Humans of ICU

Here is an interview I recently had with a group from the International Christian University about my experiences in Japan as a Japanese American.

http://www.icuxalumni.com/derek-yamashita/

Roppongi Hills Club

A few days ago I had the chance to visit the Roppongi Hills Club and was able to capture this shot.  I have been waiting all year for a chance to take this picture!

    Full post to come after I finish finals.  

Meeting Pepper

Last month, Japanese telecommunications company, SoftBank introduced their newest robot, Pepper.  This robot is equipped with the latest speech and comprehension software as well as an advanced robotic body.  These robots are able to hold conversations both through verbal and physical forms and are also said to be able to assist with basic everyday functions.

Upon hearing that the Ginza SoftBank store had these robots on display, I knew I had to go.  

                                       

Here is a video of my experience.  We talked about my first love.  In Japanese.  It was great.

Of course, on the way I stopped for some photography.

The Ginza SoftBank Store.

Pepper, holding a conversation with a boy.  

ICU Cycling Club, Spring Run 2014

Before I came to Japan, I had dreamed of being able to go on adventures to beautiful places with the company of great friends.

Joining the ICU Cycling Team and becoming part of their wonderful family has given me the opportunity to live out this dream in a way I never though possible.

Here is a movie that I have been working on for the past 2 months that illustrates one of my favorite memories of my year abroad, a week-long cycling trip around the beautiful island of Okinawa during Spring vacation.


Youtube wont let me upload the video due to some copyright issues with the song I used, so please follow this link to my facebook account where the video is posted.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4069335308686

(Copy and paste this link into your web browser)

Canon L Lens

Two days ago I picked up my first professional lens, a Canon 24-105mm F4L.  I will be using this to take my photography to new levels and to produce a short film for a fish factory in Onagawa in July.

After a quick walk around with this lens, here are some sample photos I produced.   

Mt Fuji Climb (Video)

Here is a video I put together of my adventure up Mt. Fuji with the Subaru Cycling Team!

Cycling up Mt.Fuji

Today I joined Team Subaru on one of their Fuji hill climb events where they ride up to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji.

Up to this station, there is a paved road that we used.  It is a 25km long route with over 7,000 feet of climbing!

I reached the 5th station after an hour and a half of never ending climbing.  

Team Subaru! 

Preparing for our frigid descent where we reached speeds of 45mph.

We stopped by a park where we saw the sunset rays striking Fuji-San.  

Though it seems like I will not have the time to climb to the summit of Mt. Fuji this year, this experience was a very worthy alternative.