Why I take a photo ? (What I want you to know)

masamania Uncategorized

masamania

“Don’t take a picture !” ambulance crews said. I dont’ know why he stop me.He scream,” dont take a picture !”
I feel sin, but I cannot help stopping pushing the shutter buttone !
When I take a picture, sometime I feel sin. Why ? People will say that it’s because I violate human right. Yes, sometime I take a picture without permission. Sometime my camera is grabed by angry bum, kicked by drunken business man and cought by police as a suspicious man. Police preach me that taking phots without consents is crime. I have no right to take photo because I ‘ m not mass media. Even though my name is similar to the word, “ mass ” .
Should I stop to take a pictures ? Yes, I should. Or I must stop to take a picture.
But I cannot help stopping to push the shutter button !
I had kept to trying to think up the reason I take a picture to justify my behavior. I also don ‘ t want to be regarded as bad man. But I cannot explain the reason yet but I can describe precisely the moment. When I take a picture. I cannot help stopping to push the shutter button ! just it. that ‘ s it. No reason. But primitive impulse drive me to take a picture.


Web people completely forget that I push the shutter bottun in danger, on the other hand, you push the mouse butten in sefty. Web people are used to seeing stimulas pictures on the internet. Comparing to such pictures, my pictures is not so standout pictures. I want to tell web people cowordly that if you see any pictures, please think how hard toil to take one picture. Could you please make a effort to read the story in that picture, even that picture is just a girl ‘ s cosplay shots.
And please understand that here Japan is fucking safe and fucking boresome and fuckingj apathetic country. Tell the truth, there are not so much exiting, stimuras, thrilling happning everytime. But web people give fucking comments, sometime wrongly, sometime darely and sometime spitefully to my pictures. OK. You can say anything.. but you can nev er say that I am lier. Because when I take a picture, I always find out something that I want to tell you. And I know that is truth. You know who I am, I am mania of the truth, MasaManiA.
Taking a phot must be just a egoism. Sometime it must deserve to crime. But if you think my activity of taking a picture is crime, don ‘ t forget that seeing my picture is also committing same crime. But at the same time, you can witness the truth.
I think now days mass media is too much confusing. They completely forget what they must do, they are afraid of broad cast code, afraid of advertising sponser, afraid of sales, afraid of their own status, sallery. Afraid of their ass hole boss. Afraid of law, moral blindly. Lying is easier than tell the truth for mass media. But, fuck ! they are still keeping to pretend to be justice. Do you know why ?
because they afraid of lost at the lawsuit. How can you find the truth in such fucking coword mass media ? All mass media forget that news report is already something sinful activity. Crime report is already part of crime. If you ask mass media about that, they will say, no, it’s not sin, mass media do job for the name of justice. Fcuk you.
They reason they can easily say the word, “ justice ” is that they nev er really think about meaning of news report nor justice.
I never ever mention to justice for my reporting. But I definitely declare that I take a photo for the name of the truth. Yes, I am mania of the truth, MasaManiA.
I am looking forword to your committing same crime with me. The name of this crime is witnessing truth. Truth is always moral entertainment. If you want to know the truth, here is your place, masamania.com.


please understand that here Japan is fucking safe and fucking boresome and fuckingj apathetic country.

Web people are used to seeing stimulas pictures on the internet. Comparing to such pictures, my pictures is not so standout pictures.

when I take a picture, I always find out something that I want to tell you.and primitive impulse drive me to take a picture.

please think how hard toil to take one picture. Could you please make a effort to read the story in that picture

Web people completely forget that I push the shutter bottun in danger, on the other hand, you push the mouse butten in sefty.

don ‘ t forget that seeing my picture is also committing same crime. But at the same time, you can witness the truth.

I am looking forword to your committing same crime with me. The name of this crime is witnessing truth. Truth is always moral entertainment. If you want to know the truth, here is your place, masamania.com.

Comments

  1. R says:

    nice advertisement for your website!!
    🙂
    Masa, i do appreciate every single picture that you took
    ========from MasaManiA
    Thank you. I will make effort to update.

