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the CANON gallery UMEDA

Even as yesterday's perfect day of bluest skies and clouds charming tried to wow us with the beauty of the Summer season still, I kept hearing throughout the day, “Natsu moo owari ya naaa” (Summer's almost over). When I popped into UniQlo to get a skinny belt on sale, I was confronted with their Autumn collection. “They just arrived” said the shop assistant cheerfully. It is still only August 24 I thought, with daily temperatures hovering around the low thirties, and UV strength maintaining highest blaze. Why are we saying goodbye to Summer so soon? At least wait until September 1st, no? Please? Natsu Yasumi (Summer holiday) moods continue to permeate my lifestyle. Just a little bit longer let us feel the warmth of Summer love, Summer sweets and Summer sunsets please I silently prayed to Mother Nature.

However, however, as I checked e-mails this morning early, I couldn't deny there was a distinctive chill to the air. Even riding my bike home yesterday evening, I noticed some new blends of temperature had snuck in. So flows this land of 'shiki' (Four Seasons) distinctive.

The Summer of 2009 is beginning to fade.

Even visiting the Canon Gallery Umeda on a whim today, I was surrounded by the Fall tones of Nagano Prefecture. The latest exhibition titled “Natural Landscape” by photographer Shinji Iwanishi, celebrates the beauty and evanescent moments magical of 'Aki' (Autumn). With titles like Mezame no Hikari (Awakening Light), and Asa no Kaze (Morning Breeze) there are indeed moments of melting that aren't connected to the Summer sweltering. Accompanying each photo are precise aperture details, shot locations and melodious haiku styled poetic simplicity.

Sawayaka na kaze ni

Kiri ga yukkuri nagasareru

shittori shita asa ga akeru

(The mist is slowly swept away by the fresh breeze,

and the gentle morning dawns.)

I was almost thinking to myself that Autumn is indeed close by.

The wonder of coming to this gallery, is that oftentimes you can meet the artist behind the lens, and learn about their field of expertise. It gives you a chance to meet other people who share your passions of photography, or just to smile an 'aisatsu' (greeting). You can feel thrilled at being asked to sign the guest book, and you can breathe in some new versions of landscapes loved. Mr Iwanishi himself (who wouldn't take any compliments from me) shook my hand today, and talked to me like I was any other Japanese guest. That type of natural and immediate connection I often find at this gallery, is always something that gives me a radiant glow, and a feeling of belonging. And all for free.

The Canon Gallery Umeda always has loads of photo exhibit information, and an atmosphere of ease. It is only a small space, yet deceivingly serene. There are always two photo shows on display, and usually refreshingly different in theme. J-League photos of action, power and masculinity bold, are currently on display in the front area with windows biggest that let you look out to the world above ground. If you want to compose some poetry, or sketch, there is also a sitting area.

What's more, you will also love the surrounding Umeda Garden City which houses the gallery. It is all sunlight and nature greenest, with many places to sit and mould yourself into the scenery. It is a supremely lovely retreat from the frantic multi-layered nature of central Umeda.

ACCESS

It is an easy and casual walk from JR Loop Line Fukushima station, or Umeda station itself. To get there directly, it is a 5 minute walk from Sakurabashiguchi Exit at Osaka station on the JR line.

The gallery is easily found located opposite Herbis Osaka, and The Ritz Carlton Hotel. Just take any of the stairs underground and you will soon find it.

The Canon Gallery Umeda is open 10:00 – 18:00

Monday through Saturday.

Closed on Sundays and Public holidays.

http://cweb.canon.jp/gallery/osaka/index.html

Directly next door is the Canon camera shop for all things Canon.

After the gallery, perhaps some glitzy afternoon tea traditional at

the Ritz Carlton,

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Osaka/Dining/TheLobbyLounge/Default.htm

or try the stylishly supreme Starbucks (my favourite) hidden next to the Monterey Hotel, which is also particularly rewarding any time of the year.

For something in between, why not try a drink from Cafe Hye Deli Take Out Express, just in front of the Emporio Armani shop. Sit slowly and people watch.

You can also sit outside in the very cool Summer shade near Umeda Dai Biru (just above ground from the gallery). It is such a haven of pause, and reminds me somehow of Martin Place in Sydney. Your eyes feel drawn in to the softness of the architectual lines intentional, and the 'obje' all about. There are trees everywhere too, and gentle sounds of flowing water from the mini fountains . It is the perfect place for night time romance, with the JR train rattling by, and Umeda Sky Building magnificent in the distant backdrop. It is big-building paradise here by day or night.

Try some window shopping in style at the Cornes car showroom featuring real live Ferari and Maserati at their very best, or take a short walk over to the refreshingly fun National Museum of Art, Osaka (don't forget to look for the old Dai Biru on the corner just before the museum).

http://www.nmao.go.jp/english/home.html

In the other direction toward Umeda, you could head toward the new-ish Breeze Breeze 33 floor shopping complex for a look see alone, or perhaps some shopping.

http://breeze-breeze.jp/

With creative floor guides such as Core Collection, In my Life, Anything Goes, and three types of gourmet floors (Relaxing Dining, Dining Showcase and Tower Dining), you are sure to find something to fit what your need.

All in all, so much pleasure to be had for free, and yet so very close to Umeda. Experience it for yourself, and marvel at the small details rejuvenating of this delightful area.