AFASG25 is organised by SOZO, supported by Singapore Tourism Board, it’s held in Singapore! 

“It’s amazing to see how far AFA has come since our very first event back in 2008. What started as a small celebration of Japanese pop culture has now grown into one of the biggest and longest running events of its kind in Asia. J-pop and anime culture have become mainstream as well. Today, anime events are happening almost every weekend somewhere in Southeast Asia. Over the years, the community surrounding AFA has also evolved. It’s no longer just Japanese inspired – we’ve seen local creators and talents turn that inspiration into world-class content,” said Mr. Shawn Chin, Founder & Managing Director of SOZO Pte Ltd and Festival Director of AFA Singapore 2025.

Anime Festival Asia (AFA) Singapore 2025 

AFASG25 promises a massive celebration of anime, cosplay, gaming, music, and Japanese culture, all under one roof. Whether you are are hardcore anime fan, a passionate cosplayer, a creator, or gamer, or you just simply love Japanese culture, don’t miss AFASG25! This promises to have something unforgettable for you.

Here’s an overview of what you can expect at AFASG25!

A Vibrant Exhibition: Akiba Town Comes Alive!

Akiba Town – Creators Hub | Cosplay Hub | Food Street | Game On

Akiba Town is going to be a bustling exhibition inspired by the energy of Tokyo’s iconic Akihabara district. AFASG25 fans can immerse themselves, explore a wide array of booths featuring anime merchandise, collectible figures, apparel, limited-edition goods. 

Creators Hub

A thriving marketplace where illustrators, artists, and indie creators showcase original artworks, prints, crafts, and zines. It’s a paradise for fans who want unique, handmade, or fan-created merchandise.

Cosplay Hub

Featuring well-loved regional cosplayers such as Amelia Khor, Roroki, Takodesss, Byoru, and many more, this zone offers meet-and-greets, merch sales, and photo ops. Cosplayers and fans alike can connect, share craft ideas, and celebrate creativity together.

GameOn Zone

Gaming enthusiasts can try out indie titles, new game demos, and community gaming sessions — perfect for casual and competitive players.

Food Street

And don’t miss the Food Street, serving Japanese snacks, themed bites, and festival favourites to keep your energy high throughout the day.

AFA NEXT Stage

The future takes centre stage at AFA NEXT Stage, featuring a brand new stage layout for fans to immerse themselves in and engage in 3 days of regional performances. 

The evolution of Akiba Stage into AFA NEXT Stage reflects AFA commitment to spotlight rising talents, new cultural acts, and fresh collaborations. 

A standout act is the Cho-Bon Dance Japan — a vibrant fusion of traditional Japanese Bon Odori and modern anime/Vocaloid beats, featuring choreographer Takafuji Ukon and DJ Mr. Akihabara Sasakichi.

Expect live performances, creator showcases, and community-driven content that highlight the next generation of anime and J-culture.

Keep a lookout for 

• Lollipop!!!!!!!
• Kuriyama Yuri
• Milky Spot
• Now
• Sanomorino
• SatapanP
• Starkids
• Suupeas
• VII (September)

AFA Day Stage

Anime fans to AFA Singapore 2025 Day Stage can look forward to a rich lineup, it will feature talk shows with voice actors, creators, industry veterans, and special guests, premiere screenings of new titles, and exclusive content direct from Japan. 

Epic Night Concerts: Anisong Powerhouse Lineup 

AFASG nightly concerts return with a spectacular lineup of anisong and J-Pop stars. Fans can look forward to performances by:

• ClariS
• Yoko Takahashi (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
• Sakurazaka46
• SPYAIR
• May’n
• nonoc
• asmi
• SPYAIR
• ALI
• Wednesday Campanella
• Isekaijoucho
• Hachioji-P
• fhána
• NOMELON NOLEMON
• Shouta Aoi
• Sally Amaki (22/7)

1. Fri 28 Nov – Sparkle Stage
2. Sat 29 Nov – Glow Stage
3. Sun 30 Nov – Blaze Stage

Anime fans! Come join the AFA Influencer & Supporter Program 2025!

Anime fans! Come join the AFA Influencer & Supporter Program 2025! AFA Singapore 2025 is opening applications for passionate creators, fans, and storytellers who love sharing anime, cosplay, and gaming content with their audience. 

Would you like to be part of AFA experience and help bring the excitement of ACG culture to life?