  2. Tadashi says:

    Thanks for the pictures, now I’m also guilty of looking, because I’m curious. I apprieciate the risks you take for the sake of the truth, thank you.
    Why are the ambulance guys wearing helmets? and why do they have to be six guys to help one injured person? that seems really ineffective, most of them are just standing there, not doing anything.
    =======from MasaManiA
    Thank you for your understanding.
    They are there for chasing away stupid journalist.

  3. kenji says:

    it seems in the second last picture, they are posing for you, masa! megane-kun is even picking his nose for the camera?
    i love your site and i respect your work 🙂 heh. i know i’m probably too shy to take these kinds of photos so i respect you, masa. ganbarou
    =========from MasaManiA
    Thank you !

  4. Jean says:

    Masa , I live in Japan and like your pictures .Keep going man , I support you , you give the world another view of Japan and Japanese .
    Would like to see more Japanese bevaving like you , it could move the things on .
    And forget about the adverse comments , it is not easy to do what you do
    ==========from MasaManiA
    thank you

  5. pete says:

    Masa,
    Thanks for taking the risk to take and publish your photos. I always wanted to take photos of strangers, but I was afraid to. I’m not sure what I was afraid of, but because of it, I always took ‘safe’ photos. Thanks for posting. like always, I look forward to your next post.
    ===========from MasaManiA
    thank you

  6. ALexius says:

    Hi Masa!, I found your incredibly amazing page last week, and I’ve been reading all of your previous posts. I have to say that this is now my favourite site on the web.
    Keep taking pictures, I enjoy them very much and I also enjoy reading the stories that acompanny them!!
    Greetings from Argentina!. ALe.
    ==============from MasaManiA
    thank you

  7. Joe says:

    You make me laugh and make me think, too. And your cosplay galleries are excellent. Respect to Masa.
    Have you been to Yokohama? I’m going to live there next month, where do you think I should visit first?
    =======from MasaManiA
    Yes, I visited there. It’s also future city.
    Minatomirai of Yokohama is really fantastic at night.

  8. Vega says:

    Thank you for having a quest for the truth, and for risking your ass to show us that truth. We can all be criminals of truth by looking at your photographs!
    =======from MasaManiA
    hahaha

  9. TANK Ex Mortis says:

    Yes, thank you for taking the risk to bring us the raw truth. I think it’s stupid that in Japan an independent person can’t take pictures while mass media people can. Individuals should have the same rights as corporations!
    Sometimes, we in America take for granted the right to take a photo of anything and anyone we want. But thanks to your site, I know that that’s not the case everywhere, and I learn not to take things for granted.
    =========from MasaManiA
    thank you for your comment

  10. jeff says:

    Wow Masa, you’ve got some balls to be standing in the middle of Shibuya crossing taking photos of an accident victim (!).
    I sometimes take photos of strangers here in Japan, but I can usually get away with it since I’m not Japanese and probably look like a stupid tourist.

  11. mainichi_skebe says:

    I love you Masa, but why is the doctor wearing fireman helmet? Why is the fireman wearing doctor clothing? Did you give that man the finger?
    =======from MasaManiA
    I dont know also. and I didnt give finger.

  12. ROAR says:

    mamamamamamamasassasasasasasasa

  13. blagh says:

    Heh. In North America, at any rate, there’s a bit of an uproar recently about whether or not bloggers should be considered journalists or no (again).
    I love your site…helps me to fill in some valid details in my horribly skewed image on Japan. Keep it up! ^_^
    ======from MasaManiA
    THank you for your good information.

  14. wyred says:

    I would love to have a change to travel to and explore Japan. Looks like an exciting and interesting place from all your photos.
    But that’s because I’ve never been to Japan before so I don’t think Japan is boring. ^^
    Greetings from Singapore!
    =====from MasaManiA
    THank you.

