Willow Photo by Mieko

Willow Photo by Mieko Capturing fleeting moments of beauty through mindfulness—unfolding life, one frame at a time. 🌿📸

May your season unfold slowly, bringing joy, warmth and light. ❄️Happy Holidays❄️
24/12/2025

May your season unfold slowly, bringing joy, warmth and light.

❄️Happy Holidays❄️

“Chigasaki — A Little Seaside Gem Only One Hour from Tokyo”Chigasaki sits along the shoreline of Sagami Bay in Kanagawa ...
13/12/2025

“Chigasaki — A Little Seaside Gem Only One Hour from Tokyo”

Chigasaki sits along the shoreline of Sagami Bay in Kanagawa Prefecture, facing the wide Pacific Ocean. From the beach, you can see the iconic shape of Eboshi-iwa just offshore and, on clear days, Ōshima Island resting on the horizon.

It’s a town where time flows quietly,
where nature and everyday life intertwine.

This is a place to:

— come with no agenda
— greet those you pass on your walk to the shore
— notice the small flowers carefully placed in front of someone’s home
— sit on the sand and simply boketto while listening to the pine trees rustle in the sea breeze

If those quiet moments speak to you,
visit Chigasaki.

You may find intangible souvenirs for your soul.

And…
I can help you experience Chigasaki.

Details are in the comments.

Aloha from Japan,This photograph captures the pause I took after my injury —light, shadow, and the quiet space to reflec...
21/11/2025

Aloha from Japan,

This photograph captures the pause I took after my injury —
light, shadow, and the quiet space to reflect.

I broke my wrist in October, which delayed my plan to reopen my photography business. Yet…

My newly designed website is ready.

I’m accepting bookings for March 2026 and beyond, and I would love for you to take a look.

If you have a moment, please visit the new site —
your feedback in the comments would mean a lot to me.

Warmly,

Mieko

What a beautiful morning that was.I finally held my first beach portrait session since returning to Japan — and it was w...
07/11/2025

What a beautiful morning that was.

I finally held my first beach portrait session since returning to Japan — and it was with the Roberts family, whom I’ve admired since our Maui days.

A big mahalo to Kumi, Paloma, and Ryoma for sharing your Sunday morning with me. 🌺
Your warmth, laughter, and presence by the sea reminded me of why I pursue photography.

I had originally planned to reopen my portrait business on October 23. But as some of you know, I recently had an accident and needed surgery on my right wrist. So my plans are now on pause — just for a little while.

Healing might take time, but I can start building the momentum while healing, one gentle step at a time.

To read the full story behind this session, see the blog link in the comments.

And if you'd like to follow along on this journey — stay with me here for updates. 🌿

— Mieko

✨ Portrait session in a quiet countryside of Kanagawa ✨By the stream lined with red spider lilies, we walked through gol...
28/09/2025

✨ Portrait session in a quiet countryside of Kanagawa ✨
By the stream lined with red spider lilies, we walked through golden rice fields and captured a serene moment in Shonan. 🌾📸


☘️ Photography mindset ☘️How to Take More Meaningful Photos...Have you ever returned from a trip, looked at your photos,...
03/03/2025

☘️ Photography mindset ☘️

How to Take More Meaningful Photos...

Have you ever returned from a trip, looked at your photos, and wondered, “Why did I take this?”

That’s a great question.

I shared my thoughts about how to prepare mindfully before taking photographs on my new blog. Please follow the link below in the comment section. I placed my heart into the writing. It would mean so much if you read what’s been on my mind. ❤️

✨ A fresh start, a new chapter! ✨After moving from Maui to Japan, I poured my heart into building this new website—a ref...
08/01/2025

✨ A fresh start, a new chapter! ✨
After moving from Maui to Japan, I poured my heart into building this new website—a reflection of my journey, passions, and services.
From mindful photo walks intertwined with cultural guiding to my photography services, it’s all here. I’d love for you to take a look and share your feedback! Your support means the world to me! 🌸 Link to my website is here, https://www.willowphoto.me/ or from my bio. ⬆️

Hi Everyone, みなさま、I hope you are having a good holiday season.お元気で年の瀬をお過ごしでしょうか?As 2024 comes to a close, I find subtle ...
30/12/2024

Hi Everyone,
みなさま、

I hope you are having a good holiday season.
お元気で年の瀬をお過ごしでしょうか?

As 2024 comes to a close, I find subtle peace within myself. It's strange because I have many reasons to worry about my life. Maybe, and finally, my over 10 years of mindfulness practice is having an effect on me. I also know that as soon as I think I grasped its concept, it would just slip away between my fingers. I savor those moments but try not to boast.
2024も終わりを迎えようとしていますが、私の心は珍しく穏やかです。眉間に皺をよせる理由はいくつもあると言うのに不思議な感じです。もしかしたら10年ほど続けてきたマインドフルネスがやっと結実したのかもしれません。でもそんな風に「わかった風」を吹かせば、きっと「ふ〜っ」とどこかへ行ってしまうようなこの感覚、大切にはしても、謙虚な気持ちも忘れずにいたいものです。

