Canon global

-After winning, did your mind-set or situation change at all?

Up until now I have only looked at my own photographs, but now I feel that I have come to understand where my work is positioned in the overall world of photography. As I had not really shown my work to many people, this was really a learning experience. At the open selection meeting, etc. you get to talk in front of other people, and that really annoyed me (laughs). But, I am glad I had that experience. It made me aware of many things. I still remember well, for example, when I was told: “Perhaps you are not allowing enough time when facing each of your subjects.” And this has made me devise ways to use my time when facing subjects.

-How did you get into photography?

I went to study in England when I was 20. At that time, someone advised me that it would be best to have a definite goal, so it started when I decided to take a camera. I took part in a photography course offered at the school where I was studying, and as I was praised a bit, it gave me some confidence. At that time, I took snapshots like I do now. I returned to Japan when I was 23 and got work in a photography and film studio. Around that time I became aware of and was impressed by the photographer Martin Parr. I realized that he was similar to me in that his photos consist of interesting things he has responded to and photographed. From then on I really began to put effort into creating my work. In 2003, I heard that Martin Parr would be a guest judge for the New Cosmos of Photography. That was when I first entered. I got an honorable mention that time. I entered again in 2005 and got another honorable mention. This time I had greater expectations from the start, but it did not happen. At first glance my work does not appear to be very novel, and I thought I might go as far as getting an honorable mention.

-How did you produce the work you entered?

I always carry a camera with me, and I accumulate photos on a daily basis. This time I selected photos that I shot within the last two years. As for what kind of photos I put together, I guess you could say they are mysterious. Of course they are non-fiction, but they make you think they were staged. They were entered as a book, but the original form was ready a year before I entered. As the deadline approached I made various adjustments, and just before sending it in I had a brainstorm and made some major changes to the composition. There were some photos of folk dancers, and I only included one photo when I started. I thought it would be good to include more, and then I came across other photos I wanted to add. Overall, it had a richer feel than in the first place. I think that this was the right thing to do.

-How do you come across situations like those in the somewhat mysterious scenes?

I was not intending to do anything special. I always have my compact camera with me, and I take pictures when I notice something. I do not say: “Today, I will go and shoot photos or anything like that.” I think this is because the great thing about photos is that anyone can shoot whenever they want. Simply shooting things you find surprising, interesting, or fun is enough, and I do not want to incorporate anything more than that.
What attracted me to photography is that it is simple and you do not need much in the way of technique. And, it is great that you can see the photos right after shooting them. I always feel that I will not forget this idea when I am shooting.

-Which artist do you like?

I think Martin Parr(*1) had a great influence on me. I also like Shinro Ohtake(*2) and Kazuo Umezu(*3). Seeing people that make large-scale works from insignificant subjects is very persuasive and gives me a sense of reassurance.

*1 : Martin Parr
Born in 1952. Began working as a photographer in the 1970s in England. He worked on documentaries about social issues and has steadily moved toward a freer and more provocative style. He is also has worldwide recognition as a collector of photo books.

*2 : Shinro Ohtake
Born in 1955. Ohtake is an artist that is continually creating large-scale pieces such as paintings, collages, and 3D artwork. Since 1988 he has been creating work based in Uwajima, Ehime prefecture. In 2006, he held an exhibition titled Zen-Kei at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo, which was very popular.

*3 : Kazuo Umezu
Born in 1936. While still in high school his first book of manga was published professionally. He is known for his wide range of styles from humor manga to horror manga. His works include The Drifting Classroom, Makoto-chan, Left Hand of God, and Right Hand of the Devil, etc.