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.
July 4, 2017
This week, I shot a couple! I saw Toshio a while ago on Instagram. Having a lot of tattoos despite some stigmas that are still present in Tokyo, he obviously stands out. It turns out he’s engaged to a french model so for me it was very pleasant to shoot in French to a very nice girl! And bonus, she’s also an avid photographer. They are a lovely couple who can sure turn heads in the street.
We had a very relaxed time in a temple right in the middle of Harajuku then walked down peacefully in the streets to finish with a nice coffee on a rooftop terrasse. Good times!
What do you do?
Toshio: Graphic designer and model
Klara: I am a model at Image and a marketing intern for the brand Ecole de Curiosités. Also a master 1 student of marketing.
Any particular designer you are wearing right now?
Toshio: There aren’t any specific designers.
Klara: I love Yohji Yamamoto.
Why did you choose this location and surroundings?
Toshio: I started coming to Harajuku ten years ago so it is very familiar to me. I have made lots of friends here and there are so many shops. I really like this temple too.
Klara: I chose Harajuku because it is such a versatile place. You can find this paceful temple, very crowded streets and all the fashion styles mix. I think many fashion trends are born in Harajuku.
Where do you go with your friends to have fun?
Toshio: It depends on who I am with but I usually I prefer calm places. Right now I like going to Shibuya or Naka-meguro where there is a bit of nature and quiet.
Klara: Usually on exploration outside of Tokyo, like Okutama lake or Mont Fuji. The Japanese nature is amazing and it is a good break from the busy Tokyo life.
Where do you spend your ‘leisure’ money?
Toshio: I spend my money on clothes and accessories, art tools, tattooes, good meals and travel.
Klara: Clothes and accessories, also in films for my camera ! This is so expensive.
Where do you go in Tokyo to relax?
Toshio: If I want to relax, I usually stay home. But, if I go out, I go to Komazawa park, Todoroki Valley or an onsen.
Klara: The Todoroki Valley, it is never too hot and so quiet. You really feel in nature and it is not far.
What’s your main hobby?
Toshio: Doing some art, making tattooes, cooking for my fiancée, shopping cool clothes, walking around thinking and listening to music.
Klara: Learning Japanese and photography.
What is your favorite clothing store?
Toshio: In Daikanyama, Ttaggg. In Harajuku, Cannabis, in Naka-Meguro, Paradise Tokyo/Wacko Maria. In Paris, all the vintage shops!
Klara: I go to Rag Tag in Harajuku a lot, it is a very good quality vintage and you can find all kind of styles.
Favorite current movies?
Toshio: Recently I like zombie movies!
Klara: Now it is summer time so horror movies, mostly zombie ! But my all time favourite is Spirited Away. I watch it every year.
What is on your playlist?
Toshio: Kendrick Lamar, Michael Jackson and quite a lot of old songs.
Klara: Bjork !
How would you describe your style?
Toshio: I have a lot of black and white, as I don’t really like crazy colors. I don’t really care about the trends, i just buy clothes that fit my style.
Klara: I would say chic and simple. I would rather buy high quality clothes that i can wear throughout the seasons than strong pieces that i would get tired of after wearing it a few times.
I have a good range of nice basics and i indulge sometimes on most fashionable items or accessories !
In the castings i am always told i look like a parisienne, which is what i am ahah. So a chic parisian style.
Do the arts influence it?
Toshio: In the streets i can see a lot of young people wearing the same clothes, i never think that i want to look like them. I always wear very simple clothes to be a canvas to my tattoos. This is my style.
Klara: I consider fashion as art and Yohji Yamamoto’s art influences me.
Thank you Toshio and Klara! A cool couple. Next, the young Sakuma in Shimokitazawa!