  15. Psycho Bun-Bun says:

    Hmm, it seems by all the negative responces you get, that it is simply a programmed reaction to the out of the norm behaviour you show. I respect the risks you take and the truths you show with every update. Thank you. Anyways, if you absolutely have to be a criminal of some sort.. why not be a criminal of the truth?
    =====from MasaManiA
    Thank you

  16. tom says:

    I think you ought to have the right to take any photo you want in public, where there’s little reasonable expectation of privacy. It’s not like you’re taking pictures of women in dressing rooms w/out their permission. These scenes are open for everyone to see. Taking snapshots of public scenes doesn’t violate anyone’s privacy.
    I always look forward to seeing new photos and reading your posts, which range from hilarious to somewhat serious to pithy.
    I respect you for taking risks to get interesting snapshots to post here. Although, you should take care to avoid being arrested.
    Masamania is one of my favorite internet sites. Your photos and commentary rock the party! Keep it up!
    =========from MasaManiA
    THank you

  17. Cyril says:

    If you need a bodyguard when you take your picture. I am your guy 1m80 and 60 kilos of muscle… and bones and skins ok mostly bones and skin.
    But anyway, I love your job and even if you take pictures without permission, I never saw disrepect for other in what you did. Fantastic photograph and writting work. Even with your bad english, you transmit strong feelings and a real philosophy.
    BTW don’t complain about safety in your country, I envy you for that.
    =======from MasaManiA
    THank you and I try to thank for my country safety.

  18. Nathan says:

    This is a famous quote in Western culture, if it is interesting or helpful to you, please remember it.
    I think it is from the Christian bible, but it is famous and many non-Christian people know this quote too.
    Here is the quote:
    “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”
    Can you understand the meaning MasaManiA?
    It means, when each person has the chance, each person can understand truth when we see it. Because of this, there is nothing that is more powerful than the truth.
    When you take a picture, please don’t feel sin…
    If the reason is for truth, you can always feel free!!!!
    ======from MasaManiA
    Thank you for your nice advice and quote.

  19. Fuck Hello says:

    Masa! You should know already that your pictures and your work is FUCKING important and FUCKING great! Seriously, I respect what you do, when you even put yourself at a risk, and I understand how you feel. Don’t you dare quit taking pictures, they are really good and interesting. We need your website!
    Hope the person didn’t get hurt too much!
    (where’s the japanese dick you promised me?)
    =======from MasaManiA
    THank you.

  20. brett says:

    masa i will always commit crime of seeing the truth!! i have always know of danger of taking public photo, sometimes i like to do it. i have always apreciate your effort. good fortune to you masa!
    ========from MasaManiA
    You too, good fortune !

  21. vir-jin says:

    Why should it be a crime to take a picture? That’s pathetic!Because then it is a crime to see an accident with your own eyes. Pictures only show what is already there. And if you look at them again you will remember after a long time, too. I love to be a criminal! It’s heaven on earth :-)! Please don’t stop me from commiting crime, Masa hero!
    =========from MasaManiA
    hahaha thank you

  22. Master Bates says:

    Masa you fucking Rocks! I enjoy your site and most of the time i laugh at your comments because sometimes you give me the answer i was looking for. Thank you for teling me the answer of why people in japan always do the peace sign when they have their picture taken.
    Keep coming those awsome pics masa, and when police chase you RUN FOR YOUR LIFE
    ==========from MasaManiA
    Thank you

  23. Sema says:

    Masa I think your pictures are absolutely amazing, and I want you to know that I appreciate every picture you take and show to us.
    =======from MasaManiA
    hahahaha thank you.

  24. bullshiite says:

    Quote: “Police preach me that taking phots without consents is crime. I have no right to take photo because I ‘ m not mass media. Even though my name is similar to the word, “ mass ” .”
    You have every right to take a photo! Fuck the police! The mass media has no more right to take a photograph than you. You ARE mass media. Anyone can come to Masamania and read. So give police web site address and say “I am Masamania.com! I am mass media! FUCK YOU!” If someone ask me about Masamania, I would say you are mass media. Look how many people come here and comment!
    If you are IN PUBLIC, the people you are photographing are also in public. If they are not public, you cannot see them! It is not like you are paparazzi, taking photos from helicopter, or trespass on property, looking in homes for private lives of people. You do what any tourist can do. The police that say stop only do so because they think they can tell you they are right, but they are wrong.
    The police photograph in public too, and security companies! Whenever gangsters meet publicly, the police make hundreds of photographs! It is legal to do so, and the gangters cannot stop them. Not because they are police, but because the gangsters are in public. If the gangsters do not want to be photographed, they can choose to stay in home, or meet somewhere less public.
    What you do is very important, to you, and to others like me. It shows people themselves, and others, and how people live and interact in the real world. You tell a story, in okay English, and that is good enough for all to understand what you are saying, and the feelings you are having when you describe them. It is great stuff!

