Discussion with Michael Atkins at MPAtravels.com!

1. Do you have any other weblogs?

I don’t have any other blogs or websites at this time.

2. What brought you to Japan and when?

I first came to Japan as an exchange student. In 2005 I got married to my Japanese girlfriend who’s now my wife and I’ve been living in Japan since then.

3. Where are you from?

I am originally from Los Angeles, California.

4. Where else have you been to?

I have travelled to dozens of countries around the world: Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Egypt, Nepal, Russia, Malaysia, India, Singapore, Hongkong, Mexico etc.

5. Do you have any other hobbies?

Photography has always been my main hobby. I also enjoy traveling, language learning, music and good food.

6. Do you write more than the captions of your pictures?

No. I try to let my pictures tell their stories to their readers.

7. When did you begin to publish your artwork?

I have been publishing here on WordPress since 2015 but I have been publishing professional work since 1997.

What motivates you?

I enjoy telling stories and showing people around the amazing country of Japan through my pictures. I have one of the largest collections of pictures about Japan on internet. Of course I’ve taken many pictures from other countries as well but my blog is focussed only on Japan.

8. What’s in your surname Atkins? I hope you would not mind answering that.

I know it’s an English name. I am not sure but I was told it means “Son of Adam.”

9. Any messages for new photographers?

Being a photographer is like being a silent observer. It’s like seeing things no one else sees and then bringing those things to life through your pictures. It’s your gift to the world.

10. Which countries other than Japan hold your interest?

Other than Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines and Germany interest me. But a good photographer can make any place interesting.

11. How long are you going to be in Japan?

Japan is my home and I will most likely be staying here for my life.

12. Anything you want to add?

Be curious! Slow down and take time to explore the world around you. There’s so much we miss always having our heads buried in our cellphones. Get to know people, make friends and experience other cultures. These are the things that make life truly amazing!

Thanks for your time and help Michael Atkins!