Joao Maia
@jmaiaphoto.bsky.social
📤 78
📥 66
📝 56
Travel Photographer, Iaido and Jodo Student (and Teacher), Computer Science Engineer.
New post on substack...
#japan
#tohoku
#snow
#landscape
#travelphotography
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Winter trainscapes
The first time I saw photos of snow in Japan, I was mesmerized.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/winter-trainscapes
5 days ago
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Following up on my trips of the year, the last one was back to Japan, in November. This time I just went sightseeing but I managed to find some time to visit some of my favorite yokocho and shotengai, and even discover some new ones.
#japan
#osaka
#tokyo
#streetphotography
#travelphotography
8 days ago
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Looking back into what I photographed in 2025, it’s easy to focus on my last trip to Japan in November. But I also traveled to northern Spain earlier in the year to photograph the “Baixada da Marela” in the Galician entroido
#spain
#galicia
#maceda
#entroido
#travelphotography
#traditionalfestival
16 days ago
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Amazing article with amazing photos by my friend Lee Chapman
www.theguardian.com/world/galler...
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The fading of Japan’s Shōwa era – in pictures
Lee Chapman’s photographs document the scenes, signages and family businesses in Japan from the postwar Shōwa era as they rapidly disappear
https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2025/dec/02/fading-japan-showa-era-in-pictures
19 days ago
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My friend Lee Chapman brings to life two of my favorite areas in Osaka with his brilliant photography.
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The gritty and photogenic nature of Osaka
Plus the refreshing openness of its people
https://tokyotimes.beehiiv.com/p/the-gritty-and-photogenic-nature-of-osaka?utm_source=tokyotimes.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=the-gritty-and-photogenic-nature-of-osaka&_bhlid=d247674dfe28143d5ed0c3cd1a0253a0802216a1&fbclid=PAZnRzaAN9ro5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacxrAjlH-9PN_GTaRGKwG8C-w-YyyeDw7uwcjvTv59mqke9NinrNFIzG7LaPg_aem_Y5plnPXfSeeMn54lS94EyA
2 months ago
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New post on substack...
#japan
#gifu
#takayama
#matsuri
#shishimai
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Plan B: lion dancers after the rain
Photographing shishimai lion dances in Takayama Autumn festival.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/plan-b-lion-dancers-after-the-rain?r=117q3q&utm_medium=ios
2 months ago
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New post on substack...
#japan
#gifu
#takayama
#matsuri
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How to photograph a cancelled festival
Photographing a cancelled Takayama Autumn festival deep in the mountains of Gifu prefecture.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/how-to-photograph-a-cancelled-festival?r=117q3q&utm_medium=ios
3 months ago
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New post on substack...
#japan
#osaka
#shotengai
#travelphotography
#streetphotography
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The power of the road less traveled
Taking the road less traveled through an old shoutengai in Osaka, Japan.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/the-power-of-the-road-less-traveled?r=117q3q&utm_medium=ios
3 months ago
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New post on substack...
#japan
#kyushu
#saga
#menburyu
#matsuri
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Demons on the rice paddies (Menburyu, part II)
On the day of the festival I got to the village early as always as I usually try to do. People were already arriving in full costume.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/demons-on-the-rice-paddies-menburyu-8d5?r=117q3q&utm_medium=ios
4 months ago
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New post on substack...
#japan
#kyushu
#saga
#menburyu
#matsuri
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Demons on the rice paddies (Menburyu, part I)
Part I: The Road to Nowhere
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/demons-on-the-rice-paddies-menburyu?r=117q3q&utm_medium=ios
4 months ago
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New post on substack...
#japan
#osaka
#tsuruhashi
#markets
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(Not so) busy mornings at the bridge of cranes (Tsuruhashi, part II)
I don't know how much longer Tsuruhashi market will remain as it is now. A lot of shops seem to be closing.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/not-so-busy-mornings-at-the-bridge?r=117q3q&utm_medium=ios
4 months ago
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New post on substack...
#japan
#osaka
#tsuruhashi
#market
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Busy mornings at the bridge of cranes
When I visit any city for the first time, I immediately seek out the markets. Tsuruhashi was the first one I visited in Osaka.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/busy-mornings-at-the-bridge-of-cranes?r=117q3q&utm_medium=ios
4 months ago
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Amazing article and amazing photographs by my friend Lee Chapman. His work on decaying Japan is truly astonishing.
