OLIVIER ROBERT PHOTO

Whether they are captured in ink, in verse, or in the quiet click of a camera, there is a moment when sakura cease to be mere blossoms and transform into something eternal. For over a millennium, Japan’s cherry blossoms have inspired famous works of art. © O. Robert Masterpieces have captured sakura in the delicate curves of ukiyo-e woodblock prints, the fleeting emotions of haiku distilled into seventeen syllables, or the vivid scenes of classic literature. Sakura have alway

Every spring, Japan holds its breath, not for storms or earthquakes, but for the sakura zensen, the cherry blossom front that heralds the season of hanami. A delicate wave of pink sweeps across the nation, transforming parks, riversides, and cityscapes into something sacred. © O. Robert For just a few days each year, these blossoms redefine time itself, turning ordinary moments into rituals of beauty, reflection, and joy between friends and families. But why does an entire na

Each spring, Japan is transformed beneath a delicate veil of pink and white. The cherry blossom, or sakura, blooms for just a few days, yet its presence shapes the nation’s culture, art, and collective spirit, renowned worldwide. But here in Japan, the sakura season is more than a natural phenomenon to celebrate. It is seen as a metaphor for life itself, fleeting and deeply moving. © O. Robert For over a thousand years, the Japanese have contemplated and immortalized these bl

It is an honor to be invited to write an article on the history and architecture of Japanese castles for the Royal Society for Asian Affairs (RSAA) in London. This article, published in their magazine Caravanserai n°7 (July 2025), is illustrated with several of my photographs. In this publication focused on the architecture of Japanese castles, I address the essential events that, through important periods of history, allowed castles to develop. I also discuss the five major

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

Hikone Castle, located near Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, is a historical monument of significant importance. It played a key role in Japan's history, especially during the Edo period. Designated as a National Treasure, its history begins in the early 17th century, shortly after the end of the Sengoku period. Photographing in the footsteps of the Shogun TV series. © O. Robert An Original Nickname Hikone Castle is often referred to as " The Castle of the Golden Turtle " (金亀城,