Hagi is famous as a Samurai town. There is an old Samurai village and museum where you can usually find little tour groups from around Japan exploring. I often see a Samurai, dressed up to entertain the visitors, walking his dog around town- still doning his robe and sword.
In celebration of its Samurai heritage Hagi recently hosted a small festival in the park- with food, a parade and even a rifle display. The Sumurai in the picture below were part of the parade. I love their costumes but also thought, with a little play on photo shop, that it would look good with an edgy, grungy effect- a bit 300. I couldn’t decide between the finished photo’s and so decided on both:
snow monkey photography 
Rory Alexander January 20, 2012
A tough choice indeed but I think I like the grungy effect more.
winegums January 21, 2012
I think that one too… I think. Has a bit of a 300 look.
Antonio De Simone January 20, 2012
a beautiful tradition still alive in Japan!!!
winegums January 21, 2012
Thanks for checking out my blog 🙂
Jenny Trozell January 21, 2012
Must have been a great experience! Both pictures are great but the second one is more striking 🙂
winegums January 22, 2012
It was an experience 🙂 Lots of things in Japan are! – Just because they are so different. I like the second image too! Thought maybe it was a little “too” photo shopped though. Thanks so much for checking out my blog 🙂
96arley January 25, 2012
I’m really enjoying your tour of Japan. I really enjoy learning and seeing Eastern Cultures. Thanks for sharing, and I love the second shot 🙂 -Arley http://www.shootabout.com
winegums January 26, 2012
Thanks! Off to Hiroshima this weekend, so can hopefully shoot some good ones there!
Isaac February 3, 2012
Yeah the second image has the old martial feel of a proper war.
winegums February 6, 2012
The first one might be a bit too bright and jovial for a Samurai shot. I was going for a 300 sort of look, minus the gratuitous nudity.