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/AFASG25Supporter 

Anime Festival Asia Singapore 2025 (#AFASG25)

• Dates: 28th – 30th November 2025
• Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre
• Website: https://animefestival.asia 

Ticketing Details

Concert

CAT 1 SEATED – S$198** / Day

• Package includes: 1 x CAT 1 Ticket (SAT or SUN)

BENEFITS:

– Best View

– Ballot Chance for Artiste Signed Poster

– Exhibition & Day Stage Access for chosen day

– AFASG Fastlane Access

CAT 2 SEATED – S$178** / Day

• Package includes: 1 x CAT 2 Ticket (FRI or SAT or SUN)

BENEFITS:

– Ballot Chance for Artiste Signed Poster

– Exhibition & Day Stage Access for chosen day

– AFASG Fastlane Access

CAT 3 SEATED – S$158** / Day

• Package includes: 1 x CAT 3 Ticket (FRI or SAT or SUN)

BENEFITS:

– Exhibition & Day Stage Access for chosen day

– AFASG Fastlane Access

Day Stage + Exhibition – Starts from $35**

BENEFITS:

• Exhibition & Day Stage Access for chosen day

Exhibition – Starts from $22**

BENEFITS:

• Exhibition for chosen day

Notes:

* Information courtesy of Anime Festival Asia and APRW *

** Excludes booking fees. Please take note that artist line-up may be subject to change. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable once purchased ** 

The post Anime Festival Asia (AFA) Singapore 2025 is taking place from 28 – 30 November 2025! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Noguchi Coin is Japan’s trusted curator of rare and high-quality collective coins, they are recognised for its leading online platform, and extensive range of internationally renowned coins. This landmark launch brings Noguchi Coin’s passion for numismatics beyond Japan, introducing Singapore’s collectors and enthusiasts to a world of exquisite coins sourced globally from trusted mints in Canada, Austria, and beyond.

Noguchi Coin x Jewel Singapore Collaboration Coin

An exclusive Jewel x Noguchi Limited-Edition Commemorative coin was launched on 19th September 2025, there are only 100 pieces available at $88 (inclusive of GST), created specially and available only at the Singapore pop-up store.

This special and exclusive coin design features Jewel Changi Airport’s world-renowned Rain Vortex, the tallest indoor waterfall on Earth and an emblem of Singapore’s identity as a crossroads of the world. More than just an iconic landmark, the Rain Vortex represents the flow of commerce, culture, and innovation, drawing people together in harmony under one roof.

This Noguchi Coin x Jewel Singapore Collaboration Coin celebrates Singapore’s role on the global stage while also reflecting its own philosophy, connecting tradition with the future, Japan with Singapore, and collectors with enduring value.

World-Class Coins at Accessible Prices

Noguchi Coin is dedicated to making high-quality world-class coins collectibles at accessible prices without compromising on its authenticity and rarity. They source directly from official local channels in countries such as Canada and Austria, and reducing unnecessary distribution layers and labour costs. Noguchi Coin ensures that their customers receive the highest quality coins at the most competitive prices.

Besides the limited-edition coin, Noguchi Coin Pop-Up at Jewel Changi Airport will also feature a selection of GST-exempt coins, making them even more attractive to collectors and investors in Singapore. 

These include internationally recognised bullion coins such as the Vienna Philharmonic, Canadian Maple Leaf, Britannia, Australian Kangaroo, Chinese Panda, American Eagle, South African Krugerrand, and more, all valued for their purity, liquidity, and global reputation.

A Milestone for Collectors in Singapore

The Noguchi Coin Pop-Up at Jewel Changi Airport marks Noguchi Coin’s first step into Southeast Asia. They are now strategically located in one of Singapore’s and also the world’s most recognisable landmarks, and a gateway for international travellers. A milestone for collectors, the rare opportunity to access exclusive coins at GST-exempt prices, appealing to both local enthusiasts and global visitors. 

If you are into coin collection, heritage and cultural enthusiasts, or lovers of exquisite design, the Noguchi Coin Pop-Up at Jewel Changi Airport will be of great interest to you, they offer a rare chance to view and own coins that are not normally available in Singapore. 

