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The Land of the Rising Sun


It's been two weeks since the major earthquake in Japan, and now we are getting reports of an earthquake that yesterday hit Myanmar, China, Thailand and Laos. With so much focus on the devastation, I think it would make for a nice change of pace to shift our attention instead towards the timeless beauty of one of those nations, the Land of the Rising Sun.


The beautiful photograph above shows the majestic Mount Fuji and is from the Old Photos of Japan website. There, you will find dozens of photographs from as far back as 150 years ago, all of them depicting the old culture of Japan.


From quiet street scenes in Kyoto like the one above to festive occasions in Kobe as seen below, you will find numerous images, many of them skillfully hand tinted, showing the charming and intriguing places, peoples and customs of the island nation.


All of the images on the website have been carefully researched and have accurate descriptions and attributions. They are also available for licensing if you would like to use their high resolution images. Of course, you can always just visit the website and simply enjoy the many old photographs the site has to offer.

Going back to the present need of those affected by the earthquake in Japan, you can visit the Gekobot blog where a few helpful links are listed. If you know of any relief efforts for those affected in Myanmar, please leave them in the comments and I will update this post.

Disclaimer: The use of the images in this post is meant for educational purposes only. If you own or represent the oldphotosjapan.com website and you do not wish for the images to be displayed on this blog, then please contact me immediately through this form, or leave a comment below and I will remove them as soon as possible.
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Comments

  1. HeadspaceMarch 25, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    Yet another fantastic post. And I love old photos that have been coloured (which I think these are?), it somehow helps me appreciate the reality of the image more. Nice set!

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  2. Astronomy PirateMarch 25, 2011 at 6:20 PM

    Those are wonderful photos of the historic culture of Japan. I appreciate you sharing them. I wish Japan the best in this tragedy, but it also seems they have it handled. You don't become a prominent island civilization without knowing how to deal with a few huge waves.

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  3. AnonymousMarch 25, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    Always great to see the topography of a land from the past...it makes us cherish what we have

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  4. RobertMarch 25, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    Wow very beautiful photos, that second photo reminds me a little bit of the river kwai bridge in Thailand. Have been there.
    Too bad about the seismic activity in Asia. Hope it all will be over soon!

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  5. consuela bananahammocMarch 25, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    I sooooo want to ge there! Lovely photos!

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  6. The Angry LurkerMarch 25, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    I love these photos, my favourites are of the castles still standing or rebuilt fom Japans past especially from around the Sengoku period 1550-1615 approx I believe, beautiful country.

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  7. UnknownMarch 25, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    great shots

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  8. TriperMarch 25, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    OH MY ! It's awasome pics! great one my friend.

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  9. PvtCarlinMarch 25, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    This is great! Japan is definately one of the top 5 most beautiful countries.

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  10. TasosMarch 25, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    beautiful pictures! I'll check the website out. What I love with the Japanese culture, is that without getting any influences from Europe and they've created such a beautiful and balanced world

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  11. AzurikaiMarch 25, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    beautiful old pictures.

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  12. AlphabetaMarch 25, 2011 at 10:15 PM

    Really evocative photographs.

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  13. JaksonHuntMarch 25, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    All of those shots are really nice!

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  14. Fix PC Games AdminMarch 25, 2011 at 10:41 PM

    old photos of japan are always fascinating

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  15. PolybiusMarch 25, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    The second one is the best.

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  16. duffboiMarch 25, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    Very kewl appreciation in those.

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  17. ShutterbugMarch 25, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    Awesome, awesome photos! Japan is such a beautiful place. :)

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  18. T. BanacekMarch 25, 2011 at 11:37 PM

    Nice. I like the serenity of Kyoto temple pictures.

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  19. Every DayMarch 25, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    those look awesome.

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  20. RedHeadRobMarch 25, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    such a beautiful place.

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  21. G33busMarch 25, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    Nice photos, that bridge one is pretty cool.

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  22. GraftedMarch 26, 2011 at 12:12 AM

    Really beautiful photos

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  23. BartMarch 26, 2011 at 12:58 AM

    people on farms are always more ready for earthquakes than those in buildings

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  24. Devon DavidsonMarch 26, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    I've been to Japan but only to cities.

    Be nice to take a look at the rural areas.

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  25. Shelby FoxMarch 26, 2011 at 1:37 AM

    Very beautiful pictures of old Japan. I wish I knew more about ancient Japan.

    Let's hope they get themselves back on their feet soon.

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  26. SkimboshMarch 26, 2011 at 2:04 AM

    As pretty as it is, they still had their share of natural disasters back then.
    As an aside, Japan sure knows how to throw a festival!

