The Japanese allspice(Roubai) is a valuable subject for photography during the season when there are few flowers, but this year I was unable to make time to take any photos and had given up.
However, a few days after the beginning of spring, someone kindly told me that the Japanese allspice was still in full bloom at Shinagawa Ward Park, so I went there to take some photos.
A few of the beautiful yellow, translucent flowers in the plum garden in the middle of the park catch the eye from a distance. They were a little past their prime, but if you choose the right branch, they are still fresh enough to be a good subject for an amateur photograph.
I learned that the difference between the two similar varieties is that the center of the yellow flowers of the Roubai is reddish brown, while the flowers of the Soshin-Roubai is entirely yellow, but I still can’t tell them apart when I see them in person.
On this day, I was carrying the LUMIX G9PRO II, Leica DG8-18mm and Leica DG45mm MACRO, all of which emphasize lightweight equipment. I had some trouble with the thin focus plane of the macro lens when shooting handheld, but I was able to get a few shots that were within my acceptable range.
I was the only one taking photos, and able to enjoy the pure beauty of the flowers, which was more than anything else a nourishment for my heart.
At the end, there were some flowers of the Japanese apricot tree, which bloomed early as pioneers alongside the Japanese allspice trees in the plum garden. The deep pink color was quite a sight to see.
The Pana-Leica 45mm macro lens is very good for its lightness and small size. I’ve only had limited opportunities to use it so far, but I should use it more.
