[ frangipani ] [ a life in tokyo ] [ photoblog ]

Hello and welcome.

My name is Martine Cotton. I'm an Australian living and working in what many believe to be the biggest city in the world: Tokyo. I started this website back in November 2002, just before I moved to Japan. It wasn't really a blog back then, but I can thank Movable Type for making blogging a natural evolutionary process. I tinker away at it whenever I have some free time and can drag myself away from my bloglines subscriptions or camera... please settle in and take a look around. I hope you enjoy it here. I do.

So just what is a "Frangipani"? I'm always surprised by just how many people ask me that question. They are a particularly pretty (and my fave) tropical flower, also known as Cultivar Plumeria. The little pink flower popping up all over the site and in your menu bar is a frangipani. [pron: franj-i-panni]. Frangipani is also a Tokyo blog with a strong photography accent - travel, street and portrait photography.

In other news....

Newsflash (received in an email forward a long time ago but still kinda relevant these days): The World Health Organisation today issued a new warning against non-essential travel to the entire Western hemisphere following renewed concerns about the spread of Severe Loss of Perspective Syndrome (SLOPS). Officials are warning travellers not to visit the UK, the US, almost all of Western Europe, and Canada, following further outbreaks of the disease, which has led to mass panic among the media, thousands of ecstatic children being kept out of school by their credulous and moronic parents, and increased profits for DIY stores as the idiot public rush to bulk-buy face masks and boiler suits. A WHO spokesman said, "You'd be much better off going to somewhere like Thailand or China, because all you've got to worry about there is SARS,and let's face it, you're about as likely to die from that as you are to get kicked to death by a gang of zombie nuns."The SARS virus has now claimed a staggering 500 lives in only six months, which makes it considerably more deadly than, say, malaria, which only kills around 3000 people every single day. Malaria, however, mainly effects only darkies what speak foreign, whereas SARS has made at least one English person feel a bit iffy for a couple of days, and is therefore considered much more serious. The spread of SLOPS has now reached pandemic proportions, with many high-level politicians seemingly affected by the disease. The rapid spread of SLOPS has been linked to the need for Western leaders to give the public something to worry about. Otherwise, they might start asking uncomfortable questions about domestic issues, and that simply would not do.

cranky

Thanks for dropping by.

Martine

Posted by frangipani at January 24, 2005 8:30 PM

On June 28, 2005 4:07 PM, shannon said:

Martine,

A big THANK YOU. I returned from Japan a few months ago, after living there for three years. When the 'I'm going out of my mind with homesickness and wanna go home' periods hit - as they do - your website helped! I would scroll through your beautiful photos and they would remind me of why I'd come to Japan in the first place, and of how incredibly magical the place can be.

So thanks!

Shannon

On February 24, 2006 11:37 AM, Aaron O'Brien said:

Hello form Latitude 27° 30', South:
I’m Aaron. I met your aunty while I was a teaching as residence theatre artist at her school here in Brisbane. She told me about your page and your photos; oh and also told me to say “Hi” to you on her behalf. So, Hi. I am a young emerging theatre artists working in Physical Theatre and Butoh dance. Your photos are amazing; and Shinjuku are my favorite company. If you could email me any shot of the company that would be really nice.

Take care- call your aunty:
Aaron

On February 26, 2006 10:30 AM, Paul said:

Hi Martine

I ate at a restaurant called Frangipani in Kuala Lumpur last week and went online to find the meaning of frangipani. Ended up at your place.

As I was in Bombay a couple of weeks ago your description of India hit home. Spot on! I do envy you getting to a Dalai Lama Kalachakra teaching. Something I hope to do some day, but not at those heights.

My blog's just a record of travels. I post a photo of two per entry so that I can look back and see my trail/wake/footsteps/residue. When I get around to editing my blog I will add yours as a link. You are a good photographer and I have savored your shots.

