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100% American with Norwegian heritage. I lived in Kobe, Japan for awhile, and now travel to Japan frequently. Co-authoring a book based on my award-nominated graduate research. I have a MA in history with a specialty in Japan. I take photos and play basketball when I have the time. I currently work in the education field and am exploring opportunities to aid in the relief efforts following the disaterous Tohoku earthquake.

Yukio Mishima once said that it is impossible for the foreign mind to comprehend the true essence of Japan. However, I have done my best to treat each topic appropriately. My photos aren't necessarily the best, but I hope that you will appreciate them for their historical significance. My inspiration is Philbert Ono, who has compiled a great site of photos he has taken in every prefecture in Japan. If you are looking for something specific, I have a lot of other Japan pics that are not posted--please feel free to ask.

My photos have appeared in:

Zoom Japan (10/2010)
Newsweek Polska (11/2010)
Zoo Journal #6 (2010)
CCA convention invitations (February 2010)
Studio Classroom #12 (December 2009)
LWF Bible Studies #6 (2009)
University of Minnesota Dept. of Landscape & Architecture promotional posters (2009)
It's a Beautiful World (2009)
Pharmacies of the World (2009)
En Route #1 (2009)
Nederlands Tijschift voor Geneeskunde #4 (2008)
Treasures of the Dragon (2007)
Mythologies of the World (TBA)
Hot & Cool Guides: Japanese Culture (TBA)

Photos of jpellgen (44)

jpellgen's favorite photos from other Flickr members (81)

Contacts (1,041)

hiro_ymzk Hiroyuki Yamazaki
lilzombie No real name given
Sharon Hahn Darlin Sharon Hahn Darlin
phxgrl11 Sunny Lee
All the secrets... Teresa Barrosão
Shanti Basauri Shanti
kamomebird Teruhide Tomori
Junpei Hayakawa... No real name given
MagicPie77 No real name given
Manako No real name given
turntable00000 No real name given
John T Ellgen No real name given

Groups (50 50)

Fukuoka 8,020 photos, 528 members
Aomori / 青森 2,398 photos, 114 members
Niigata 新潟 10,281 photos, 177 members
OSAKA-GA ┃ 大阪画 2,421 photos, 353 members
Favorites: 100 3,122 photos, 2,140 members
Favorites: 90 760 photos, 1,095 members
Temples, Temples, Temples 7,912 photos, 1,026 members
Favorites: 80 1,251 photos, 1,322 members
Favorites: 70 1,737 photos, 1,563 members
Wakayama - 和歌山 1,683 photos, 133 members
PRIZE WINNING PHOTOS OF JAPAN 592 photos, 33 members
Urban Asia 133,559 photos, 5,020 members
Wonderful JAPAN 16,142 photos, 209 members
Tochigi Prefecture・栃木県 944 photos, 64 members
Nikko, Japan / 日光 1,997 photos, 170 members
Nagano Japan 長野 2,539 photos, 120 members
MIYAGI - 素晴らしい宮城県！ 323 photos, 41 members
All Japan! 5,373 photos, 233 members
Favorites: 60 2,487 photos, 1,887 members
東京タワー千景 (1000 Views of Tokyo Tower) 1,778 photos, 484 members
Japanese Adventure 255 photos, 7 members
Streets of Kyoto 2,374 photos, 446 members
Favorites: 50 5,788 photos, 3,146 members
Best of Minneapolis 4,241 photos, 312 members
JapanSoc (Daily Photo) 4,385 photos, 197 members
Japan Through the Eyes of Others 119,427 photos, 3,677 members
UFO CATCHER ™ 288 photos, 181 members
monochrome KYOTO (Kyoto's photo only!!!) 1,896 photos, 491 members
Kabuki 歌舞伎 366 photos, 25 members
JAPAN-IN-BW (Black-and-White) 24,797 photos, 1,024 members
WE love JAPAN! 30,479 photos, 544 members
AWESOME ASIA post 1, award 3 (sweeper 0N) 60,669 photos, 3,326 members
JAPAN 日本 3,121 photos, 116 members
Everything Minnesota! (Please join!) 27,270 photos, 895 members
why I love Japan 7,228 photos, 95 members
Nikon 18-55 mm 30,292 photos, 2,293 members
The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō 113 photos, 18 members
Historic Minneapolis 879 photos, 198 members
Japanese Snacks and Confectionery 4,132 photos, 625 members
Minnesota Marvels (Roadside Attractions) 702 photos, 720 members
Japan - beyond the guide book 1,520 photos, 129 members
Kokoro no shashin - Creative commons pictures of Japan 5,102 photos, 170 members
The Beauty of St. Paul, MN 6,983 photos, 583 members
Favorites: 40 4,581 photos, 3,047 members
TOKYO INSIDE 東京インサイド 41,970 photos, 1,485 members
Pachinko Parlors / パチンコ屋 113 photos, 34 members
Japanese Culture. 13,010 photos, 647 members
Peanuts Gang Statues (Twin Cities) 592 photos, 33 members
Minneapolis at Night 3,059 photos, 382 members
Twin Cities 84,083 photos, 2,797 members

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Testimonials (11)

Jeana Marie Photography says:

"Jonathan has a unique way of not only bringing the world to your doorstep, he also takes the time to bring knowledge to your doorstep with nearly every single image he posts. For some that means nothing, but for many that means a lot. There are those who are not able to travel the world, whether near or far, and through Jonathan's images they are not only able to travel, they are able to learn about the different cultures of the world around us.

Seems to me that kind of teaching and sharing is in short supply amongst our peers these days and perhaps we all could learn a little something more from him.

When I think of Jonathan, I think of the old adage, 'Share and share alike.' He does it well."

27th December, 2010
ravenewyork says:

"Hey! Wanted to write you a testimonal, you've been such a good contact and your stream is always a surprise. You have real photos of real travels!! One day I hope to travel like that! Keep up the good photography!"

29th April, 2010
lagunamoon says:

"Jonathan-san is one my favorite photographer here on flickr.he become so nice friend. I so happy see his love of japan,as he reach the heart of my country.He is great person and one the nicest people i ever know.I can recomend his photo to everyone as is like a book of art,philosphy and great thought in every image.
yours, yumi~~"

24th January, 2010
nagoya1534 says:

"Thanks for adding me as a contact. A friend of Nobunaga is a friend of mine. :-)"

31st May, 2009
Iyoku says:

"Hello Thks a lot to add me ; )"

15th February, 2009
jillibean23 says:

"yay! thanks for the contact add! :)"

2nd February, 2009
neueliebeyokohama says:

"Hi there, thank you for adding me as a contact.
And also for being the first to comment on my pictures
since I made the account."

8th December, 2008
crapaudin says:

"THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADD !
:D
(and you are my first "contact-friend "now ^^)

vincent from French Guiana"

17th September, 2008
bebNXTdoor says:

"thank you! ^.~"

4th July, 2008
qh♣p says:

"His photo catches Japanese fantastic landscape.
I think you are Japanese than me♪
and more,you are first person who gave comments I started since march, 2008.
I hope i can communicate you long time.
of course,your face is very good looking!!
(v^ー°)"

3rd July, 2008
spicy.asian says:

"Hi I'm glad to see someone who likes my country taking nice pics and promoting the good sides :)
Thanks for the great works!"

27th November, 2007