  25. Rence says:

    I’m not surprised a stupid taxi driver was involved… wherever I come, taxidrivers are really the worst drivers!

  26. kaivoo says:

    maybe the Deathnote rise to the world. 😀

  27. Adhesive says:

    Masa, why don’t you try to get a fake Japanese press pass? I’m sure it wouldn’t be too difficult to forge the mass media press passes. You could also steal a pass from a journalist at a news conference or expo. This would allow you to expose the truth on a whole new level.
    I may know some Chinese guys that could help you out. 😉
    ===============from MasaManiA
    Thank you but I have a middle finger and fucking spirit, this is my press pass.

  28. Chris says:

    Don’t get me wrong Masa, sir, I appreciate your photos, and your comments even more (I just don’t like cosplay very much), and I often wonder ‘Jeez, wasn’t he afraid to get his teeth kicked in when taking that picture?’. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.
    Also, you often seem to follow your subjects around for a very long time… (like here)
    =======from MasaManiA
    I dont know also what happen.

  29. UncomfortableChubby says:

    That speech was beautiful man.
    =====from MasaManiA
    thank you

  30. Takahashi says:

    It is sad! I like your website very much. We are sorry to fend you off. we are working for money. It is serious people is hurt. We cannot afford people fooling around. hope u understand us as i understand u.

  31. fishegg says:

    i am SO mania for MasaManiA and the fucking truth he shows by his camera! and i happily bear witness! stay cool and keep hitting that shutter!
    =========from MasaManiA
    THank you

  32. robo says:

    thank you for taking pictures of the truth, masa. i admit i am a coward, because its hard for me to take pictures of people i dont even know! in a small way, i understand what instincts go through your mind when you take pictures even though you put yourself in danger.
    that is true journalism, so keep reporting the truth.
    more middle fingers, too.
    ====from MasaManiA
    THank you

  33. Nikki says:

    Masa, I read every entry but I don’t comment much. Your site is special because you are sharing part of the world that most people could never see in a conventional way. I admire you 😀
    =======from MasaManiA
    THank you

  34. lando says:

    new viewer here, great site, fantastic photos. much respect to you and keep on shooting and running. 😉
    ========from MasaManiA
    Thank you. I run !

  35. Andrew Hartline says:

    YEAH! Great article Masa.
    ====from MasaManiA
    THank you

  36. Toto says:

    Hey truthmaster…I will pray for your ass everytime you go out there to fight bums, businessmen, and cosplay girls. It is indeed a great crusade of a holy mission to bring back the truth and host it back in your computer, so that we, the fucking gaijin and the stupid fanboys, will be enlighten by your fucking pretend stupid english.
    As many above have said, “Oh Masa! U are so awesome! Your site rocks! I love your site so much! I want to bear your children!”
    I ,myself, will definitely follow your path.
    Sincerely Fuck you
    — Toto
    ======from MasaManiA
    THank you. I apriciate your fuck you

  37. Honda says:

    This is not enough dude. When u are saying japan is boring, I think you are the one that bored. Walking around the isolated train tracks like it is your last day is freaking sad dude. U should report to us about Tokyo nightlife. I hope my words will encourage you to pursue the truth to its extreme. Because I know the power is with you. Amen
    ========from MasaManiA
    THank you. but Japan is really boring.

  38. Coffin Joe says:

    I love your photos and your spirit. Keep breaking the law with style!
    ========from MasaManiA
    Thank you

  39. masa says:

    the world needs more people like you. all around me, white pasty gaijin who think Japan is like in anime, they make me sick! so fuck them. show them what is real japan, show those fake japan-mania otaku-wannabe what Japan really is. country of karo jisatsu and hikikomori and ugly women and densha chikan and inflation! that is the real truth, fuck mass media for lying that japan is wonderful.
    you are the best, fuck you masa!
    but don’t become hentai that takes pantsu shot and hidden camera!
    ========from MasaManiA
    Tell the truth, I am hentai. but thank you

  40. R says:

    im just curious…
    when you say “thank you”
    does it mean “fuck you?”
    (lol)
    ===========from MasaManiA
    No, I use “thank you” as thank you. but typing it by middle finger
    anyway, thank you

  41. tom says:

    Japan may be boring, but at least it’s relatively safe. Next time you’re in the U.S., visit Detroit. Not boring, not safe.
    =========from MasaManiA
    Sound interesting, really.