All the best,

Paul

On October 27, 2006 4:33 AM, Leo said:

Hi Martine
I'm writing from Brazil. Sorry about my English.
I saw the link to your photos in a Brazilian portal that shows the manholes...
So, I decided to visit your home page.
Congratulations! Japan seems to be a place that we can see art in everywhere; even their habitants can not consider it.
Your eyes are very special. Keep doing things like this work because we need sensibility in this insensible world.
I'm an editor of a nice magazine here. And I'll make an article about your manholes work (if you don't mind). Probably, it will be available on site too at the end of this year.
It's my contribution to show that we can do things better. If you have more works in that direction, you can count on me.

Thanks a lot

Leo

On January 24, 2007 4:22 AM, kevin said:

Hello Martine

I have to say this is one of the most beautiful web pages I’ve seen in a long time. I particularly enjoyed the section about "SLOPS", as an Englishman I know how mad the government can be on particular subjects.

I was wondering (just out of interest.) Are you employed by a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) agency or by a Japanese school?

Also, what is my level of grammar expected to be like? As mine is awful, thank GOD for Microsoft spell checker. :)

TY for any info
Kevin

On January 24, 2007 9:00 AM, frangipani said:

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for your kind words! Glad you liked the SLOPS thing, it tickles my fancy every time.

I work for a private school and a private student introduction company/agency called 7act, but I used to work for a number of English conversation schools (eikawa) so I've kinda done it all - except for university work..

Your grammar isn't so important as most of the work here is for natural sounding conversation English. Though, erm, it does really help to have a bit of an understanding of grammar and spelling....
Maybe do a TESOL course before you head out....?

Cheers

Martine

On February 13, 2007 7:28 AM, frangipani said:

Hi Kevin,

Points of interest for me are:

KYOTO #1 Most beautiful city in the world,
Nara,
Hiroshima & Nijima,
Osore-san in Aomori-ken,

Around Tokyo: Kamakura, Fuji Go-ko (5 lakes - Yamanashi ken, where Mt Fuji is), Nikko

In Tokyo

Kichijoji, and most places along the Chuo line up to Kichijoji from Shinjuku,
Ueno and the shitamachi districts - museums and old school Tokyo,
The Gaijin-popular centres of Harajuku, Omote-sando, Shibuya - all good for shopping and people watching
Daikanyama, Naka-Meguro - cool arty places with lots of galleries.

So much to see, it's all cool.

On April 8, 2007 11:46 PM, Sorowka (Steph) said:

Hola Martine! Sorowka desu. Moshi, oboenai, watashi wa Canada jin kara 2005 Seikei exchange.

Ogenki desu ka? Happy easter : )

Just want to give my greetings. Are you living in the same place I helped you move into? How is life? Are you still working at S? How are YOU?

I'm finishing up my first year at university in Nova Scotia, Canada. Not much to say about the province apart from the weather never being able to make up its mind, and its never very intense when it does. The people are friendly and laid back, small town mentality. I've been involved with theatre, yoga, and some judo. Studying sciences, and plan to go abroad after next year.

Hope you're genki and enjoying Nippon!

On July 5, 2007 6:08 AM, kevin smith said:

Red And Gold

Red And Gold Kimono's All In A Line.

Mirroring The Autum Colours Of The Maple And Pine.

A Scent Of Jasmine Floats On The Breeze.

People Come And Go At Ease.

Client's Watch Geisha Sing And Dance.

Shamisen Strings Induce A Trance.

A Feeling Of Tranquility.

As The Sun Sinks To The Sea.

Red And Gold Kimono's All In A Line.

Dying Rays Glance Through Maple And Pine.

I hope you enjoyed my little poem

On September 1, 2007 2:12 AM, Kevin said:

Red And Gold Kimono's All In A Line.

Mirroring The Autum Colours Of The Maple And Pine.

A Scent Of Jasmine Floats On The Breeze.

People Come And Go At Ease.

Client's Watch Geisha Sing And Dance.

Shamisen Strings Induce A Trance.