I remember starting this year with very little to hope for. I was still in a burnout maze after moving from Maui to Japan. I didn't know what I wanted to do. Even creating a vision board felt impossible. I remember staring at a blank canvas, searching desperately for inspiration, but all I could see was darkness with only faint flickers of light. I got scared. So, I wrote something abstract and superficial, like "I fully live my life" sort of stuff.
年の始まりの頃はマウイから日本への引っ越しを終えた後の「燃え尽き症候群」もまだ酷く、迷いだらけで、新年を迎えるにあたって期待に胸を踊らせるような状態ではありませんでした。「新年の抱負」を考えようと真っ白な紙を前にそれっぽいことを探そうと、いくら考えても、自分の心を見つめても、ちらほらと光はあるものの、真っ暗で何も探せない、そんな感じでした。怖かったです。なのでお茶を濁そうと「自分の人生を一生懸命に生きる。」などと曖昧な目標を立て日のことを思い出します。

And yet, as it often does, the Universe watched over me. 2024 became an exceptionally inspiring and fulfilling year. It began with me standing alone in a vast, open field, unsure what to do with this space and time. I could have gone anywhere, but I didn't wanna do anything. Slowly, people appeared on the horizon, bringing opportunities and connections. Conversations sparked ideas, and the flickers of light I saw earlier began to grow. I followed my heart’s desires, taking steps without overthinking them.
それでも、今年もお天道様はちゃんと私のことを見てくれていたのでしょう。なんとたくさんの気づきと達成感を得た一年だったことか。年頭の頃の私は目の前に広がる大草原にポツンと立ち止まり、どこにでも行けるのにどこへも行きたくなかった。すると一人、また一人と草原にはたくさんの人たちが現れ、それがきっかけや繋がりになりました。こうして出会った人たちと会話を交わしていくうちにアイデアやヒントを見つけ、あの今にも消えそうだった光が少しずつ大きく強く光り始めました。そして自分の心の声に従って、深く悩むことなく前へ進めるようになりました。

This year was a lesson in simplicity and trust. It may sound simple, but it was profound.
あまり深く考え込まずに「信じること」を学んだように思います。シンプルなことなのかもしれませんが、私には深淵でした。

I've always lived with plans A, B, and C. This year, I didn't even have a Plan A. I’d triple-check a bridge before crossing it. This year, I crossed my fingers and just walked across. It was a very foreign way to live, but I felt lighter and made more progress. I’m proud of myself for embracing the uncertainty. I have no idea what 2025 will bring, and that’s okay. I’m ready to welcome it all with an open heart.
いつもなら計画に沿ってバックアッププランは二通りあるぐらいが好きなのですが、今年は本命の計画も無し。橋を渡る前は叩いて、叩いて、叩きつくしてから出ないと渡らない性格ですが、今年は運を天に任せて「えいやっ!」と渡る。そんな私らしくない生き方をしました。苦笑いながらにも自分でもよくもまぁ、こんなふうに生きれたものだと感心します。そのおかげか、心は軽く、以前より事は捗ったようにも思えます。2025年がどんな年になるのか知るよしもありませんが、それはそれで良い。いろいろな体験を楽しみたいと思います。

To everyone who showed up in my life—in person, online, or even by simply clicking "Like"—THANK YOU. Your presence turned what felt like a hopeless year into one of the most meaningful chapters of my life.
末筆ですが、私と関わってくださったすべての皆さま、直接お会いできた人たち、オンラインでご一緒していただいた皆さま、また私の投稿にリアクションをしてくださった方々、に感謝の言葉を送らせてください。「ありがとうございました。」みなさまのおかげで希望を持てずに始まった2024年は私の心に残る大切な一年となりました。

I'm now able to see my path to move forward. Stay tuned for exciting updates as I prepare to launch a refreshed website that reflects the growth and inspiration this year has brought.
霧が晴れ、方向性が見え始めたおかげで、現在は既存のウェブサイトを新しくするためにリニューアル中です。こちらが出来上がりましたらまたご報告させていただきますのでどうぞよろしくお願いします。

Wishing you all a happy and transformative New Year. I look forward to seeing you again.
どうぞ素晴らしい新年をお迎えください。またご一緒できる時を楽しみにしております。

With Gratitude,
感謝を込めて、

Mieko
堀越美恵子

23/11/2024

Discover the Art of Tofu at Tofu-ya Ukai 🍃

Have you ever experienced authentic tofu cuisine?🤔

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Tofu-ya Ukai isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an unforgettable experience. From the meticulously crafted tofu dishes to the serene Japanese garden, every corner of this iconic restaurant speaks of authenticity and elegance.

Indulge in their signature tofu creations, prepared with the utmost care to highlight the subtle flavors of Japan’s culinary heritage. Stroll through the lush grounds and lose yourself in the beauty of their Japanese garden.

📍 Located near Tokyo Tower, this dining spot offers a unique escape from the city buzz. Whether you're a food enthusiast or a Japanese culture lover, Tofu-ya Ukai promises a memory you'll cherish.

Join my unique Portrait 📸 and Fine Dining 🍽️ Collaboration tour. DM me or visit the link in the bio for details😊

住所

Chigasaki-shi, Kanagawa

営業時間

月曜日 09:00 - 17:00
火曜日 09:00 - 17:00
水曜日 09:00 - 17:00
木曜日 09:00 - 17:00
金曜日 09:00 - 17:00

電話番号

+18088701797

アラート

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