Noguchi Coin Pop-Up at Jewel Changi Airport

• Dates: 4th September to 4th December 2025
• Time: 10am to 10pm daily
• Venue: Jewel Changi Airport, Level 1, (Outside Imperial Treasure)

For more information on Noguchi Coin, please visit https://noguchicoin-jp.com 

Instagram: @nuguchicoin.en 

The post Noguchi Coin Debuts Pop-Up Store in Jewel Changi Airport appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

My foundations of today came from my avid reading and following National Geographic Magazine, that heavily influenced my visual storytelling style. Along with my scouting roots and outdoors experiences also laid the foundations as an avid traveller and travel writer of today. 

As I mature over the decades, I am more conscious of the delicate balance, a higher pressing need and urgency to address how we live and interact with our environment. We have to up the pace, be the change, be the Generation Restoration. Through my visual storytelling and travel stories with my Canon cameras, exploring and sharing stories, I hope that the small role that I played, and shared today, can help continue to spread the message for World Environment Day 2024. 

Whether as a visual storyteller or as a avid traveller or travel writer, we the #RestorationGeneration can make a world of difference, a positive change for World Environment Day 2024 and beyond, not just for our current generation, for our future generations and beyond.  

All of us can play a part, no matter how big or small, as part of #GenerationRestoration. 

The post World Environment Day 2024 – #GenerationRestoration appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

From visiting major modern cosmopolitan cities such as the stunning neon street lights of Shinjuku, Tokyo, to world heritage destinations packed with rich traditions and culture such as Kyoto, or the scenic powder white snow of Niseko, Hokkaido, there is so much to see and do in every city/town in Japan. Scott Dunn’s travel experts have curated several Japan travel itineraries below for you to rediscover the wonders and beauty of Japan again.

Escape to some of Japan’s most luxurious and intimate ryokans

The Japanese ryokans are some of the best places to experience Japanese hospitality at its best. Those traditional Japanese inns are often small in size, they are family-run establishments, just like a boutique spa hotel. All you have to do is relax, enjoy and use be.

In this indulgent itinerary from Scott Dunn, you’ll get to discover beautiful onsens set against incredible backdrops, feast on delicious Kaita-kaiseki dining, and discover Japan’s famed omotenashi-style hospitality that will leave you wonderfully refreshed and rejuvenated.

Explore Japan’s gorgeous natural wonders from waterfalls to cherry blossoms

Japan has gorgeous natural wonders, thanks to its varied topography and geography. They are the perfect setting for a great outdoors adventure, as well as a travel photographer’s haven. Travel out and beyond the buzzing metropolis, discover the remote islands, towering volcanoes, secret springs and snow-capped mountains. They are waiting for you to explore them!

Veer off the beaten track and venture down some of Japan’s most beautiful walking trails in Scott Dunn’s Exceptional Japan itinerary. One of the trails that guests will get to experience is the Nakasendo Trail. Lined with traditional villages and beautiful mountains, this trail follows the ancient road that samurai used to take while travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto.

If you are a Japan cherry blossom fan, you would know that March and April are the best times to visit this iconic world famous spectacle of pastel pink as the cherry trees begin to blossom with sakura in Japan. This special itinerary from Scott Dunn will take you through some of the most picturesque places to see the cherry blossoms, including stops at Hakone National Park and Miyajima Island. Plus, thanks to Scott Dunn’s intrepid travel experts, you’ll get to see the cherry blossoms at lesser-known parks and viewing points only the locals are privy to.

Time to start planning for your Japan’s cherry blossom season in March and April 2023!

美味しい! Oishii Japan’s local culinary delights

Food lovers, we know how Oishii Japan’s local culinary delights are! Japan is a food haven for foodies!

Enjoy a sake-themed day tour of Saijo where you will visit local brewers and have the chance to taste, learn and identify the subtle difference between different varieties of sake, or explore the endless maze of bars and restaurants of Shinbashi, where Tokyo’s ‘salarymen’ come to enjoy an after-work snack and drink.

In Scott Dunn’s Hidden Gem Food Tour, you’ll get to enjoy delicious snacks — such as savoury okonomiyaki pancakes and yakitori — and dine just like the locals do.

Take a cultural journey through the remarkable island of Naoshima 

Art enthusiasts will love the contemporary art paradise that is Naoshima island. Home to numerous museums and art displays, this small island began to grow as an art mecca in the 1980s: It even offers guests the unique opportunity to stay in an art museum – one designed by the famed architect Tadao Ando, and one that is equipped with stylish guest rooms and suites that boast the best views of the inland sea.