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  27. DocStoutMarch 26, 2011 at 3:34 AM

    I've never seen anything quite like these photographs, I'd have almost mistaken the first for a painting at a glance.

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  28. Matt NeumannMarch 26, 2011 at 3:47 AM

    Wow, china has some fantastic scenery! Great shots!

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  29. LhosreiffMarch 26, 2011 at 3:53 AM

    That second photo is magnificent, I love it.

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  30. Biff TannerMarch 26, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    Very cool pictures.

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  31. AnonymousMarch 26, 2011 at 6:41 AM

    Hello
    amazing blog
    PLease take the time to check my blog out

    showing some love

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  32. Big UnicornMarch 26, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    Gorgeous.

    bigunicorn.blogspot.com

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  33. GFTMMarch 26, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    wow these are great shots!

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  34. DudemeisterMarch 26, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    Back when Japan was still in the middle ages while the rest of the world was in the 1800s.

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  35. AnonymousMarch 26, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    Wow these are beautiful pictures. Looking at them reminds me of the movie Seven Samurai. It's sad that they experienced this tradegy, I just wish the best to them.

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  36. JbloggerMarch 26, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    nice pics. i really wanna go to japan some day

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  37. YellowNiceTechnoMarch 26, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Great post!

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  38. ZakkMarch 26, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    Love these pics!

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  39. The Game Store GuyMarch 26, 2011 at 11:28 AM

    Something about the second picture is just striking. So subtle...so gorgeous. I love it. Thank you for sharing it.

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  40. James PentzMarch 26, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    What a beautiful place. I like how even though they just had an earthquake, you shift the attention towards a peacefull setting and calmness.

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  41. KyRoHHMarch 26, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    Great shots, lookin forward to more.

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  42. MoobeatMarch 26, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    awesome

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  43. Elliot MacLeod-MichaelMarch 26, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    beautiful photos, classy, articulate post (nothing like mine).

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  44. skinned sheepMarch 26, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    awesome. i like it. have a great saturday :]

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  45. Electric AddictMarch 26, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    I need to tavel. these places look awesome!

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  46. SamMarch 26, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    Beautiful pics, I know they will get back on their feet

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  47. techdelverMarch 26, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    such a magnificent art of nature..... like it

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  48. sedatedMarch 26, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    I used to visit that site. the photos are truly amazing, and im not just saying that. Japan is a fascinating country and its people the strongest and most disciplined of all. It will be rebuilt from nothing, if necessary and still flourish again. Go JAPAN!

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  49. Franco - TRGMarch 26, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    Japan is a beautiful country filled with good people.
    I do hope they come back after the disaster.

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  50. MRanthropeMarch 26, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    devasting...but I'm positive if any nation can bounce back from this, it's Japan.

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  51. AnoMarch 26, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    great read! :D

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  52. nooneMarch 26, 2011 at 5:51 PM

    wow, these photos are really great. and it's true that area has been aflicted by great unfortune.

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  53. VirellumMarch 26, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    japan is a fascinating country, i love the photos you have there.

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  54. DaleMarch 26, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    lovely photos, they would look good framed and on the wall

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  55. SphyrixMarch 26, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    i love the shots :)

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  56. HiFiMarch 26, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    Japan is so cool. I want to visit that place one day.

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  57. fabio_2007March 26, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    beautiful pics

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  58. AltenfrostMarch 27, 2011 at 12:38 AM

    First photo... awesome... amazing.
    Thanks for this.

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  59. AnonymousMarch 27, 2011 at 1:37 AM

    Wow. That's a really great photo.

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  60. AnonymousMarch 27, 2011 at 1:38 AM

    Love Japan. Used to live there.

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  61. ChristopheMarch 27, 2011 at 2:21 AM

    Lovely lovely photos. I especially love the third.

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  62. Clarence MillerMarch 27, 2011 at 3:01 AM

    following and $upporting

    therichesthappiest.blogspot.com

    your best friend in the blogo$phere

    ReplyDelete
  63. Joel C AnatoliMarch 27, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    I love your blog. I was I was a subscriber from way before hand to take in all these great images

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  64. ZombieMarch 27, 2011 at 3:49 AM

    Beautifully old school!

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  65. schultzzMarch 27, 2011 at 4:26 AM

    wow pretty awesome pictures.

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  66. AnonymousMarch 27, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    lovely photos. lovely era. everything very peaceful

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  67. AnonfourtwentyMarch 27, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    A truly amazing photo.