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Faded Japanese towns, cities and old tourist spots
Plus the fascinating nature of photographing them
https://tokyotimes.beehiiv.com/p/faded-japanese-towns-cities-and-old-tourist-spots-569b8c18285da05b?utm_source=tokyotimes.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=faded-japanese-towns-cities-and-old-tourist-spots&_bhlid=474646cd075f8ccf5052aab3c73f7a8b18e2a4c2
5 months ago
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New post on substack...
#japan
#shimane
#izumo
#aizome
#craftsmanship
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True blue
Nagatasenkoujou is one of the last workshops in Japan dedicated to the dyeing art of Tsutsugaki Aizome.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/true-blue?r=117q3q&utm_medium=ios
5 months ago
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New post on substack...
#japan
#aomori
#goshogawara
#tachineputa
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The invasion of the Glowing Giants
Travel in Aomori prefecture in early August, and you'll encounter a Neputa festival. But on Goshogawara, these festivals are taken to a new height. Literally.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/the-invasion-of-the-glowing-giants?r=117q3q&utm_medium=ios
5 months ago
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New post on substack...
#japan
#shimane
#hamada
#iwamikagura
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Shaping Demons and Heroes
Inside a traditional Japanese mask workshop where the demons and heroes of Iwami Kagura come to life.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/shaping-demons-and-heroes?r=117q3q&utm_medium=ios
6 months ago
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New post on substack...
#japan
#ishikawa
#wajima
#travelphotography
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The Wajima in my heart
Wajima was my first stop when I decided to embark on a trip photographing Japanese traditional festivals. I fell in love with it instantly.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/the-wajima-in-my-heart?r=117q3q&utm_medium=ios
6 months ago
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New post on substack...
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The fiery burden of devotion
At Kumano Nachi Taisha devotees carry massive 50-kilogram blazing torches up and down the stone stairs leading to the shrine.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/the-fiery-burden-of-devotion?r=117q3q&utm_medium=ios
6 months ago
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New post on substack...
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The beginning and end of the universe in Mizumoto
My travels through Japan brought me into contact with remarkable people who became treasured friends. Among them is Mr. Hideta Kitazawa, a master woodcarver from the Mizumoto area near Tokyo.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/the-beginning-and-end-of-the-universe?r=117q3q&utm_medium=ios
6 months ago
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New post on substack:
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O-Mikoshi, Sunrise, and Saltwater
Japan can be excruciatingly hot and humid during the summer.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/o-mikoshi-sunrise-and-saltwater?r=117q3q&utm_medium=ios
7 months ago
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New post on substack:
open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p...
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Lost Japan
From bustling fish markets to empty lots—Japan's 40-year building cycle means entire neighbourhoods can change overnight. On the urgency of documenting what might not be there tomorrow.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p/lost-japan?r=117q3q
7 months ago
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You probably noticed I haven't been posting much. I’ve grown tired of fighting social media algorithms that decide who sees what. So I'm trying something different. I started a Substack publication where I can share my travel and photo experiences. Check it out and subscribe if it speaks to you.
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One encounter, one shot | Joao Maia | Substack
Fleeting moments of cultural traditions through the lens of a curious traveler, guided by 'ichi go, ichi e' — one encounter, one chance. Most things I photograph never repeat themselves in the same wa...
https://jhmaia.substack.com
7 months ago
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New post on my blog! Happy new year, everyone!
www.jmaia-photography.net/bugaku-from-...
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Bugaku: From Imperial Courts to Akita’s Mountains - Joao Maia Photography
Every January, Akita's snowy mountains host the Dainichido Bugaku festival, showcasing 1,300 years of tradition through a blend of imperial court dances and local customs.
https://www.jmaia-photography.net/bugaku-from-imperial-courts-to-akitas-mountains/
about 1 year ago
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🇬🇧 Torii in the snow, Yanaizu, Fukushima, Japan Merry Christmas, everyone! 🇵🇹 Torii na neve, Yanaizu, Fukushima, Japão Feliz Natal a todos!
