It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Ghosts of Christmas Past...
Originally uploaded by Tasayu

Christmas is upon us and New York is lit up like no other, stores are decked up with decorations and New York is basically one magical town, crystal snowflakes the streets smelling of pine.. It literally does get you into the holiday spirit, what's it like in your area? I have created a Winter Gallery for you to see so check it out on my Flickr!

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season everyone!

Kinokuniya Bookstore NYC...

Vagabond...
Originally uploaded by Tasayu

Growing up in New York I was very lucky to find whatever I needed. One of those things being anime and manga. Back then it was one of two ways, cheap and possibly boot legged Chinatown goods or over priced specialty shops, which we had both of. But we also had the actual Japanese bookstores like Asahiya and Kinukuniya. One of which sadly closed down this year. Probably because the majority of goods can be found online. Tho the other has flourished into a three story complex and that is Kinukuniya. Which expanded from only books, to hosting japanese and cultural events such as inviting artist, musicians and such to the store. One event which lingered on is ths painting you see in the picture done by the mangaka of "Vagabond" and "Slamdunk". So it seems for a genre which was once a niche and now in almost every bookstore around that the original carries must evolve or perish. Which in my opinion is a good thing.

Black Friday...

Waiting for Rations...
Originally uploaded by Tasayu

Was in line at the Bestbuy near Woodbridge at 3AM along with a good 300+ other people. And I must say it has become a great tradition. From the insane mob that it was a few years ago, to what is now orderly chaos. Black Friday has become a fun experience with friends. By the time the first hour had past 3000 people have been let in and out of the store. Safely. So despite the internet and Cyber Monday (Which was created in 2005 the year I discovered Black Friday lol) it looks like this insanity that is Black Friday will go on. Even in a recession. How was your Black Friday?

Pink Shoes...

Pink Shoes...
Originally uploaded by Tasayu

Was out helping a friend this weekend with his fashion shoot as a grip, and I must say always directing and on the com you forget how hard a grips work can be. It was a great day and seeing my friend working the camera as hard as I work the HMC-150 is truly inspiring and motivating! Near the end of the shoot I got this one shot off the model. Her name Danielle Cardona and she is quite talented and knows how to accentuate body lines for fashion, very little direction was needed which again is much appreciated. Her wonderful photography from this shoot can be seen on Mike Ricca's Flickr site! For more information and works from Mike check out his website http://www.focalmatter.com . Lots of beautiful work to be seen!

Zamza Live @ Webster Hall...

Zamza Live @ Webster Hall...
Originally uploaded by Tasayu

So went to see a pretty awesome band last night called Zamza, who or what is Zamza? Well if you mesh together four musicians from two powerhouse Japanese bands, and you get ZAMZA (Zamza N’Banshee). Formed in 2007, ZAMZA combines the voice and guitar sounds from former members of a band called “ECHOES” with the bass and drum lines from former band members of “JUDY AND MARY” – to produce its distinctive, loud rock sound. (I totally ripped that from their site lol). In anycase hope you enjoy the pics from this event! It was a blast and I highly recommend you get their new cd MANGA!

And the Yankees Bring Back the Trophy!

Congrats to the New York Yankees, winning the 27th World Series! and having Matsui be MVP of the game! The city is rocking and the march down the "Canyon of Heroes" should be this Friday! I will try to be out there to take pictures. But for now we all gonna celebrate. As some people said, it was the "Hideki Matsui Show"! Click the pic to read more on the big win! Respects to Phillies on a strong game!

The Green Hornet and Kato in NYC.

Green Hornet and KATO
Image by Mike Ricca

So this year for Halloween I was the Green Hornet and My friend was KATO! A Throw back to the old school heros, and celebration for the coming 2010 Green Hornet Movie! Although it was a rainy Halloween, a few good things came out of it, hanging with good friends, and the NY Yankees winning the 2nd game in the 3 round of the World Series. Good Times!