I was never really good with words.
So I discovered poetry in pictures. Stories emerge where lines meet and colors merge. Frame by frame, subjects reveal to me pieces of their personal narratives.
Avid lover of Japan’s unique lifestyle, I took my film camera and spent a year capturing the youth culture.
By shooting in analog format, I aspired to connect with my subjects in all of their subtleties. Thus, I learned more with less.
I found focus in the blurry.
Little did I know that this journey would deeply shape my identity as a photographer.
I hope that emotions can transcend through these images to inspire you.
Here are the stories they chose to tell.
June 12, 2017
Takashi brought me to Daikanyama. I was happy because I love that neighborhood. Cute streets, coffee shops, fashion and the amazing Tsutaya Library, where I can spend hours browsing through magazines or books.
Takashi is a stylist and we share a common love for Yohji Yamamoto! We actually worked together on an editorial that I’m still working on, stay tuned.
We lost around one hour waiting for the crazy rain to calm down. My camera isn’t wet friendly but at least we were stuck in the library, enjoying a coffee. The concept of 10 pictures doesn’t allow much for failure but I had to fuck a shot at some point and that is the third one! No idea where the focus went but it’s not there. ;P (that’s in front of the Blue Blue shop). The last shot is a very cool building, which was hard to capture. I wonder if sometimes I should just forget my model and capture what they like without them. Food for thought.
What do you do?
Stylist.
Any particular designer you are wearing right now?
Yohji Yamamoto
Why did you choose this location and surroundings?
I like this area because it’s really Tokyo. There is so much history here and I like how the street culture is part of the roots of that neighborhood.
Where do you go with your friends to have fun?
Either to Shibuya or Harajuku.
Where do you spend your ‘leisure’ money?
I like to go to Aoyama, especially in the Yohji Yamamoto shop. The store is amazing, I like the design and the atmosphere in it. I also like to go to the theater.
Where do you go in Tokyo to relax?
I’m very fortunate to live near the Yoyogi park so my house is actually very quiet. It’s easy to take some fresh air and go to the park. I think I like it a lot because I feel surrounded by nature.
What’s your main hobby?
I really like watching movies. But lately I have become a victim of Instagram. Watching it and putting content up 🙂
What is your favorite clothing store?
As stated above, Yohji! I really like the black color and that is part of Yohji DNA. I feel calm when I wear black. Simple design and simple outfits are what gets me the most and I don’t really put too many accessories. Sometimes in the summer, I wear denim too.
Favorite current movies?
The girl with the dragon tatoo. Rooney Mara playing Lisbeth in the movie is incredible. I can’t pull off her coolness but I really adore her style.
What is on your playlist?
I like a lot of styles but Rock I guess is what I prefer.
How would you describe your style?
It’s important to keep true to what you aim for. I have my own way of thinking, I have my own life. For now, I like to spend time looking at the arts, learning about cultures and establishing myself as a stylist.
Do the arts influence it?
I think it does. When you realize that it does, it gets exciting.
Next week, Haru!