  42. fucked gaijin says:

    Masa, don’t worry..many people love and support you!
    Anyone who makes a bad comment should get the middle finger…
    Fight! Never give up!
    ==========from MasaManiA
    THank you

  43. Ivan says:

    I sometimes suspect the people in your shots must be getting angry, but by taking photos photos you are showing the truth, not the edited glossy “truth” that major news networks show us.
    I wish others would give up but not you masa. Your pictures and comments have alot of integrity and are always thought provoking.Thank-you!
    =========from MasaManiA
    You are welcome

  44. ChrisV82 says:

    Masa, your website is always entertaining and enjoyable. I look forward to each new update.
    ========from MasaManiA
    THank you

  45. milo peng says:

    masa, amazing website! You’ve given us a glimpse of Japan that no book, magazine or tour guide can ever do. The world drowns in stereotypes of people, countries and races, and it’s great that you show us Japan for what it really is.
    by the way, what happened in the accident?
    =========from MasaManiA
    THank you. and tell the truth, I also dont know what happened. i think taxi hit people.

  46. Sausage says:

    Masa, what are some of the most dangerous situations you’ve gone through to bring us your photos?
    =========from MasaManiA
    Difficult question. there are no “much danderous” nor “less dangerous”. Everytime dangerous.

  47. bob says:

    Opinions are like assholes, everyone has them, and some people like to make opinions out of their ass. They can stick them back up there along with their head.
    Your site is great man, sometimes I forget about the potential risks you go to for getting stuff on here.
    You show what you see, not just some idealised fantasy that appropriate powers that be would rather feed to the outside world.
    It takes balls to do what you do man 🙂
    Keep up the good work 🙂
    ========from MasaManiA
    THank you

  48. Robin says:

    I read your entries because you have awesome opinions.
    You seem very smart and very interesting.
    I appreciate your pictures because you share.
    ========from MasaManiA
    THnak you

  49. T says:

    Images are the best truth of journalism.
    =====from MasaManiA
    Yes, but Photoshop sometime breack it.

  50. reed says:

    In the States, it is perfectly legal to take a photo at any location owned by yourself or by the public. ‘Community’ government property (for example, streets and intersections) is considered public property, therefore it is legal to take a photo on any street. In fact, regarding free speech, it is your right.
    So, it’s your right to take a picture of a car accident, a theft, a shooting, a rape, a stage performance or any other public event, because it has occurred on public property. You own the picture and nobody can censor it.
    Regarding truth, journalist Richard Avedon said, “All photographs are accurate. None of them is the truth.”
    ===========from MasaManiA
    THank you. Now I can know what I should do.

  51. Zy says:

    Hey masa, this is Zy. I love this crazy cite. I also like to see the others comments like American or Europian. As I Japanese, I can see how the foreigners recognize the Japan.Tell them that our country is well-developed like a shit. Keep doin ur job men!
    When I go back to Japan, Why dun we hang out? its ganna be awesome i think
    ========from MasaManiA
    Yes, I am looking forword to seeing you.

  52. ayawochan says:

    well, your site is just so incredible.
    what the great role of photography is that to show the world that people have not usually seen or recognized. photography exposured something we know it exsists but we hardly believe.
    yes, taking photography is such an egoism behavior.
    you take photo because YOU want to do it. the felling comes first more than anything. when I take photo I don’t care what other people think or feel about it.
    it is totally me- centered activity, however, when i shoot, there is something strongly I feel about the subject or situation which I can not even explain but those photo eventually ends up always sharing soemthing with viewers.
    as a viwer sharing the sin you feel when you shoot is significant and that is what real photo can do.
    that is my difinition of what the real photography is.
    I want to take what I want but I don’ t want ti take just due t o self satisfaction.
    =========from MasaManiA
    THank you

  53. ultimai says:

    Reply to:
    “Why are the ambulance guys wearing helmets? and why do they have to be six guys to help one injured person? that seems really ineffective, most of them are just standing there, not doing anything.”
    You don’t know the full situation usually, it could be dangerous (like a crumbling building) so a helmet is a good idea and extra people are there because you don’t specifically know many injured there are all you know is “car accident at shibuya” because you have to be there first.
    Also if the person has a back injury, you need to handle the person very carefully or you can injure them further, and 6 people to handle a back injury properly is not uncommon.