There, guests can indulge in decadent French and Japanese cuisine, pamper themselves in the nearby spa, and of course, explore the dozens of galleries and exhibitions spread across the remarkable area.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Scott Dunn and White Label PR *

The post Rediscover the wonders and beauty of Japan with Scott Dunn appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography Business

Business side of things

Q1 2022 started off alright, with signs of a more stable recovery for economy that could flow down to the other levels of the economy. It didn’t seem to sustain with Q2 2022 seems to be a bit of a slow down after coming out full steam in Q1, things didn’t go as expected and planned, making me worried. Q3 2022 was a bounce back into life again. 

There were disappointments, there were lost opportunities, there were new ones too. While there is not a big boom type of growth, there is a good momentum, hopefully this will carry on forward into Q4 2022.

Just like running any business, the levels of stress and pressure are never ending, never low on the scale, sometimes it also come in wave after wave.

Photography consultancy and coaching/training

My years of photography experiences in both professional and personal capacity has finally opened up an avenue that I wasn’t really expecting, the past 2 quarters have been an interesting expansion, slow and steady. The photography consultancy segment also give me ideas on how I might be able to expand this further and wider.

Through my consultancy, it brought me back to coaching/training my friends my photography skills, knowledge and sharing my experiences. A sector that I am planning to expand further, I am back again, having “students” or “disciples”, with me the photography “Shifu”, coined by my former friends who went out with me on various photography outings and walks. 

Although I don’t have an official number, I should have 2-3 “disciples” under my personalised photography care and coaching/training. 

Photo walks 

I used to conduct this regularly, part of my photography coaching/training programme. This went quiet for a period of time, now I am bringing it back again, for my photography coaching/training. I have some expansion plans in mind for this segment, working out the nitty gritty details in Q4 2022.

Photography Zine/Books and Publishing

Since I printed my first photography book in 2015 after my Hokkaido trip in November 2014, I entered into the world of printing and publishing my photography, creative and visual stories into photography zines. 

2nd photography zine update

My 2nd photography zine is now in the 2nd mock up stage, the final phase of editing and amendments. I am setting aside and scheduling my time to get this final hurdle completed and ready for publishing and sale. Thereafter, I would make the official announcement of my 2nd photography zine, pricing and availability. 

What book or zine projects should I embark on?

I have started a number of different photography projects over the years, in different areas and interests over the decade. I am seeking and looking at new photography/documentation/visual story telling projects. 

Some projects on my mind are 

• MF analogue B&W landscape photography
• Produce and publish new photography zines, photography books and photography guide books. 
• From my earlier photography projects in history, heritage and culture, I might choose, work on it and expand them further, and tap on funding if possible.
• Writing and producing my own short films/videos along with my photography projects and visual story telling.

Personal photography

Beyond my photography business, my personal/leisure photography is just as important and crucial for me. This segment is not so much about money, it’s a lot more about personal fulfillments and commitments to personal photography works from documentary to interests. 

Analogue medium format 

Medium format (MF) photography has been an area that I really wanted to explore some years back. Some MF photographers said to me that I won’t understand MF photography even though I have been shooting 35mm or APS-C format for quite a number of years. Personally, I don’t begrudge them since I never tried MF photography before. 

Over the years that I was keen to explore MF, I started off with a Lubitel 166+ TLR although my interest didn’t sustain long enough and it went into my dry box. Yes, it’s a bit embarrassing to confess to this. I was still enquiring on MF cameras, 645, 6×6 or 6×7, which camera brands to look at, does it make sense to get an analogue MF camera body and lens, pair it with a MF digital back instead of a film back. The answer to this, was not recommended, as shared by some of my photography mentors.

Most recently, I was very blessed to inherit some analogue MF cameras from a fellow photographer friend’s uncle, who used to be a commercial photographer in the analogue film days. Now, I finally have a chance to embark on my MF photography journey. 

As this is still a work in progress, checking and sending for repairs if necessary, it’s going to take a bit of time. Once this is settled down, I would share more updates in another article.

Travel 

When should I travel again?

The travel restrictions are gradually lifted around the world, more countries are reopening up their borders for business and leisure travel over the past 2 quarters . Many people could be seen traveling out of Singapore, on one hand I am envious, on the other hand, the airfares are not exactly cheap, the travel, tourism, aviation and hospitality industries are playing catch up to meet the demands and pent up frustrations. 

