Edited by Odeta Catana, Photo Editor
Could you tell us few words about your self.
I am 31 years old, a hair designer, and own a little hair salon/atelier in Tokyo. I take analogue photography, and sew dolls in my spare time.
How did you start taking pictures? Usually there is always the old story of the boy who finds his grandfather’s camera, did that happen to you as well or not?
Unfortunately, no one really had or used decent cameras in my family.
When I turned 20 I stated to feel compelled to create something (because at that time I was working as an assistant hair designer in a small hair salon, being frustrated by a sense of emptiness everyday, feeling the whole world was absurd around me; trapped by sort of a youth angst I’m guessing now), so I began to work on any kind of artistic activities, such as painting, sculptures, clay modelings, and sewing. And that was when I started to take photographs. I bought a cheap and heavy SLR, and it was just as handsome as a machine, which made me into it. I’ve done with most of these activities by now since I have opened my own hair salon/atelier, but somehow I still like sewing dolls, and I take photographs almost everyday. Especially in these 3-4 years, after I met my wife, I started to get absorbed in photography.
Where does your inspiration comes from?
Photography books of all sorts, online photography such as the ones on flickr/tumblr, and the life with my wife… I also think the memories of beautiful things I experienced when I was a kid have a great influence on how I see the world.
In a portrait, what is important for you?
My stance on taking photographs wouldn’t change whether I take portrait or whatever beauty I find in light. I release the shutter whenever I feel great and comfortable.
What kind of relationship do you have with your subject when you shoot?
Whether your subject is a person or a thing, I feel the intimate relationship with light and shadow is the most important thing. I guess by that it means to find out, with your subject, how and why the world is beautiful. It is part of a communication, and is always needed when you take photographs I feel.
Do you think it’s important to follow a school to learn how to shoot?
I’ve never been to such schools, but I think you go to photography school not just to learn techniques; you’d encounter good friends and great teachers there, and might get unexpected experiences during the school days. So it is hard to say what is good and what’s not. I just want to say, in any case, what you choose is always right. You can learn anywhere and anytime. Sincerity and earnestness is the most important thing.
What’s the photo you want to take and you never did?
I want to live the life with my wife to the fullest, and hope there would be our kids in it. That’s the life I want to take and will take in the future.
What’s your photo-mission?
I love photography, and that’s the only reason I take photographs. I just don’t want to forget the world is always beautiful if you want it.
