This past winter, my Japanese-born wife and I made a trip to Japan to handle some private family matters related to her father's estate. It was a bittersweet journey, blending reflection with rediscovery of her homeland. We spent ten full days exploring beyond just the necessities—visiting the bustling port city of Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture, where we wandered through historic neighborhoods and enjoyed the best Japanese food. From there, we headed to the serene Kusatsu Onsen in the mountains of Gunma, soaking in the healing hot springs amid snow-dusted landscapes. The crisp winter air and steaming baths were the perfect way to unwind after emotional days.
As a Hawaii-based photographer, I couldn't resist bringing my Leica M10 along. Each morning, I'd lace up my walking shoes and hit the streets of Tokyo, clocking nearly ten miles a day. The city in winter is alive with a quiet intensity—fewer tourists, sharper light, and locals bundled against the chill. That's when I started noticing something subtle yet everywhere: people instinctively raising a hand to their forehead to block the low winter sun's glare as they hurried along the sidewalks.
It began as a passing observation during one of my long walks through Tokyo's dense districts. The setting sun hung low and unrelenting, cutting through the skyscrapers to flood the streets with blinding beams. At first, it was just one person—a woman shopping, palm up like a salute. Then another, and another. Once I tuned in, I saw it all over: mothers with shopping bags, students on bikes, elders crossing intersections. This universal gesture became my focus, a fleeting defense against the harsh winter sunlight that interrupted the city's relentless rhythm.
I turned it into a series called Low Winter Sun – Tokyo Streets, a collection of black and white Tokyo street photography that captures these candid moments. Shot discreetly from the hip with my Leica M10 (using the versatile 28-35-50mm Tri-Elmar lens and occasionally a Zeiss 35mm f/2), I relied on hyperfocal distance focusing to keep things spontaneous. No posing, no interruptions—just authentic urban gestures frozen in time. The result is a meditation on how Tokyo's dynamic environment quietly shapes our behavior, one raised hand at a time.
Here's the full artist statement behind the series:
In the winter streets of Tokyo, the low-hanging sun slices relentlessly through the city's towering architecture, casting long beams of blinding light across crowded sidewalks. During a recent trip exploring its varied districts, I began to notice a quiet, universal gesture: strangers instinctively raising a hand to their forehead, shielding their eyes as they navigated the daily rush.
It was one of those subtle details that might escape notice at first—but once seen, it appeared everywhere, a shared ritual amid the urban frenzy.
This series opens with a striking advertisement featuring a woman performing exactly this gesture, her hand silhouetted against the setting sun. It felt like the ideal anchor for the collection—a serendipitous blend of commercial imagery and candid reality.
The photographs capture that fleeting, instinctive act: a brief pause in defense against the glare, interrupting the relentless rhythm of the city. Tokyo pulses at breakneck speed, and its residents adapt instantaneously to whatever the environment demands.
Shot on a Leica M10 with the versatile 28-35-50mm Tri-Elmar lens (and occasionally a Zeiss 35mm f/2), the images rely on hyperfocal distance focusing and hip-level shooting. This discreet rangefinder approach allowed me to seize authentic, unposed moments without disrupting the street's natural flow—preserving the anonymity and spontaneity essential to classic street photography. The instant the camera rises to eye level, subjects often tense or react.
These images delve into the dramatic interplay of harsh sunlight, inky shadows, and human figures in motion. The recurring hand-to-forehead gesture unifies the series, transforming it into a quiet meditation on collective experience—how one of the world's most dynamic cities subtly molds everyday behavior through its unforgiving winter light.
You can view the full gallery here: Low Winter Sun – Tokyo Streets Gallery
This trip reminded me why I love street photography—it's about spotting the unnoticed patterns that connect us all. From Yokohama's waterfront vibes to Kusatsu's snowy onsen tranquility, Japan delivered inspiration at every turn. If you're planning a winter visit to Tokyo, grab your camera and look up—the low sun might just hand you your next series.
Have you noticed unique gestures in your travels? Share in the comments below—I'd love to hear your stories!