I became a photographer without too much thought but rather with my gut feeling. After earning my college degree in Japan in Japanese literature and education, I initially set out to become a high school teacher. However, it quickly became clear that teaching wasn’t my true calling. Feeling an intense desire to leave Japan and explore the world, I decided to take a different path. My fascination with cultures and travel has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. As a toddler, I was captivated by travel programs on TV, and even now, I can vividly recall details from those shows.
Discovering what you want to do in life is rarely straightforward. My teenage son, who will be starting college next year, reminds me of how lost and uncertain I felt when I was 18. At 20, after moving to the States, I had an epiphany while flipping through magazines at a newsstand that I wanted to become a photographer. It’s amusing to think back on this moment, especially since I had written the same aspiration in a note to my future self as part of a sixth-grade time capsule. Maybe deep down, we always carry a sense of who we are meant to be.
As I browsed those magazines, I was struck by how compelling images could transcend language barriers, conveying emotions and telling stories of people’s lives around the world. Photography revealed that we can connect and empathize with one another, even across vast cultural and linguistic divides.
I purchased my first film camera and began photographing strangers on the street. To my surprise as a shy person, it felt natural and effortless. Through photography, I formed a deeper connection with people, even though my English was limited at the time. This was nearly 25 years ago, in the era of analog cameras and film, long before smartphones were everywhere. Photography not only alleviated my loneliness but also helped me forge new friendships. It quickly became an obsession, one that continues to inspire me to this day.
Street photography has become my passion, a medium through which I can best express my innermost self. Capturing candid moments on the street fills me with exhilaration; it’s a pure, unadulterated joy. For those new to photography, I recommend grabbing a camera and seeing what you can discover. Street photography is like a treasure hunt—if you’re in the right place at the right time, you’ll capture something extraordinary.
Like many professionals, I’ve experienced periods of burnout and creative stagnation, often a result of taking photos solely for monetary reasons. This can sap the joy from the craft. To reignite my inspiration, I assign myself thematic projects. While I’m not particularly drawn to experimenting with new gear or technology, I find immense creative satisfaction in exploring a specific theme. These personal assignments often lead to images I’m genuinely proud of.
One such project arose when my friend Kohjiro Kinno, a sports photographer, invited me to contribute to a basketball-themed exhibit. This theme compelled me to notice basketball hoops scattered around Seattle—objects I had previously overlooked. Observing these hoops in their various states and environments energized me creatively, resulting in a series of images that I deeply cherish.
