Presentation by railroad photographer Mr. Hiroshi Sakurai (May 8, 2019)
2019/5/15
On May 8th, the famed Japanese photographer Mr. Hiroshi “Kan” Sakurai presented a selection of his work for an event hosted by Consul-General Fukushima at his official residence in Houston. Mr. Sakurai is renowned for photographing and writing about railroads in Japan, and his presentation drew invited guests from the local community, who appreciated his pictures and descriptions of the many charms of Japanese rail travel. In his opening remarks, Consul-General Fukushima noted Houston’s history as a crucial railroad hub for the American South, and also commented on the present-day efforts of local people to build a high-speed railway in the state using bullet train technology. The Consul-General went on to express his hopes that some in attendance would visit Japan and experience the joys of its railways for themselves, after what was sure to be an enlightening presentation on a mode of travel beloved by so many people in Japan.
Mr. Sakurai’s presentation was replete with beautiful pictures and humorous anecdotes detailing Japan’s network of railways, and historical ties that unite the railroad cultures of Japan with the United States. He also presented on Japan’s unique sightseeing trains, which have recently been growing in popularity among international tourists, as they allow their riders to experience the natural beauty of rural Japan across its four distinct seasons. Many of the guests in attendance who had been to Japan in the past expressed an interest in visiting the nation again after seeing it through the unique perspective of Mr. Sakurai’s presentation.
Mr. Sakurai’s presentation was replete with beautiful pictures and humorous anecdotes detailing Japan’s network of railways, and historical ties that unite the railroad cultures of Japan with the United States. He also presented on Japan’s unique sightseeing trains, which have recently been growing in popularity among international tourists, as they allow their riders to experience the natural beauty of rural Japan across its four distinct seasons. Many of the guests in attendance who had been to Japan in the past expressed an interest in visiting the nation again after seeing it through the unique perspective of Mr. Sakurai’s presentation.