#yanaizu
#fukushima
#shinto
#travelphotography
#japan
#travel
#photography
about 1 year ago
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Night time walks, Fukuoka, Japan. In Japan I always love to go for a walk in the evenings. There are always interesting scenes no matter where you are.
#travelphotography
#streetphotography
#japan
#kyushu
#fukuoka
about 1 year ago
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Night time walks, Fukuoka, Japan In Japan I always love to go for a walk in the evenings. There are always interesting scenes no matter where you are
#travelphotography
#streetphotography
#japan
#kyushu
#fukuoka
about 1 year ago
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Toyama Trams, Toyama, Japan Sometimes I give myself small photo assignments. In Toyama city I decided my evening assignment would be to photograph trams
#travel
#photography
#japan
#toyama
#tram
#canonphotography
#canonportugal
#canonjapan
about 1 year ago
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Toyama Trams, Toyama, Japan Sometimes I give myself small photo assignments. In Toyama city I decided my evening assignment would be to photograph trams
#travel
#photography
#japan
#toyama
#tram
#canonphotography
#canonportugal
#canonjapan
about 1 year ago
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Kii Tanabe, Wakayama, Japan Tanabe has a cool vibe to it. Unlike many small towns in Japan, there’s a lovely generational mix.
#travel
#photography
#japan
#tanabe
#wakayama
#canonphoto
#canonportugal
#canonjapan
about 1 year ago
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Kii Tanabe, Wakayama, Japan Tanabe was one of those adorable quaint little towns I passed through while travelling to Japan in search for traditional festivals.
#travelphotography
#japan
#japantrip
#lovejapan
#tanabe
#wakayama
#canonphoto
#canonportugal
#canonjapan
about 1 year ago
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Autumn in Koyasan, Wakayama, Japan
#visitjapanjp
#travelphotography
#japan
#japantrip
#lovejapan
#discoverjapan
#japancollective
#koyasan
#wakayama
#canon
#canonphotography
#canonphoto
#canonportugal
#canonjapan
#eosr6
about 1 year ago
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Esta semana fui recebido no podcast Prova de Contacto para uma conversa muito agradável, onde falámos de fotografia, viagens, Japão (como não podia deixar de ser), e sobre a minha próxima exposição "Carrego os Deuses aos meus ombros".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSTb...
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T06E03 - Conversa com João Maia
YouTube video by Prova de Contacto Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSTb9XZV5O4
about 1 year ago
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🇬🇧 Views from hotel rooms, Japan During my last visits in Japan, I tried to photograph the view from all the hotel rooms I stayed in. 1 - Fukushima 2 - Akita 3 - Toyama 4 - Koriyama
#travelphotography
#japan
#cityscape
#canon
#canonphotography
over 1 year ago
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Meeting Lee Chapman and photographing with him last year in Japan was a really wonderful experience. I learned to see Tokyo in a whole new way and took that feeling into my exploration of Japan.
youtu.be/K_RNcEAymHA?...
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Faces of Japan S2 - Episode 2 - Tokyo through the lens of Lee Chapman
YouTube video by Japan Experience
https://youtu.be/K_RNcEAymHA?si=2aLrj7Hh_KgOzjbB
over 1 year ago
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Small town vibes, Kyoto, Japan Kyoto nowadays is struggling with over tourism, but there are still some parts of the city where we can enjoy a good walk, in a quiet atmosphere reminiscent of a small town.
#kyoto
#streetphotography
#京都
#travelphotography
#japan
#canonphotography
over 1 year ago
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Small town vibes, Kyoto, Japan Kyoto nowadays is struggling with over tourism, but there are still some parts of the city where we can enjoy a good walk, in a quiet atmosphere reminiscent of a small town.
#kyoto
#streetphotography
#京都
#travelphotography
#japan
#cityscape
#canon
over 1 year ago
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Lanterns and umbrellas, Kyoto, Japan Open umbrellas lit by the lanterns in Yasaka Jinja shrine, the most famous shrine in the Gion district.
#kyoto
#gion
#yasakajinja
#night
#umbrella
#streetphotography
#京都
#travelphotography
#japan
#canonphotography
#canonportugal
#canonjapan
over 1 year ago
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Cigarette break, Sangenjaya, Tokyo, Japan A man enjoys a cigarette outside a bar in Sangenjaya.
