I first travelled to Japan to watch the England football team play at the 2002 World Cup. Although England (predictably) made their exit from the competition at the quarter-final stage, my time in Japan was far from disappointing. In fact, it was a life-changing experience, as I fell in love with the country and its people.

From the neon lights and the sensory overload of the cities to the beautiful calm of the countryside, there is something
about Japan that inspires and enthuses me. I have tried to capture these feelings by taking photographs and creating images that express my experiences. Sometimes these images are visually very still, while at other times they reflect the energy and movement of my journeys through an alien but entrancing environment.

I hope you enjoy this collection and that in some way it gives you a glimpse into my ongoing and deepening love affair with Japan.

David Houghton, July 2007