Travel Photography Bucket List

On my travel photography bucket list, countries in APAC region would be my priority since they are much nearer to Singapore:

Japan

A lengthy list of prefectures to visit in Japan, with a return to Hokkaido on my plans, continuing on with my 4 seasons of Hokkaido travel photography project. Another key region in Japan that I would like to visit is the Kansai region. 

Malaysia

More than just a neighbour to Singapore, I have relatives in Malaysia, I hope to plan some time and visit them again after 2+ years of global pandemic lockdown. I am also keen to revisit Sabah again for wildlife photography and trekking.

Vietnam/Taiwan/Indonesia/Thailand 

They are a short flight away from Singapore, making them pretty accessible for short getaways. 

Europe and beyond

I have been chatting and discussing on TTOT community chat that I am planning to visit Europe. They are in my travel plans, probably in the next phase after visiting ASEAN and APAC regions first.

Guiding/Leading travel photography trips

In conjunction with my photography consultancy, photography training/coaching and photo walks, would all these lead me to guiding/leading travel photography trips overseas? I shall leave it here as it is for now, if and when the time is ripe, there might be some news.

Goals Setting for Q4 2022 

First and foremost, I have set myself a number of goals setting for Q4 2022. I recalled that there were a few years whereby I didn’t want to reveal them. For this Q4 2022, I am aligning myself to change my approaches and way of doing things, not the old school way though of writing specific and detailed goals, objectives and plans for Q4 2022.

Goals for Q4 2022

• Officially launch and publish my 2nd photography zine
• Make a breakthrough in my travel photography/writing/related segments
• Kickstart my analogue MF photography journey 
• Rebrand and realign my commercial photography services 

Last but not least

This Q3 2022 reflection and plans for Q4 2022 somehow feels pretty lengthy with quite a lot of personal thoughts, feelings, and emotions in the areas of my photography and travel.  

Last but not least, thank you for taking the time to read it till the end of my personal ranting (in some ways).

The post Reflecting Q3 2022 and Plans for Q4 2022 (Photography and Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Special Theme Q2 2022 – Fully Restarting Tourism 

Why such a theme “Fully Restarting Tourism”? This was a follow up from my June 2021 article on “When Can We Restart Tourism”, at that particular period in time, the world was still caught in between opening up and managing the global pandemic situation.

Fast forward three quarters into Q2 2022, the global pandemic situation is under better control and getting more stable, although the world is not of the woods yet. We can start to see more countries opening up their borders and restrictions, the activities have started to kick in, with tourism organisations ramping up their publicity, awareness and marketing campaigns, along with many other industry players from the travel, tourism aviation and hospitality industries. 

That’s how I personally view it, “Fully Restarting Tourism”, finally! However, my personal analysis are that while we are absolutely delighted in fully restarting tourism, this is not an immediate change/recovery. Things and changes are going to take a bit of time to get up to speed, from both demand and supply side of things, my personal estimation is that it would start to peak in Q3 (June school holidays) or Q4 2022 (year end school holidays, year end Christmas festive season). 

Call for media pitches from travel, tourism, aviation and hospitality industries 

For my special theme Q2 2022 – Fully restarting tourism. I am inviting a call for media pitches from travel, tourism, aviation and hospitality industries around the world, not just from Singapore or from regional countries.

Whether you are travel industry players with forecasts and insights, destination travel and tourism marketing companies/agencies, travel stories for your community tourism. For the Singapore market, I am open to discussions/collaborations with inbound tourism or outbound tourism industry players too.

The deadline for my pitches is 30th June 2022. This special theme “Fully Restarting Tourism” would be my key topics for Q2 and Q3 2022, with a possible extension into Q4 2022, depending on how the world travel and tourism industries move during the next few months. 

Wanderlust Dreams, Hopes, and Plans

During this period, I hope there would be opportunities opening up again either for travel photography/writing assignments/commissioned work. However, I won’t mind familiarisation media trips too if that opportunity arises. 

I have a number of countries that I would like to visit again soon. For short haul travel trips, I might start off with regional countries Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. As for long haul travel trips, I would visit Japan first before planning other countries with Europe likely my next destination. 

For all fellow travel writers, photographers and wanderlusts, I think it is safe to say that we are fully restarting tourism. 

The post Special Theme Q2 2022 – Fully Restarting Tourism appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

This is time for family gatherings especially for those whose home country is elsewhere, those that are able to make the trip back home and be reunited with family, relatives and friends after close to a 2 years hiatus whereby international travel was curtailed. This ongoing COVID19 pandemic has been very disruptive, not just in economic impacts, the social, emotional and mental impacts are just as huge and disruptive. 

