Text and photos by Alex
A month ago, Japanese photographer Yokoichi (@yokoichi777) captured a view of Tokyo from an airplane window (related report). Under the clear sky, the view stretched from the Tokyo Skytree all the way to Mount Fuji over a hundred kilometers away — truly breathtaking. Another photographer, Yamada Yuto (@tokio_kid), recently shot Tokyo in the same way. While his approach to composition and image processing differs slightly from Yokoichi’s, the resulting photos showcase a completely different style.
View this post on InstagramPost shared by YUTO / Berlin ? Tokyo, Japan (@tokio_kid)
The common element in both photographers’ works is that the Tokyo Skytree is placed in the foreground, with the Imperial Palace serving as the central focal point of the image. In contrast, in Yamada’s photos, Mount Fuji appears significantly larger, giving the illusion that Tokyo is a vast metropolis nestled beneath the iconic mountain. Additionally, Yamada deliberately applies a near-ink-green tint and noticeably enhances contrast between light and shadow, making the images feel reminiscent of both traditional Japanese ukiyo-e paintings and classical Chinese ink wash landscapes.
▲ Tokyo looks like a vast metropolis at the foot of Mount Fuji. (photo by tokio_kid @IG)
In fact, many netizens have praised Yamada’s work as incredible and awe-inspiring, with no shortage of people asking for details about how the photos were taken. Unfortunately, he only revealed that the shots were taken from a plane, without specifying the type of camera or lens used. In response to inquiries, he mentioned that he would share more details on his personal website soon. Photography enthusiasts can follow his Instagram page for updates and to browse more of his work.
▲ The addition of a deep ink-green tone makes Tokyo appear like a cold, mechanical cityscape. (photo by tokio_kid @IG)
▲ The distant drifting clouds carry characteristics reminiscent of ukiyo-e and ink wash landscape paintings. (photo by tokio_kid @IG)
Source: @tokio_kid