OLIVIER ROBERT PHOTO

Japan is home to a rich architectural heritage, featuring unique examples of feudal art and engineering. Among the most remarkable are 5 castles designated as National Treasures, a distinction that highlights their historical, cultural, and artistic significance. Here’s an overview of these 5 iconic structures, which also make for excellent photographic subjects. Fine Art Prints © O. Robert (Purchase here) Let me be clear right from the start, Himeji Castle will always remain

Sugawara no Michizane was a renowned scholar and politician of Japan’s Heian period, celebrated for his intellect and integrity. After...

The wakizashi, tachi, and katana each have distinct purposes in Japanese warfare and culture. They all played important roles in the...

The Rakan are iconic figures of Buddhism found in many temples across Japan. These characters represent the disciples of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama and are considered symbols of enlightenment. Beyond their historical significance, their unique expressions make them perfect photographic subjects. A closer look at these sometimes humorous statues. Unpenji Temple - Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) The Rakan hold a unique place in Japan's religious and cultural landscape

The history of image ratios in photography is rich and diverse, reflecting the evolution of technologies and aesthetics over time. Each...

Ojizo Sama are revered Buddhist figures, particularly known for their role as protectors of children, travelers, and troubled souls....

The evolution of photographic formats is a fascinating odyssey that traverses the history of visual art, reflecting technological...

This concept, known as "Shichijūni Kō" in Japanese, is a unique calendar system that has its origins in China. Rooted in Japanese culture...

Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan, centers around the worship of Kami, which are revered spirits or deities. The Kami can...

Shinto shrines in Japan are categorized into several groups, each with its specific significance and importance. Ranging from small local...

The decorative and symbolic elements of Shinto shrines, such as shimenawa and shide, play a crucial role in Japanese tradition and...

Nori seaweed, emblematic of Japanese cuisine, embodies a rich tradition and a unique symbiosis between humans and the sea. It is in the heart of Ariake Bay, a distinctive region of Kyushu Island, that this ancestral tradition reaches its pinnacle. A craftsmanship that represents both the simplicity and the cultural richness of Japan. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) In the calm waters of Ariake, farmers, or rather "aquaculturists," engage in the meticulous cultivati

Shingon is a school of Japanese Buddhism, also referred to as tantric Buddhism or Vajrayana Buddhism. This school is based on esoteric teachings that use rituals, meditations, and mantras to achieve enlightenment. This spiritual tradition was introduced to Japan in the early 9th century by Kukai, later known as Kobo Daishi. Danjo Garan, Koyasan. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) From ancient roots to modern practice, let's see how Shingon has shaped Japanese spiritua

The Ariake Sea is a vast bay located in the southwest of Japan, extending into the prefectures of Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Fukuoka. It is the largest bay in Japan in terms of area and features many interesting spots for photography such as Torii gates, fishing huts and the famous Nori seaweed farms. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Also known as Ariake-kai in Japanese, the Ariake Sea covers an area of about 1700 square kilometers. A notable feature of the Ariak

The Torii are not just architectural elements that define the landscapes and sacred spaces of Japan. They embody the very essence of Japanese culture and spirituality. Opening a gateway to the history, beliefs, and values of a nation, they symbolize the passage from the profane world to the sacred world, according to Shinto religion. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) The Torii is literally translated as " bird gate " or " where birds perch " in Japanese. It constitut