Since I haven’t travel overseas for the past 2 years like most of us, I would have to use back my old travel photograph of this iconic Christmas Tree from Biei, Hokkaido. I hope to visit Japan again, back to Hokkaido again for spring, summer and late winter seasons, photographing and documenting my personal travel photography project on four seasons of Hokkaido. 

I would also like to take this time to thank various camera, travel companies, travel community partners, technology brands, organisations, pr agencies, fellow photographer friends and supporters for this great working relationships, friendships and support for my photography and travel portal/blog during this very difficult and turbulent year for all of us.

Thanks to Chef Keith for hosting a small of friends with his delicious BBQ roast at his house earlier in December, it was an awesome time gathering, feasting and chatting.

Last but not least, a very big thank you from the bottom of my heart to those few friends that helped me and pulled me out during a very dark period that I went through during May and June 2021. 

Wishing all a Merry Christmas 2021 and Happy Holidays! Enjoy and have fun, feasting and spending time with your family and loved ones! 

The post Merry Christmas 2021 and Happy Holidays! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

As we enter into the final month of Year 2021, I would also like to share some photo stories and happenings that took place over the past few months. 

First and foremost

First and foremost, while there had been immense difficulties emotionally, mentally and financially for this year 2021.

I want to take this opportunity to be thankful and grateful, with utmost gratitude, humility and kindness to all who have helped me and pulled me out from my rut, those who supported, encouraged and believed in me during this very difficult year 2021. Let’s be kind, compassionate and spread love. 

Please do not judge, none of us are having an easy time during this battle against this ongoing global pandemic situation.

Help each other if you are able to

We are entering into a brand new year 2022 soon, this year would not exactly be a smooth sailing year as we are still grappling and battling this ongoing global pandemic situation. Let’s work on getting our life, our business and our work back on track, hoping that we can restart our recovery proper. 

Help each other if you are able to, support fellow local small and medium sized business, they are the ones who are most severely affected by this ongoing pandemic induced economic crisis. 

Gifts from lucky draws

Since I missed my Japan travel so much, I am following Japan Rail Cafe and Hokkaido Government Representative Office FB pages on a regular basis. They had a few travel events held online, it was good to take away some of my travel wanderlust for Japan. There were lucky draws held during the online travel events and I was lucky to win some gifts from their lucky draws! 

Pay-It-Forward and Pass-It-On

I discovered my passion for cooking during my UQ uni days, as part of my subject curriculum and for my daily living/meals. I do not deny that I had been slacking over the decades after finishing my studies. However, I rediscovered this cooking/roasting passion of mine again when the pandemic hit us in 2020. 

Cooking haJs a mix of therapeutic activities for me as well as being practical, having home cooked meals whenever I am able to do so, instead of eating out or having take away all the time. 

I have been doing some roasting in recent weeks, two of my favourite food, roast pork a.k.a. sio bak and char siew pork. They are works-in-progress, learning from my mistakes at each cooking/roasting, making improvements in my next roasting. During the Christmas festive week, I hope to Pay-It-Forward and Pass-It-On, with my roast pork and char siew pork delights, along with some other dishes on the back of my mind too. 

Reward myself once a while

I don’t usually buy many things, once a while I would buy some things for myself, it’s nice to reward myself once a while. I am planning to add a Japanese gyuto knife a.k.a. Chef Knife into my cooking/chef setup.

All I want to do 

Be happy, take care of myself more, be less mentally and emotionally burnt out like this photo of me rocking alone on the playground (it’s a posed photo by the way). 

Spread the message of love, care and compassion, for Earth, our natural environment, for our loved ones, for myself. 

Coming soon in January 2022

Coming soon in January 2022, I would be publishing and launching my second photography zine, this photography zine is a mix of therapy and playbook coming together. I am also working on getting my first NFT photography artwork minted and listed. More details would be shared along the way leading up to January 2022, stay tuned!

Last but not least

Last but not least, it’s an open call every year during the month of December: Anyone would like to buy me a 2-in-1 Christmas (December) + Birthday (January) gift?

The post Bring a very difficult year 2021 to a close on a high appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Shikoku is One

Based on the principle, “Shikoku is One”, Shikoku Tourism has been working with local governments, tourism regional development corporations, related businesses, and economic organisations in the region to promote the attractiveness of Shikoku, both at home and abroad. They plan to attract more visitors to the island, in cooperation with ministries and agencies, the Shikoku District Transport Bureau, and JNTO.