  54. Datsun says:

    Don’t stop! Continue taking pictures and making comments. Someone must shout at the world to pay attention to it’s backsides and underbellies.
    NEVER GIVE UP!
    ==========from MasaManiA
    THank you

  55. R. Elgin says:

    Yes, I think “Datsun” has a good point. No one really documents these things Masa . I can imagine, one day, some researcher will be going through all of your *fucking* commentary and build an academic career from it.
    Now that is *fucked* 🙂
    =======from MasaManiA
    Thank you

  56. Bambi says:

    Is this consider public nuisance?
    ========from MasaMania
    i THINK SO

  57. jp says:

    Good work, I like very much the impression of reality.
    =======from MasaManiA
    THank you

  58. jp says:

    Good work, I like very much the impression of reality.
    ====from MasaManiA
    Thank you

  59. madstone says:

    Takahashi is the exception to the rule
    not all public servants are idiots, but most, especially the police
    feel as if they have the right to tell you what to do, how to live, what to think, how to act, etc, etc, etc,…
    these idiots are all full of shit, and are very boring people
    they tend to walk with their ego and not their feet
    yes in america we have freedom
    freedom to do what we are told!
    bush sux my dick!
    I want my america back!
    fuck you bush!
    fuck you redneck dumbass mindless mother fuckin’ piece of shit idiots that voted to give up your freedoms to have the govt’ think for you, and force your hippocratic right-wing religious fanaticism agenda upon the rest of the world in my name!
    I am ashamed to be an american
    oh, well
    keep shooting whatever the fuck you want to shoot!
    whenever wherever and however the fuck you want!
    in the imortal words of Flava Flav “FUCK THE POLICE”!!
    =====from MasaManiA
    THank you for your encouragement

  60. naranjita says:

    here, if a person can be recognized on a photograph, and you want to publish the photo, you usually have to get the person’s authorization. i think this is fair, what if the person doesn’t want their image to be made public? i think today, with cameras everywhere, you have to respect people’s privacy…
    the media also abuse it, when they show footage of the tsunami that happened in december or when they repeatedly showed horrified people during 9/11 in the US. it’s difficult to explain, because the media exists to communicate information — not truth! the truth can easily be manipulated by something as simple as adjusting your camera’s objective! — but the continued exploitation of human suffering and the invasion of privacy disgusts me sometimes. remember when princess diana died, paparazzi were taking photos while she died? for what? for truth? no, for profit. and there are many kinds of profit.
    i like the photos on this site and reading the posts, but there’s no denying that some of them are a little objectionable… there’s no difference if you’re a journalist working for CNN or masa publishing a blog. but CNN probably gets away with bigger things. but they are questionable.
    ==========from MasaManiA
    Yes, if we start to think about privacy and true journalism, we encounter the really awkword problem.
    and I never hesitate to say I am just a fucking egoistic journalist. so i can say I am really mania of the truth.

  61. Carolina says:

    Thank you for this superb blog!
    Much apreciated ^_^
    =====from MasaManiA
    Thank you too

  62. shiori says:

    >>please understand that here Japan is fucking safe and fucking boresome and fuckingj apathetic country.
    what a website. a totally unexpected and exciting visual diary. i’m impressed masa.
    i grew up between the US and Japan — a total bilingual. demo, nihon-jin no onnanoko desu. i find your thoughts and prose fascinating. would love to know more about your background and how you came to think the way you do. who are you?
    anyway, nihon de ganabatte-ne. it needs people like you… or maybe we always do have the occasional artistic geunius like you.
    ===========from MasaManiA
    THank you! if you think up any comment, please post it as a Japanese point of view. and it is very interesting.