#tokyo
#sangenjaya
#yokocho
#night
#alley
#streetphotography
#東京
#travelphotography
#japan
over 1 year ago
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Izakaya Chef, Sangenjaya, Tokyo, Japan Sangenjaya is one of those places that shows you that Tokyo will always provide an infinite number of places to explore and photo opportunities.
#tokyo
#sangenjaya
#yokocho
#night
#alley
#streetphotography
#東京
#travelphotography
#japan
over 1 year ago
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A nice read on the photographic moment by my good friend Ruben Vicente.
rubenvicentephoto.substack.com/p/the-moment
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The Moment
A moment can be understood as a point in time or an instant. On a technical level, for photographers, it can be perceived as the period of time the camera sensor or film is captures photons to record ...
https://rubenvicentephoto.substack.com/p/the-moment
over 1 year ago
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Alleyways. On my last night in Japan I went for dinner at Sanganjaya. It's one of those places that shows you that Tokyo will always provide an infinite number of places to explore and photo opportunities.
#tokyo
#sangenjaya
#japan
#streetphotography
#東京
#travelphotography
over 1 year ago
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Shin-Imamiya Station, Osaka, Japan A woman in a kimono, a man in a hat, and some street art in Shin-Imamiya station.
#osaka
#大阪
#streetart
#grafitti
#station
#train
#shinimamiya
#travelphotography
#japan
#streetphotography
#cityscape
#canon
#canonjapan
over 1 year ago
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Red shirt, Nishinari, Osaka, Japan A man in a red shirt rides his bike through a Nishinari shoutengai
#osaka
#大阪
#shotengai
#nishinari
#travelphotography
#japan
#cityscape
#streetphotography
#canon
#canonphotography
#canonphoto
#canonportugal
#canonjapan
#eosr6
over 1 year ago
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Shoutengai, Nishinari, Osaka, Japan A men gets his bike at the end of the day in a shoutengai (arcade shopping street).
#osaka
#大阪
#shotengai
#nishinari
#travelphotography
#japan
#cityscape
#canon
#canonphotography
#canonphoto
#canonportugal
#canonjapan
#eosr6
over 1 year ago
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One of the most incredible festivals I've photographed in Japan...
#abarematsuri
#matsuri
#traditionalfestival
#japan
#noto
#ishikawa
#travelphotography
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Flames and Faith - Joao Maia Photography
In the heart of the Noto Peninsula, in Ishikawa Prefecture, lies the charming fishing town of Ushitsu, home to one of Japan's most exhilarating fire festivals: Abare Matsuri.
https://www.jmaia-photography.net/flames-and-faith/
over 1 year ago
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Man sitting alone on Karaoke bar, Nishinari, Osaka, Japan
#osaka
#大阪
#shotengai
#nishinari
#travelphotography
#japan
#cityscape
#canon
#canonphotography
#canonphoto
#canonportugal
#canonjapan
#eosr6
over 1 year ago
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End of the day, Nishinari, Osaka, Japan
#osaka
#大阪
#shotengai
#nishinari
#travelphotography
#japan
#cityscape
#canon
#canonphotography
#canonphoto
#canonportugal
#canonjapan
#eosr6
over 1 year ago
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Cycling through Shotengai, Nishinari, Osaka, Japan
#osaka
#大阪
#shotengai
#nishinari
#visitjapanjp
#travelphotography
#japan
#japantrip
#lovejapan
#discoverjapan
#japancollective
#cityscape
#canon
#canonphotography
#canonphoto
#canonportugal
#canonjapan
#eosr6
over 1 year ago
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Old neon sign, Tsuruhashi, Osaka, Japan
#osaka
#大阪
#tsuruhashi
#鶴橋
#visitjapanjp
#travelphotography
#japan
#japantrip
#lovejapan
#discoverjapan
#japancollective
#cityscape
#canon
#canonphotography
#canonphoto
#canonportugal
#canonjapan
#eosr6
over 1 year ago
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Namahage decoration in restaurant, Akita, Japan
#akita
#秋田
#streetphotography
#namahage
#travelphotography
#japan
#canon
#canonphotography
#canonphoto
#canonportugal
#canonjapan
#eosr6
over 1 year ago
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