Having been selected to be inside Lonely Planet “Best in Travel 2022” Regional Edition, this year’s selection is another recognition to the Shikoku pilgrimage culture of hospitality and the awareness of local residents to protect the environment, thanks to the joint efforts of the public and private sectors.

Shikoku Tourism is strongly encouraged by this selection, they will be moving forward “with” and “after” the global pandemic COVID-19. They will continue to take this opportunity of the ongoing Shikoku Destination Campaign to actively promote the establishment of the Shikoku brand in an effort to attract visitors with a focus on safety and security.

What is Lonely Planet?

Lonely Planet is a travel media company known for its globally popular guidebook series of the same name.

Lonely Planet is a travel media company known for its globally popular series of guidebooks of the same name. In addition to English, the company offers guidebooks, travel magazines, websites, videos and other media in a variety of languages, including German, French, Italian and Spanish

Information and links

For more information on Shikoku, please visit Shikoku Tourism website.

Lonely Planet’s website: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel

On a personal note as a avid Japan travel and tourism fan

If you have been following my travel and tourism coverage, I am a big fan of Japan travel and tourism. There are many prefectures in Japan that I have yet to visit, Shikoku is one of them I watch and follow various travel programs around the world, from local Japanese travel to international broadcast (e.g. BBC Travel) and media outlets as well as travel information from local JR Cafe here in Singapore and travelers and photographers from Japan that I know on Twitter. One of the Japanese destinations that caught my attention is Shikoku, I have been researching on Shikoku, adding travel plans and locations that I want to visit in Shikoku.

Some of the travel destinations/itineraries that I would like visit/embark on in Shikoku are

1. Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
2. JR Shimonada Station
3. Dogo Onsen Honkan
4. Vine Bridges in the Iya Valley
5. Mt Kamegamori 

I really hope to visit Shikoku prefecture in the near future, share my travel stories, photographs and videos to the whole world!

* Information and picture courtesy of Shikoku Tourism, Lonely Planet and Media Outreach *

The post Shikoku – 6th in Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2022 Regional Edition appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

The ongoing global pandemic has caused massive economic and financial impacts to the world tourism and travel industries. I wrote, shared and published an earlier article on “When can we Restart Tourism?” in June 2021. I was cautiously optimistic, however the world situation didn’t go according as planned with the Delta variant causing havoc and further disruptions towards many countries plans to reopen their economy, as well as their tourism and travel industries. On World Tourism Day 2021, this would be my follow up article that I published earlier in June 2021.

Looking back at my travel adventures over the years, I am missing it a lot. During this ongoing global pandemic period, my wanderlust for travel has also made me reflect a lot on the future of travel as it would never be the same again before the days of COVID-19. 

First and foremost, I will now always remember these words of wisdom, travel may be a privilege for some of us, not everyone can get to travel out overseas. This ongoing global pandemic could have further widen this gap between those that can travel and those who can’t.

When the time arrives whereby we can Restart Tourism, travel overseas safely again, this would be the time to add on more travel photography adventures to my TGH Photography travel portfolio, Flickr travel photography collections and travel explorer stories here on my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

I am keen to work on two areas when the world travel and tourism industries reopen – community based tourism and nature based/conservation/sustainable tourism. As we are preparing for the eventual reopening and recovery of the world travel and tourism industries, I am reaching out to the travel and tourism worldwide networks on collaborations and partnerships.  

While this global pandemic situation has caused massive impacts to the world tourism and travel industries, this is also an excellent opportunity for a “reset”, to address and change some of our tourism and travel industry standards, operating procedures, practices, mindsets, habits etc etc, to make a change for the better, for the future. 

Let’s help to restart the world tourism and travel industries again when it is safe to do so, sometime down the road, hopefully soon. Meanwhile, do support your local/domestic travel and tourism industries too. This is the time for inclusive growth. 

Meanwhile, when can we restart tourism again? A number of countries have started to open up their tourism markets in small and at specific destinations. Some countries have started to open up more than other countries. We are all taking steps towards reopening the international tourism and travel industries.

Till the day when we can safely #RestartTourism and travel overseas again, take care and be safe! I look forward to meeting my travel and tourism network friends when I get the opportunity to travel and visit them in their countries! 

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