A Feeling Of Tranquility.

As The Sun Sinks To The Sea.

Red And Gold Kimono's All In A Line.

Dying Rays Glance Through Maple And Pine.

I hope you enjoyed my little poem :)

On March 12, 2008 4:54 AM, tony said:

Hi Martine - hope you are well.
I clicked your name on the 'Goats recent blog and then spent 1 hour surfing through your pictures and blog - i'm sure you get this all the time, but i would just like to say - your pictures are truly amazing.... and you have a great way with writing !

How do I know the Goat? i Dont really, came across those 4corners guys researching an end-to-end walk across Japan, perhaps for May 08.

Have fun.
Regards
Tony

On September 8, 2004 1:28 PM, brandon said:

I think the photo above is terrific. The way you've captured the colors and surrounding really lends a feeling of atmosphere to your writing. I need to work on the writing aspect of my site, as I've taken up too much time with photography! Great work Martine.

On September 30, 2004 1:10 AM, Se�or Rodr�guez (Madrid, Spain) said:

�Felicidades! �Las fotograf�as son geniales! Me encanta el uso de los colores. No es f�cil encontrar paisajes tan interesantes en Internet.

Congratulations!!!!!!!!
The photos are great!!!!!!!!!!
I love the colours (green, red, yelloow... �Waaa!)
It isn�t easy to meet pictures so interesting in Internet.

On April 16, 2005 4:55 PM, tenzin phenthok said:

hi, its me phenthok, nothing to comment but felt great to go your website as it is full of information. you are really outstandingand extra ordinary too. i had written my mail id so please write me as i didn't got your new address. your website become a good link to connect you. so i will be hoping for reply on email. so, bye. i will be waiting.

On April 20, 2005 1:19 PM, Martin Frid said:

I like your Lomo photos a lot... and what made me want to comment was the SLOPS warning... I want to quote it on my blog! Can I link to your site from my blog?

Blog:
http://martinjapan.blogspot.com/

On April 20, 2005 5:14 PM, frangipani

said:

Hi Martin,

Actually, the SLOPS warning is not mine, it's a brilliant piece of writing that did the rounds as an email forward in 2003. Feel free top use it, it's public property!

Glad you like the lomo's. Of course you can link to my blog, no need to ask but nice to meet you, anyway.

On April 20, 2005 5:18 PM, frangipani

Phenthok!!! hello!!!!

None of the email addresses you sent are working! I tried to email you at phenthok04 and 05 but no luck! please email me again, directly, so I can email you all my news. I am worried you didn't get my last 2 letters with my new address - did you get the box of supplies? I really hope so. Talk to you soon,

your friend always,

On August 3, 2005 5:10 AM, Burnie said:

Hello there, I've been reading your blog for about a week & I just like it só much ... went to Japan last year and it's as if you took all the pictures I couldn't (or should have). Keep up the great work!

On November 7, 2005 6:49 PM, Shirley said:

Hi Martine,

Actually I stumbled upon your website by chance, you have some really beautiful pictures here, especially the ones of the maple leaves in Yoyogi Park! I'll be visiting Tokyo soon and am thinking of visiting the park on the 13th Nov. Would you by any chance know whether the red leaves will be out by then? Thanks a million and keep up with the great site!

Cheers,
Shirley

On November 29, 2005 7:48 PM, Tiana said:

I wanted to say thank you for your wonderfully creative site and the amazing photography! I immensely enjoyed looking (living through) your photo's.

On December 1, 2005 8:15 PM, CHAOSMOS/TOMIOKA Masahiro

Hello Ms,Martine.
I am the artist who became friends when there was Mia Kempel in Japan.
I want to tell her about my site.
http://www.chaosmos.jp
Will there be means?
We request well.
CHAOSMOS/TOMIOKA Masahiro

On January 28, 2006 3:26 AM, Paul (Denver,CO) said:

Hello Martine,
I'm so happy to have stumbled upon your website. Thank you for being the person you have become. Your life is an inspiration to me and I'm sure to countless many more. You follow your dreams and bring them to life through your photography. I'd love to see your pictures from your explorations of Thailand, let me know if you ever post them.
Cheers,
Paul

On February 27, 2006 8:46 PM, frangipani

Hi Aaron, nice to hear from you. You can email me directly about the photos. martine [at] frangipani [dot] info . Cheers.