  63. George says:

    Hey Masa,
    You have one of the most interesting websites I’ve ever seen. I believe in exposing the truth.
    Somebody once said, “Journalism isn’t pictures of armies shooting bombs; real journalism is pictures of what the bombs do to people.”
    You are a true journalist.
    George
    ============from MasaManiA
    THank you

  64. La La Ru says:

    Masa, forgive me, I just have to ask for your opinion. I won’t hold it against you.
    Do you do these things out of sympathy or just entertainment?
    I hope it’s out of sympathy.
    ======from MasaManiA
    Moral entertainment.

  65. Mura says:

    What’s the scene here? I dont quite understand it…

  66. fucky says:

    hey.
    you are the shit and i think you may be onto something. i am in japan for the next two months to destroy with graffiti. i dont have a job but lots of money and time. let me know if you want to couse trouble, take pictures… it seems to me we are doing the same thing except i dont have a website. dont die. and fuck the police. they suck in every country.
    =======from MasaManiA
    Yes, thank you

  67. Polish Vodka is the best says:

    Great photos…
    If you ever been in Poland…remember…polish Vodka is the best…specialy Chopin
    greetings from Poland 🙂

  68. hiro says:

    i love your site, and every picture on it.
    thank you for taking pictures.
    -h.

  69. kaSica says:

    This page is sooo cool. I thought almost everybody japanesse are similar!!! Alternative people rlz:] Big greetings from shity bored country Poland
    Patriotican:D
    ============from MasaManiA
    Thank you

  70. Tigernamus says:

    Dude, you should not worry about people judging you for taking a picture as that is all it is a picture.
    The picture may go on to tell a story and capture the truth of the moment but what people have to remember is that the picture is not judging the scene.
    It is merely an impartial observer.
    Keep up the excellent work!
    Later…
    ========from MasaManiA
    THank you

  71. zerothedragon says:

    The way you express yourself is something I really admire. I have been wanting to start my own blog, and I hope you don’t mind if I use your style to tell a story through pictures.

  72. Paris says:

    Hello, I’m a writer, and I was surfing the interet because I must create a japanese character. I needed some research since I never went to Japan.
    Your blog has been more than helpful. Your photos are not cliches but are carrying deep truth I can only hope to express with words.
    Thanks.
    ============from MasaManiA
    My pleasure, make a good work.

  73. Sausage says:

    Paris, why not create a character mascot called, Masa – Crusader of Truth? He would be this superdeformed guy with glasses and a camera.

  74. Jennifer says:

    Masa,
    I’m from Canada and i just found your site today. I find it very interesting to look at Japanese culture the way you do it from street level. It’s neat to see the similarities and differences of underground cultures in Japan and Canada. Peace and respect Fuck! Keep up your good work and wicked pictures!
    ===========from MasaManiA
    Thank you

  75. Marissa says:

    Hey i found your web site a coulpe of days a go n i think thats this is a realy neat site
    =========from MasaManiA
    THank you

  76. maskedmogga says:

    hey dude its me!!
    You alrite? Keep it up, you’ve become a legend across the net, never stop speaking your mind and speaking the truth. You reflect government how many people are thinking but too afraid to say. I look forward to someday being a journalist as integral and realistic as you.
    Keep it up!
    ==============from MasaManiA
    THank you very much!!!!

  77. JoJo says:

    MASA ROCKS! I have a Nikormat telephoto macrozoom lens. It is 72-210mm. I use a Nikormat 35mm SLR camera.
    I appreciate the danger you face every time you take a photo, as it is also dangerous in the USA to take photos at sporting events (basketball, etc).
    -JoJo

  78. Phindile "Mystical" Goqwana says:

    Masa, I looked at tired Japanese Business Man, and man I have never seen anything so funny and yet original. Keep up the good work (USISKOKO: YOU’RE THE REAL THING).
    Your english is very poor, but that adds more drama to the whole MASAMANIA SAGA..

