#mishakaike

[pix4japan]

Fauna of Mishaka-Ike Pond: Akiakane Dragonfly・「秋の季の赤蜻蛉に定まりぬ」

Location: Chino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan Timestamp: 08:06・2024/09/11 Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter ISO 320 for 1/900 sec. at ƒ/3.6 Velvia/Vivid film simulation

While wrapping up my photo walk along the shore of Mishaka-Ike Pond in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, I came across several akiakane dragonflies (Sympetrum frequens), also known as Autumn darters, perched atop the barrier fence posts lining the northern shoreline of the pond.

The Autumn darter is a species endemic to Japan. These dragonflies migrate to high mountains, where they feed, before descending to lower-altitude bodies of water like ponds or rice fields to breed.

In Japan, akiakane dragonflies are often associated with the arrival of autumn. One well-known haiku by Kaya Shirao (加舎白雄, 1738–1791) even references the dragonfly:

秋の季の (aki no ki no) 赤蜻蛉に (aka tonbo-u ni) 定まりぬ (sadamirinu)

The start of autumn Is always decided by The red dragonfly.

Full write-up and references for further reading (1-minute read): https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240911-dragonfly

[sorezorenonihon]

White Birch and Green Reservoir by Hidehiko Sakashita

[pix4japan]

Embraced by Deep Green and Silence・「深い緑と静寂に包まれて」 (Fukai Midori to Seijaku ni Tsutsumarete)

Location: Chino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan Timestamp: 06:03・2024/09/11 Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 73 mm ISO 100 for 0.4 sec. at ƒ/9.0

Nestled in the woodlands near the rural town of Chino in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Mishaka-Ike Pond rewards early-morning visitors with a mesmerizing scene. Arrive before sunrise, and you might witness the pond's surface transform into a flawless mirror, reflecting the surrounding trees in breathtaking clarity—provided the air is calm, undisturbed by wind or ripples.

Mishaka-Ike gained wider recognition for inspiring a famous painting “Midori Hibiku” (緑響く), or "Green Echo,” created by the celebrated Japanese artist Kaii Higashiyama in 1982.

In Higashiyama's painting, the cool tones and tranquil atmosphere he captured are remarkably similar to the scene that greeted me as I stood by the pond in an early summer morning.

Full write-up and reference for further reading (1-minute read) with access details by car: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240911-pond2

[rkmblr]

御射鹿池 09/2025

[barcosquevuelan]

silent pool por Yoshi Shimamura Por Flickr: Taken at Mishakaike, Nagano Japan.(長野県御射鹿池) This is famous for perfectly reflection on water, however it was rainy day...