Paul, thanks for taking the time to comment. You seem to get around a lot, lucky fella. Cheers.

On March 11, 2006 4:15 AM, Manlio said:

Hello.
My name is Manlio, I'm Italian.
I have visited your blog I would want to introduce my collection of photo with a particular subject, the feet. If you want you can send of the photos (example to me that one to mooloolaba beach)
Bye.

On March 25, 2006 10:14 PM, raecao said:

Hello! Ms Cotton¬
I know your bolg from !
I am very like Japan and like to collect information from Japan¬ When I found that you have lots of photoes of Japan'life, I am really happy! Thank you ! Because of you !I can learn more about Japan!
Thank you !
ここは大好きです！（I am learning Japanese now¬)

On June 29, 2006 6:48 AM, Monique dorgay said:

Your pictures are beutiful and I have an undying love for Japan adn geisha's. I would love if you wouldn't mind me using on of your images just for an image link to my blog/forum. I've scanned through your site adn all of your pictures are of wonderful quality and proportion.

On August 4, 2006 1:05 PM, Helen O'Loan said:

Hi Martine,
I love your picture - I have just come back to Brisbane from Japan and they are great to remind me of all the good things. I am wondering if you mind if I use your ganguro girl pictures for a uni assignment?
Thanks,
Helen

On August 12, 2006 1:37 AM, Julie said:

You may remember me telling you about a photo book I am getting published of the Outside Art of Austin. I have taken pictures of 245 murals in Austin and one of them had the same exact face as your pink astronaut (under Tokyo Street Art). It was so cool, and so weird, to see the same face on a mural so far away from here. I wonder where else this image is in the world. Has anyone else seen this face somewhere?

On September 9, 2006 1:22 PM, frangipani

Hi Alex, thanks for stopping by. Benten Sento is on the street that runs down beside Tokyu Departo (the one closer to the station) - walk down about 2 minutes, it's on the right hand side.

On September 10, 2006 6:40 AM, Anastasia said:

Hello !

My names is Anastasia. I'm french. I discover your site because it names "frangipani". I discover this flowers in Senegal in april and i never see anything more pretty. It's also my favourite flower and it chokes me that every other people don't know her.
So thanks for your site and good continuation.

Anastasia

On November 8, 2006 10:43 AM, gill said:

Living in Hiroshima and sometimes momentarily forget I'm living in such a beautiful place, your exquisite pics help remind me of that thankyou! The manholes are lovely, I never seem to have camera on me when I peek one.

Every now and then I need a poke in the ribs to reopen my eyes, many thanks for this one.

gill

On February 13, 2007 12:29 AM, Kevin said:

I'm after some info plz. I'm comming to Japan on 10th of april this year, I was wondering if you could surgest some places for a humble traveler to visit

TY Again
Kevin

On April 26, 2007 10:29 PM, Kevin said:

Hey Martine

Just stopped in to say hi. Just got back from Shinjuku. Had a great time in Tokyo but only had 12 days :( really not enough time. Seen Ueno, Hakone, Odawara lovely castle there and the Ice and Lava caves near Mt Fuji. Amazing place cant wait 2 go back. Well Martine i'll post again soon. Cya

P.S just thought! Do u use MySapce.com?

On February 14, 2008 10:12 PM, Hiyori said:

this is the first time i'm here. your photos are lovely! i'm a sucker for snow and winter! anyway, glad to know that you like frangipani. it's very common in where i live, but the people here seem to find them a nuisance. that's really sad.. they are lovely flowers!

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