last Friday, our day ended in… hell :).

It’s not my first time there, but I don’t visit too often since it’s quite far from where I live. I was happy to see familiar faces at the place I always go to—it felt like coming home after a long absence. I wish I had neighbors like these guys… but if I did, my liver would probably file for a divorce. :)