WINNERS' INTERVIEW

ー　What made you decide to enter the Nikon Film and Photo Contest?

I decided to enter the Nikon Film and Photo Contest partly because the timing felt very special to me. At that point, I had been studying photography in Japan for a little over a year, and I wanted an opportunity to revisit my work, organize it, and reflect on it.
At the same time, I noticed that the contest offers not only a Single Photo Category, but also a Photo Story Category, which immediately caught my attention. It highlights not just the strength of a single image, but also the relationships between images and the way a narrative can unfold and flow.

ー　Do you have any episodes to share related to creating your award-winning Nikon Film and Photo Contest work (photo or film)?

I’d like to share the stories behind two of the photographs.
The first (The third photo in a five-photo set) is a portrait of my grandfather, taken while my father was helping him shave. He was already in his nineties, and beyond losing some ability to care for himself, he had also lost part of his memory and cognitive awareness. For example, he could hardly recognize me, and sometimes he couldn’t remember me at all. That made my farewell feel like a farewell happening only on my side—something he was no longer aware of.
The other photograph (The first photo in a five-photo set), which many people ask about, is of a century egg—a traditional Chinese preserved food. After curing a duck egg, beautiful patterns form on its surface. I took this photograph in Japan. While preparing lunch, I opened the egg and suddenly felt a strong wave of homesickness. I then brought it to the Tamagawa River near my home and photographed it there.

ー　Tell us about your recent activities. Have there been any changes in your career and/or other aspects of your life since winning your Nikon Film and Photo Contest award?

Recently, I have been working on my graduation project, and one of its parts includes the award-winning photographs—I’m developing that section further and making it more complete. At the same time, I’m hand-making the photobook. I’ve also been participating in several book fairs recently, such as the Taiwan book fair, and I will take part in a book fair in Jinbōchō this January. (Note: This interview was conducted in December of the previous year.) In terms of changes after winning the award, last year was a low point for me, and I wasn’t sure whether I should continue the path of being a photographic artist after graduation. This award gave me a great deal of confidence and made me feel more determined to keep going. Also, in my recent shoots, I’ve started using the Nikon Z 8, and its high quality has given me more peace of mind while working.

ー　What does shooting photos or films mean to you?

For me, just like the Photo Story Category, shooting is a way of telling stories. It is a way of expressing myself, and a way of writing. When I was a child, I wanted to become a writer, but as I grew older, that dream seemed to drift further away. After coming to Japan, I discovered that besides being a photographer, there is also the role of a “photographic artist.” The moment I saw that title, I felt closer to my childhood self. I realized that writing does not have to be limited to words—photography can also be a form of writing. For me, photography is my writing.

ー　What’s your message to people considering entering the Nikon Film and Photo Contest?

I would like to say: don’t hesitate. No matter the result, it is an opportunity to look at your work from a new perspective and a chance to connect with the world. Trust yourself, trust your efforts, and trust that your work will bring you some surprises.