The day after the snowstorm

Whenever it snows, I find myself taking photos of the town of Omori at two different times, one being while it snows and the other being the day after it snows. In my previous blog, I wrote about how I enjoy photographing the tranquility the snow brings to the town of Omori. It also happened to be in the late afternoon when it started to snow, which added another layer of tranquility as people were coming home from work to relax and have dinner with their families. The undisturbed fluffy white snow covering the quiet town was a moment when you could hold your breath and you could imagine hearing the sound of snow.

A totally different scene presents itself on the next day of the snow fall as the town seems to be full of life making the scenery from the night before feel almost like a fairytale. Kids are playing in groups building igloos and sliding down slopes, people are taking leisurely walks around the town, while others are still trying to shovel the remaining snow out of the driveways. You can also find sights that you would not have noticed the night before because it was dark or you were too focused on the falling snow. I found these huge icicles on outside of this little hole in the side of a rock wall located by a temple in town.

You’ll also find just an amazing array of snowmen around town, some being more unique than others, while there is always a few that just seem like they should be in the MOMA. Their parents should be proud!

As I made my way down town, I decided to visit my friends in town to go see how their chickens were reacting to the snow. They started raising these three chickens (respectfully called Nan, Curry, and Rice) last year, so it would be the chicken’s first winter. I find these chickens pretty cute so I was hoping to get some fun photos of the birds running around in the snow. When I arrived at their house, the two were in the middle of having some mochi in some sweet Azuki bean soup, a typical dish eaten in Japan around New Years. According to them the chickens were just getting used to running around in the snow, and seemed kinda bummed out that they couldn’t peck around at the ground. I kinda found that really hilarious for some reason. Cranky chickens in the snow.

Taking pictures of the different atmospheres within the same season, such a simple but fun activity to do when you live in such a photogenic town. As I add another year to my life here in Omori I feel like I keep finding new ways and perspectives of documenting the town. If you guys are interested in more photos, take a look at my Winter album in my photo gallery! Cheers!