I want to capture the charm of the land, the people's lives, and the real scenery. It is like a documentary film, showing a scene of life. This is also the case when I photograph magnificent landscapes that can only be seen in a single moment of the year.
1. Tell us something about your Background and Journey.
I used to enjoy mountain climbing as a hobby, and I started taking photographs to let more people know about the splendor of nature that I felt at that time. I was satisfied with that at first, but as my interest shifted from mountain climbing to cameras, I started to take pictures of Japanese townscapes, culture, and people.
I often go on a trip by myself and choose a city I have never visited before as my destination, but without doing any preliminary research, I ask the people living in the city about their stories and take pictures. The reason for this is that by not doing any preliminary research, I can eliminate any preconceived notions and shoot what I feel honestly.
Another thing I am interested in is the background of people's lives. I am always looking for ways to express the weight of the lives of people I am interested in through photography.
2. What inspired you to become a Photographer?
In Japan, many people know the world-famous places through TV and photos. However, there are still cultures and landscapes in Japan that even we Japanese don't know about. I have been posting photos on SNS as a hobby to let people around the world know about these things.
As my work became more and more recognized and introduced in the media in Japan, I decided to expand my activities as a photographer. Now I am not only active on social networking sites, but I am also exhibiting my work in Japan and providing examples of my work to companies. Due to covid-19, I am limited in the places I can visit, but I plan to continue to take photos alone whenever possible.
3. How would you define your style in Photography?
When I go out to take pictures, I go to cities I have never visited before, and I find new things in many of them. For example, learning for the first time about the old-fashioned streets of a town deep in the mountains, or the festivals held there, stimulates me and makes me even more interested in unfamiliar towns.
This repetition is the reason why I continue to take photographs. We live in an age where we can get instant information through Social Networking Services, TV, Books, etc., but there are many things we cannot understand until we visit. My style as a photographer is to let my mind wander to places I have not yet seen.
I want to capture the charm of the land, the people's lives, and the real scenery. It is like a documentary film, showing a scene of life. This is also the case when I photograph magnificent landscapes that can only be seen in a single moment of the year.
4. What is the most rewarding part of being a Photographer?
The most rewarding thing is to travel and take pictures. I don't take pictures to seek recognition, because I believe that recognition is the result of taking pictures. I am more than happy when people are interested in Japan or remember Japan when they see my photos, and that is why I continue to take photos.
Back in the days when anyone could travel abroad freely, people would contact me when they came to Japan for sightseeing and I would often take their photos. At that time, I felt very honored and grateful that they saw my photos and felt a connection to the world. I was also very happy when people overseas bought my photos and when they were published in a photo book in the US.
5. Which is your favorite photo clicked by you?
I was thrilled when one of my photos was featured on the Official Instagram page. It was a rare day in Tokyo when it snowed heavily, and I asked a tourist who was there to let me take this photo.
This photo was taken on a day when it was unusually snowy in Tokyo. It was also introduced on Japanese TV and exhibited in a photo exhibition, and it was one of the pictures that changed the environment of my photographic activities.
6. Who is your favorite Photographer and Why?
Daido Moriyama, who was born in the same area, is one of my favorite photographers. I was shocked by his realistic snapshots, which inspired me to start photographing the city. I learned a lot about how important it is to capture the moment you feel while wandering around the city, and to walk around the city while sharpening your senses.
In Japan, people tend to be averse to taking street snapshots. In Japan, it is easy to be disgusted with street snapping, especially in a city where the sight of a photographer with a camera in the street can be uncomfortable, but if you don't go beyond one barrier, you can't go beyond that.
He is the photographer who made me aware of this. I definitely go to his photo exhibitions, and I read his books all the time.
7. What tips do you have for aspiring Photographers?
In the past, it was common to become an apprentice to a photographer, but nowadays, anyone can send out photos using social networking services. However, in order to become a good photographer and to take pictures that impress people, it is essential to study and make efforts every day.
You can improve your perspective as a photographer by taking pictures of every corner of the city you live in over and over again. You will also be able to check your progress by looking back at the photos you have taken in the past. Repeatedly taking these photos and sending them out on social networking sites is a major path in the modern world.
Nowadays, you can see people taking great photos on social networking sites, not only in Japan. Take a look at some of your favorite photographers in the genre you want to shoot and see if you can reproduce the same kind of photos. From there, you will be able to create your own originals. As it has become easier for anyone to send out messages, there are many opportunities, but there are also many rivals.
In order to stand out from the crowd, it is important to establish your own style as a photographer. What are you good at, what do you want to shoot, and what do you want to convey? It is important to establish the core of your identity as a photographer.
8. Which is your favorite Book and Why?
This is "TOTKO" by Daido Moriyama.
I was shocked by the freshness of his monochrome images of Tokyo. The familiar Tokyo of Ginza, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Ueno, Shibuya, etc. is interspersed like an uncertain afterimage in our memories.
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