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  68. GMarch 27, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    Another great photo...it seems such an exotic country

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  69. Kicking RocksMarch 27, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    japan is great! too bad about the tsunami/earthquake...

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  70. BrutMarch 27, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    Love the pictures.

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  71. AnonymousMarch 27, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    The Japanese will overcome this tremendous tragedy. It'd be a complete disaster somewhere else, but over there, the damages were "minimum.

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  72. ZeroTimeMarch 27, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    wow great photos!

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  73. XuianMarch 27, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    it would be nice for some peace! i like that pic you posted a lot ) too bad the middle east is also in turmoil for other reasons!

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  74. MikaelMarch 27, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    I love Asia and what wonderful photos these are!

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  75. Max BrawnMarch 27, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    Nice photos, so much culture!

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  76. HutchMarch 27, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    Japan is such a beautiful country, I wish I could visit someday

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  77. AstyMarch 27, 2011 at 4:02 PM

    amazing

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  78. My name is Maman. I'm one who likes all kinds of music.March 27, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    very artistic.

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  79. BremsyMarch 27, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    really nice pictures and a good read...

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  80. KamranMarch 27, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    very nice photo's

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  81. TheMonopolyGuyMarch 27, 2011 at 5:01 PM

    I love Japan.

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  82. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 5:03 PM

    Its nice to see abit of hope for japan in the dark times the got now, glansing back on a beautiful country.

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  83. Brandon SampleMarch 27, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    This is one of the best blogs I read, really good stuff.

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  84. cakebot~March 27, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    thanks for sharing these great pictures.

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  85. The Awesome AlienMarch 27, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    awesome pictures awesome post thanks

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  86. BPMarch 27, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    What a scenery! I love it!

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  87. WolfMarch 27, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    That are some great pictures, would've loved to visit that country back in that age.

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  88. Green BusMarch 27, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    Great pictures. They are obviously colored, but still beautiful.

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  89. pMarch 27, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    wow those pictures are beautiful

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  90. Pappa PüllïMarch 27, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    Nice photos! Thanks for sharing

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  91. i March 27, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    SE and Pacific Asia have so much character. I was planning to go there sometime this year, too.

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  92. MichelangeloMarch 27, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    Lovely pictures, want more ;D

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  93. SynetikMarch 27, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    great photos

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  94. MrBunniMarch 27, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    Nice pictures, is that the vulcano that is active?

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  95. JaccstevMarch 27, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    Those photos were simply awesome! I just can't take my eyes off them!

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  96. ElucidMarch 27, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    It's terrible what's happening over there but luckily we have these pictures to remind us of what it's really like there.

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  97. PokeMarch 27, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    those are great pictures.. my condolences also to the families that are hurt from the earthquake.

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  98. RaineMarch 27, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    Beautiful photos, Japan is an amazing place

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  99. akraterMarch 27, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    many great pics on that site! thanks

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  100. TheHarvesterMarch 27, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    japan back in the days looked so romantic. i bet it was insanely nice to walk through these villages at night

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  101. TibbleMarch 28, 2011 at 12:49 AM

    Stunning picture, such bad news about the fresh quakes :(

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  102. Team PandaMarch 28, 2011 at 12:49 AM

    hopefully those natural disasters don't destroy all the "timeless beauty." Those are some nice pics, i saved them, thanks

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  103. Pinecone StewMarch 28, 2011 at 12:55 AM

    WONDERFUL blog!!!! +Following

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  104. The SpeakerMarch 28, 2011 at 1:17 AM

    Excellent post and great idea. Thanks for the info checking out the rest of the set now!

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  105. HmeceyMarch 28, 2011 at 1:34 AM

    Those photos are beautiful

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  106. jambaman84March 28, 2011 at 2:28 AM

    ya that's so true.. lets try to focus on the beauty of life so people have something else to listen/look forward to.

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  107. incognito19March 28, 2011 at 2:32 AM

    its sad whats happening, thanks for sharing... also for some reason your title post reminded me of the song about a certain house in new orleans they call..

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  108. elexerdelexMarch 28, 2011 at 2:40 AM

    very nice dude! I really do think there is too much destruction!

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  109. Awesome AardvarkMarch 28, 2011 at 2:52 AM

    Wow, I can't even imagine living in the shadow of something as massive as that! Here in florida we barely even have hills!

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  110. SlamcakesMarch 28, 2011 at 3:50 AM

    Fantastic post, such a rich and deep culture over there that we cannot even begin to appreciate.

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  111. AaronMarch 28, 2011 at 5:32 AM

    AWESOME look at some historic places! It's amazing to think about the differences in human lifestyle from those days (not that long ago in the scope of everything) until now.

