Statement：

In Japanese tradition, dusk is sometimes called tasogare-doki—a time when the fading light makes it difficult to recognise another’s face and one might ask, “Who are you?” The word derives from the ancient phrase tare so kare, meaning “Who might that be?”

Likewise, the hour before dawn was known as kawatare-doki, meaning “Who is that there?” Both expressions describe the uncertain boundary between day and night, and between night and morning.

In ancient Japan it was believed that ominous spirits roamed the darkness and vanished with the coming of dawn. In modern urban life, however, the transition between night and morning has become difficult to perceive.

In the forests of Yakushima, I believe it may still be possible to encounter this moment.

Before daybreak I enter the forest while it is still ruled by darkness. The air is filled with the loud chorus of insects as I walk deeper inside, guided only by a small light. During the new moon, if I turn off the light, I am enveloped in such darkness that I cannot even see my own hands.

Gradually, the faint boundary between sky and forest begins to appear. The insects fall silent, and the birds begin to sing. As my eyes adjust, the outlines of the trees slowly emerge. What appears before me is a world without colour. I named this moment Nocrchrome—a monochrome world that exists only for a brief time between night and morning.
When the scent of flowers begins to drift through the forest, colour returns. Morning has begun, and that is the time when energy has been fulfilled.

プロフィール

東京を拠点に活動する写真家。⾵景の中に潜む「気配や光の揺らぎ」に関⼼を寄せ、モノクロームによる写真表現を探求してきた。その中で⾒出したキーワードは「エネルギー」である。⻑年、⽬の前の被写体やその⼟地のエネルギーをどう残し、⾒る⼈にどう伝えることができるのかを模索してきた。2014年頃からは被写体の先にある「⽬に⾒えないエネルギー」をも捉え表現しようと試み作品制作を続けている。現在は写真家活動に加え、講座、⼤学講師、写真集の企画や執筆、YouTubeでの発信等を通じて写真⽂化の普及にも取り組み、写真制作の実践と教育の両⾯で活動を続ける。