Pictures: ©Philipp Reinhard

You can find more pictures of Philipp on Phlipp's homepage, his blog or on Instagram

ONCE IN JAPAN AND BACK, PLEASE!

In February of this year, our Brand Ambassador Philipp Reinhard packed his 7 bags and set off on a very special journey - he traveled over 9000 km by plane from Germany to Okinawa, Japan. The reason for his trip: The pre-season preparation of the Vissel Kobe soccer team. Wait, isn't that the team of our German world champion Lukas Podolski? That's right!

We're just as excited as you are, of course, so we asked Philipp to talk to us: Read our interview to find out how this unusual trip halfway around the world came about, what Philipp experienced in Japan and what particularly impressed him.

Oberwerth: Konichiwa Philipp, back from Japan and on his way to Russia again. As the team photographer for the German national team, it's naturally now entering the hot phase for you. So we're all the more grateful that you've taken the time to tell us a bit about your trip to Japan.

Philipp Reinhard: Moin! A direct jump is pretty good. Unfortunately, Japan was a few days ago, but I've just come from Abu Dhabi. I had a great time there and was able to gain some really interesting insights into the "noble tuning forge" of Jimmy Pelka and PP-Performance.

Oberwerth: Then we're all the more pleased that it worked out so spontaneously after all. First of all, we are of course very interested to know how the constellation of flying 9,000 km around the globe to photograph Lukas Podolski and his Vissel Kobe team in preparation for the new season came about.

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Philipp Reinhard: During my last trip to Japan, Lukas Podolski and I were spinning around and thinking about what we could start in the future and had the training camp in our sights relatively quickly. As we're both guys who don't beat about the bush, it was pretty much a done deal shortly afterwards. I've become a big Japan fan and I'm already looking forward to accompanying Vissel Kobe and Poldi to one or two games during the season this year. And to be honest, Frankfurt-Kobe or Osaka is also very easy with "only" about 12 hours flight time - Okinawa was a different story. I was on the road for 24 hours until I finally arrived. And: I didn't dawdle! (laughs)

Oberwerth: 24 hours, wow! The word "world tour" takes on a whole new meaning. After a few days in Okinawa, you traveled via Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo to Kobe. Once across Japan, so to speak: What is it like to travel across the country with a soccer team? And which city would you recommend as a "must-see"?

Philipp Reinhard: I have to make a quick correction here: I went via Tokyo to Okinawa and then straight on to Kobe after the training camp. I then had two days off to explore Osaka and Kyoto. Then I went back to Kobe for another 3 days. Then my "duty" was done and I spent two more days in Tokyo before flying back home. Kyoto and Tokyo completely blew me away, especially because they are two such different cities, but each quite unique in its own right. The culture or tradition/modernity, the food and the whole feeling in the air is absolutely unique. Whether it's traditional temples in Kyoto or funky parks, streets or artistic districts in Tokyo. In this respect, Kyoto and Tokyo would be my recommendations, although the whole of Japan is worth a trip.

Sapporo must also be absolutely great, especially in winter - I really want to see it next time. And of course, it's always something special to travel around with a team (Oberwerth's note: Philipp is the team photographer for the Crailsheim Merlins basketball team (1st German Basketball League) and the DFB team), especially when you understand absolutely nothing and are slightly confused as you hurry through the airport, haha! At least you stand out as a tourist early on over there, there's almost no chance of getting confused. (laughs)

Oberwerth: You definitely sound pretty enthusiastic about the country and its people: What is it about Japan that particularly fascinated you? And what shocked you a little? ;-)

Philipp Reinhard: You've already picked up on the enthusiasm. I really like the tradition over there, I love ramen soup and the friendliness of the people. And as I said, I was fascinated by the cities. What shocked me a little? I was shocked when women wanted to carry my suitcase for me and I couldn't stop them - and I bet the suitcase was twice as heavy as the lady carrying it. I won't miss the future toilets either. Anyone who has ever tried to use one of these professional toilets as a European knows what I'm talking about. The thing is as complicated as a smartphone for my grandma and at least as dangerous as a wild baboon.

Oberwerth: Finally, let's go back to photography. You shoot exclusively with Leica cameras and own a Q, CL, SL and S. As we all know, every photographer is an advocate of their camera system. Why did you choose Leica in particular?

Philipp Reinhard: Yes, it's true that I shoot exclusively with Leica. Ever since I bought my first analog Leica CL and then tried a digital Leica M and Q, I understood the concept and my decision was made. A system that concentrates on the essentials and doesn't distract you from your photography is uncomfortable at first, but it always takes you out of your comfort zone. In the end, the new is always outside the comfort zone, and that's where I want to move as often as possible. I don't like taking the same photo twice. In addition, the feel is outstanding, the design of the cameras is something special and I absolutely love the look of the pictures - so I have absolutely no intention of changing! And what's important for me personally to mention is that because I chose Leica, I'm not constantly thinking about the technology and what else I might need to take supposedly better pictures. For me, that's almost complete nonsense - better technology never actually shoots better pictures! The image lives from the subject and the important thing is how you handle and photograph the situation.

Oberwerth: That sounds like a pretty fitting conclusion! Philipp, thank you very much for finding the time for this nice interview. Now, of course, we wish you and the DFB team every success at the World Cup and look forward to lots of great pictures and stories from Russia. After your summer vacation, we would be delighted if you could tell us a bit more about your experiences.

Philipp Reinhard: We'll certainly manage that, there will be one or two things to talk about. Thank you for the pleasant interview and the great support you give me at Oberwerth. It's not without reason that my Oberwerth is always dangling over my shoulder! Dig in and see you soon!