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  112. TrapperMarch 28, 2011 at 5:43 AM

    I love coming to you blog, you always have some great pics!

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  113. SystemdownMarch 28, 2011 at 7:21 AM

    Love the photos

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  114. -inastateofblueMarch 28, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    Great photos, agreed.

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  115. SeanMarch 28, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    God I want to visit the old areas of Japan so bad.

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  116. Clarence MillerMarch 28, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    following and $upporting

    therichesthappiest.blogspot.com

    best friend in the blogosphere returnin dem comments

    ReplyDelete
  117. Ray RousellMarch 28, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Great photo's and a nice idea too! Thanks

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  118. MikeMarch 28, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    Great photos on this blog buddy

    Will be donating what little I can to Japan over the next year or so I'm sure... Have a very strong connection to the place, having studied Japanese for five years and having an avid following of their culture - God be with them.

    Nice blog - Following

    Make sure to come and check out mine at some stage : )

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  119. CandleintheDarkMarch 28, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    This is so awesome. I love seeing back into the past. That is amazing

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  120. KevinMarch 28, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    I enjoyed this. :-)

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  121. TheAmazingJasonMarch 28, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    I would loveeee to see this first hand.

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  122. subrand0mMarch 28, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    totally saving that pic

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  123. JayMarch 28, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Japan looks like such a rich and diverse place. So much deeper than America. I would truthfully one day love to go there and learn as much as I can.

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  124. crustaaMarch 28, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    This is insane! Love it keep it up :) following

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  125. OscarMarch 28, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    Lovely pictures, it's nice to reflect after the tragedy :/

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  126. Joe SafdamMarch 28, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    I think the second one is by far the most moving. Such serenity..

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  127. LOBMarch 28, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    Those are some cool photos!

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  128. Generally DisgruntledMarch 28, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    those are some great photos. good finds

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  129. SpikeMarch 28, 2011 at 5:18 PM

    really awesome, thanks

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  130. UnknownMarch 28, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    aww, still so lovely pictuers

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  131. D22 ZoneMarch 28, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    Love the blog! keep up the great work!

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  132. tango-downMarch 28, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    currently learning Japanese, love the country, want to work there someday :)
    unfortunate turn of events with the earthquake and tsunami though :(

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  133. 2seatMarch 28, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    great pictures! followed!

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  134. MoodyMarch 28, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    Nice photos, thanks for sharing!

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  135. JesperMarch 28, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    Great pictures!

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  136. thebagleboyMarch 28, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    That first one is amazing. Hard to image a scene as beautiful as that

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  137. sporktarMarch 28, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    I like the shift of focus from destruction to...not destruction.

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  138. Patti D.March 28, 2011 at 10:37 PM

    They are gorgeous!!

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  139. SchietSportiefMarch 28, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    great foto's! Really interesting Blog; following and $upporting.

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  140. ChuckMarch 28, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    Very nice. I'd like to see what the same street looks like now.

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  141. SportsGuyBrandonMarch 29, 2011 at 12:55 AM

    Really good pictures. Liked them incredibly.

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  142. MikeMarch 29, 2011 at 1:09 AM

    nicely put man. although all countries go through tragedies you have reminded me the beauty it will forever hold.

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  143. BassislvMarch 29, 2011 at 2:11 AM

    amazing pictures

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  144. AnonymousMarch 29, 2011 at 2:18 AM

    This actually makes me miss Japan a bit.

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  145. Come At Me BroMarch 29, 2011 at 4:00 AM

    This is great!

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  146. thisguykillsMarch 29, 2011 at 4:55 AM

    cool shit thanks broseph

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  147. BrockMarch 29, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    Just stumbled upon your blog, but I love the photos you've picked out. I'll definitely be following your blog with much interest.

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  148. NinaMarch 29, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Beautiful.

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  149. AnonymousMarch 29, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    woooooooooooow.

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  150. KenzieMarch 29, 2011 at 8:28 AM

    Beautiful and sad at the same time.

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  151. KniferMarch 29, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    Great photos.

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  152. christopherMarch 29, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    i've always wanted to go to japan, this didn't change my mind!

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  153. JanandJill.comMarch 29, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Great photos, thanks for sharing. You always have amazing pictures. :)I really like the top one
    -Dale

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  154. BulwyfMarch 31, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    Wow, they just look like paintings

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  155. Half CoctApril 2, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    It won't be long before the San Andreas Fault slips up.

    ~H. Coct

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  156. PotholderzApril 11, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    These are great man, keep it up.

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