- This is your second time acting as a judge. What kind of works are you expecting to see this year?

I want to see works that are of a polar difference in nature. First of all, I have expectations for those who approach photography intently in terms of its history up to the present or the context of the work. On the other hand, I want to see experimental works that are able to extend positively the domain of photography as well. I will be happy if I can get involved as a judge in observing the point where two kinds of works confront each other to compete for the Grand Prize - a work from which I surely feel the power of photography as “a work right at the heart of photography,” and a work that I feel is most innovative.

- Is there anything you’ve found in the current culture of photography?

At present there are a lot of fields in which photographers can play an active part, and they are spread over various media. Nevertheless, it seems that there are fewer chances, compared with the old days, for a photographer to act on his or her own initiative. I’d like to see photographers of New Cosmos of Photography not only make works that they are hired to do, but also give full scope to their abilities to complete works at their own initiative. I hope that New Cosmos of Photography will provide a place where such creators will be fostered.

- Is there any photographer who has attracted your attention recently?

Kayo Ume’s activities (*) drew my attention. Works that are accepted by such a wide range of people are valuable. While photographing everyday scenes, she tries to produce dissimilation by making us feel that we see them for the first time, though we’ve actually seen them before. I think she is a photographer who is firmly confronting photography right at the heart of it.

- Please let me know about your present concerns and projects you are planning to work on.

Right now I’m very interested in the existence of Tokyo. Tokyo and its environs form a megalopolis with a population of approximately thirty million. I’d like to discern what kind of things the aggregate of human beings on such a large scale as humankind has not experienced before can produce, and how it will change .
The city project that I’m now involved in is related to Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture. I’m working around facilities called “Saka no ue no kumo (Cloud-on-a- Hill) Museum” to enhance the whole city’s attractiveness. How to bring out the features as a city is a difficult problem. I want the town to be enjoyable for residents, but if it is a town where residents can only live a life of ease, people in surrounding areas would seldom show interest in it. If I try to draw the attention of people in surrounding areas, inconveniences may arise for residents. Bringing those difficulties into harmony, I try to make their living environment lively and exciting. Though it is really difficult, those involved in culture should tackle this sort of problem, I think.

* Kayo Ume
Born in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1981. After graduating from Japan Institute of Photography and Film, Ume worked as a freelance photographer. Her photos of daily life bringing laughter have proved to be popular. She received the Kimura Ihei Memorial Photography Award for her first photo book “Ume-me” published by Little More in 2006. “Boys” is another photo book of hers. She received an honorable mention at New Cosmos of Photography 2000 (the 21st competition) and 2001 (the 23rd competition).