Shooting Film in Japan
Film is alive and kicking. That is what anyone would say after visiting Japan - I would know as that was my exact thought. Shooting film has always had the association of being retro and vintage, which it definitely is depending on where you are, however I saw an entirely new world open. That is when I realised it never really slowed down on the other side of the world.
Opening my eyes to new film and opportunities
2 rolls of film I picked up in Japan! Showa Escura and Fujicolor 100.
Upon landing after a gruelling 15 hours of travelling, I finally made it to Tokyo, Japan with just my Olympus Mju II point and shoot in hand with no film. Before I flew, I did plenty of research to see just how easily I could pick up film (and a new camera which I will get to later). After dropping my things off at my hotel, I explored the streets for a little while until I found what I was looking for: Kitamura Cameras. Often renowned as one of the best camera shops in all of Asia, I had to check it out for myself and to no surprise - it was exactly that. 7 floors tall with every type of film I could imagine, vintage lenses galore and film development services that actually had a human looking at every roll. I was also excited to see film stocks I had never shot before such as Showa Escura 35mm and Fujifilm 100 35mm with really fun packaging. I filled my bag up with a variety I had never shot before and began my film journey here.
Kicking things off in Tokyo
Often renowned as one of the most photographable cities in the world, Tokyo was exactly that. The first roll I shot on was Yashica 400 as I wanted to take photos both in the day on my walks and night time with hundreds of billboards to light my way around. The first photo I took was just at brunch with my friends and yet I look around and fell in love with how nature is integrated into the cityscape. The busiest city in the world and I found solace in a quiet green path.
A mere few hours later and the night sky had taken over but that was no issue for me as the sheer amount of advertising lights lit the streets. Tokyo turns into a completely contrasting city at night with the hustle and bustle of people still in abundance but the air was completely different. It provided a sense of warmth and comfort knowing that at any time there was something to do and a memory to be made.
Beautiful alleyways in the heart of Tokyo.
Even with the act of shooting film, I tend to feel slight nerves because of how expensive it is back home so I always feel a bit of pressure to not mess up. That being said, I pressed the shoot button until my hands grew tired, I felt far more free because film just is not inaccessible here. I could shoot 3 rolls a week and still find something new to shoot alongside it hardly burning a hole in my purse. It did not feel like I was doing something in nostalgia, film felt modern and new which made my approach to shooting also new.
The classic Shibuya nightlife in action.
The peace of Kyoto and welcoming my Canon A-1
Saying bye to Tokyo for now, we took our journey to Kyoto next. Taking the famous Shinkansen bullet train, we arrived in Kyoto which had an entirely different feel to it. Peaceful is the first word that comes to mind. With quiet streets everywhere and beautiful temples dotted across the horizon, I knew I’d have a lot of fun shooting film here. The first roll I loaded was another I had not used before: Showa Escura 400.
Interestingly, I also managed to find somewhere to develop my film here despite how a lot less tech heavy this area was compared to Tokyo. I stumbled across Photo House K, an old film shop with PCs older than me for printing your photos. I even had to give my SD card to have my scans placed onto it and yet the couple running the shop had been there for years still thriving. It felt like entering a time capsule but I was able to buy any roll of film I wanted yet again a mere 2 minute walk from the high street.
Far more blue and contrast heavy than my previous roll, I really liked shooting this as this did emulate the grain I like when describing nostalgic photos. If I were to describe a memory, this is probably how I’d want it coloured!
As it was only a 24 exp, I shortly loaded my favourite film of all time: Sora 200 35mm by Film Never Die. I once shot this at my graduation a few years back and loved the red hue however often found it hard to find again for a reasonable price since. Luckily for me, I found a bucket full that did not break the bank. I used this film when exploring the famous Nishiki Market and temples in the middle of shopping areas. The most fascinating thing I had found on my trip by this point is how polarising the busyness of shopping and restaurants were with the serenity of temples, greenery and wildlife was throughout the area.
Kyoto was also where I managed to buy my Canon A1 which I used for the remainder of the trip. It felt surreal seeing an array of pristine vintage cameras in a shop window of a main high street and not having to win a bid on an auctioning site back home.
Rise and shine Mt. Fuji
Eager to test out my new Canon, I thought what is more fitting than glorious Mt. Fuji itself. Famously, it’s not always guaranteed to be sighted but the universe clearly favoured me that day as I got arguably one of my favourite photos of all time. Having felt violently awoken at 3am by my own determination, I kept an eye on all of the livestream channels showing Mt. Fuji’s visibility. Once we had a sign of hope, we set off in our hired car and I I loaded my film.
Having never shot on a canon before nor used a canon lens, it’s safe to say this camera is my new favourite. The sharpness of image quality I was able to get alongside the colours of my Fujicolor 100 35mm film have made these images the poster-child of my entire trip. As a photographer, I felt pushed beyond my comfort zone knowing I only had a finite amount of days here and I was able to push myself to create images I can happily say I’m truly proud of. A 3am rise and shine for the photo has never felt so good!
Rainy days in Osaka
Hopping on the bullet train once more, we arrived arrived in Osaka with clouds heavy with rain. I shot the least amount of film here but that was mainly because I was out having fun in torrential weather. I ended up head to toe soaked while queuing up for Snoopy shaped rides in Universal World, thankfully my Olympus mju II is weatherproof! I was able to get some of my favourite photos here printed as small business card sizes, sometimes I still shuffle through them like a pack of cards.
Osaka had just as many billboard lights as Tokyo however it felt completely different - it felt a lot more lived in. Seeing people tired after a day of work and going out with friends or co-workers to fill their bellies with food or something more potent. It was refreshing to see that no matter where you are in the world, time with loved ones is life’s greatest stress reliever. I was able to feel a bit more at home here which is probably why I shot a lot less.
Hello Tokyo, it is time to say goodbye
Having completed my journey across Japan, it was time to come back to Tokyo. Concluding a life altering trip always leaves a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I wish I could stay longer but I also know this is not the end. That being said, I made some of my favourite memories from the entire trip on this leg. I caught the train to Kamakura first, a lovely beach town just 1 hour away from central Tokyo. It was a randomly planned trip that ended up being one of my favourite days. A vast beach with fresh seafood everywhere, the waves crashing down while the laughter of children filled the air. All I can really say is that it was a really nice day.
Light leaks from my Olympus Mju II but I love it still. Surfing is a lot more fun to shoot than be in for me!
I then spent the remaining days the best way I could think of: eating lots of ramen, going to bars playing vinyls and hitting up the batting cages to let off some steam. I’m grateful I have these memories immortalised in film - seeing a negative with your joyous moments etched into them is something so special.
I say goodbye to Japan, having gained a new appreciation for film beyond nostalgia; memories can be in the now and you just need to keep shooting.
Written by Sanna Ehsan - Instagram: @sanna.ksan + Tiktok: @sanna.ksan