  79. Ling Ling says:

    Masa…
    Someone posted that in America we are free to take pictures of anything and everything, but that is not true. Our rights are slowly being taken away with Bush. I applaude you and your “fuck you!” attitude to everything. You see through the bullshit and expose the truth by capturing the situation on film. That is an amazing thing to be able to do!!! You freeze moments in time forever, so that they can be truly seen for what they are. The moments are “removed” from the situations, and then become objective, which in turn, shows the truth behind everything.
    The commentary accompanying your photos is wonderful as well. Very humorous, but again, with the truth always exposed.
    I admire your work very, very much.

  80. jesska says:

    masamania!
    you are awsome
    here in australia we idolise you
    i want to come to japan to see harajuku girls and buy there clothing. here in australia ravers that wear bright colors are candy ravers or cyber kids. were i live, there are lots of people who wear fluff and colours.
    raves are fun. i want to buy japanese clothing
    thankyou masa you are a good friend

  81. Christos says:

    Masa, As a start, I would like to say that having just discovered your page, I am in love. I am a photographer myself, and what you do pretty much represents what photography is supposed to be. You are clearly free spirited and have the skills to bring people imagery that tells a story whether you actually read it or just see it.
    Truth can be represented in many forms; it can be words, which in turn can receive argument. It can be in writing, but not everyone is honest enough to write in absolute truth.
    The purest form of truth is in imagery, photography, and perception.
    Imagery, in that we can see through your eyes, your words, what it is you mean to say.
    Photography, in that you document undeniable evidence that truth is everywhere for a shutter.
    And Perception, in that through your art (!!that is what it is, you don’t just take pictures, you truly are an artist, the pictures are you,without you being in them!!) you help to form the perceptions of those paying attention.
    Anyway, I am envious of your style of art, as I am more of an abstract nature photographer. I would thank you for being you,and doing such a great job.
    PS, I am in Canada, Where the name MasaMania is becoming quite common. Keep it up
    Christos

  82. MArblehead says:

    Are the public domain laws different in Japan? In the U.S., so long as you don’t ask them to pose for you they fall into public domain and hence you can snap away. This is how the paparazzi get away with it here. They can’t sue you but it won’t stop them from kicking your teeth in.

  83. Mitch says:

    You kick ass.
    Let me know if you’d like to hone your English to a razor’s edge. Laughing *with* is better than laughing *at*
    =Mitch

  84. orro says:

    Way to go masa!
    most people wont bother much or put actually any effort to even think about what is the truth.
    keep the good work
    will be following your progress
    orro

  85. Errore says:

    Here is a Japanese phone you may want to use in your photo taking:
    http://pages.globetrotter.net/mcordeau/2004/phone.htm

  86. dvilzni_te_3 says:

    YO! YO! YO! i dnt give afuck you all dam shit.. mother fucker.. if you all wanna race your dam shit car we dnt give afuck dam care come to our town… bringz all the mony then we’ll see whoz the mother fucker pro dnt be dam mother fucker fear.. ,we think this mother fuck websid full of bullshit dam bitches.. look like more 5 sen to me… ,we from korea but aint korean’z ,say to your king of race that we wana see him on this dam 1 january!! dont forget you all son of fabitch… dam fool stupid like dam idiot monkey..
    dnt forget masamania to come to shit..
    FUCK YOU ALL LIKE MOTHER FUCKER STUPID DAM IDIOT NO BRANZ HAHAHAHAHAHA

  87. Tomas says:

    Where have all the photos gone? And how come using Netscape I get re-directed to Rakuten? Masa, come back!

  88. where has masa gone? says:

    yes masa please come back i miss you!!!!!
    love the site!

  89. sinisterpunk says:

    Just remember that all truth is not truth that needs to be told. Case in point, why do you take picture of helpless bleeding guy on street?

  90. Raisa says:

    Hey, Masa. Me suspect you is a white boy tly imitate jap boy bad Engrishu.

  91. KazumA says:

    I really like your point of view Masa ^^ I think so.

  92. Nana says:

    I love your website, because I love japan so much, so to me this is like keeping in touch withlife in japan lol
    thanks for making the web

  93. T.K says:

    I’m a student for publishing (graphic design) and support Reporters Without Borders. I think guys like you are important for urban culture.
    People obsess about reports from wars, elections and environment to be truthful and accurate.
    When someone makes a report on everyday happenings in the city, suddenly “privacy” is more important. What hypocrisy!
    Good going, Masa.

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