Murasaki Shikibu, a prominent woman from Japan’s Heian period. She is best known as the author of The Tale of Genji, a world-renowned literary masterpiece often referred to as the “world’s first novel.” Her work is celebrated for its intricate depiction of human relationships and emotions.
Uji is a charming city located south of Kyoto, famous for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and world-renowned green tea. It has been a cultural hub since ancient times and is featured in Japan’s oldest novel, The Tale of Genji. The city offers a mix of natural beauty, historic sites, and traditional tea culture, making it a popular destination for visitors.
Byodoin Temple is Uji’s most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 11th century, the temple is known for its stunning Phoenix Hall, which appears on the back of the Japanese 10-yen coin. The temple reflects the elegance of Japan’s Heian Period and is surrounded by a serene garden and pond, creating a picturesque and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can also explore the museum to learn more about the temple’s history and treasures.
Uji is easily accessible from Kyoto and Osaka, making it a perfect day trip for those interested in history, tea, and scenic beauty.
Starting my photography journey in 1998 during my time as an expatriate in Singapore, I have now been a photographer for over 20 years. My deep affection for Kyoto is reflected in my work, which has been exhibited internationally. I am a photographer with a global perspective, dedicated to capturing the universal beauty found in the interplay of light and shadow.
My core focus is on documenting and preserving Kyoto's landscape, which is being negatively affected by the rapid increase in inbound tourism. I work across genres—from landscapes to portraits—always prioritizing the unique "essence" of the subject and the atmosphere of the moment. I am also actively engaged in international photographic expression, including photo shoots for tourists visiting Japan, exhibiting my work both domestically and abroad, and participating in cultural exchange projects.
2008年日本写真家協会（JPS）展 入選（プロ写真家への登竜門）Selected for the 2008 Japan Professional Photographers Society (JPS) Exhibition (a gateway to becoming a professional photographer)
International Exhibitions: The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles (JFLA) and the Consulate-General of Japan in New York's annual Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival)
The eaves of a traditional townhouse bathed in light and shadow, the stone-paved streets silent in the early morning, and the back alleys where the scent of daily life lingers.
Instead of the "Kyoto-ness" seen in tourist brochures, my mission as a photographer is to document and convey the genuine Kyoto—the lives of the people who live here and the atmosphere shaped by the passage of time.
However, this Kyoto is being quietly destroyed.
The traditional townhouses of Kyoto are not just scenery; they are a way of life.
Now, they are being sold off, along with their "memories of life," under the guise of temporary lodging businesses.
Tourism is undoubtedly a major industry that supports Kyoto. There is no denying that. However, if tourism transforms Kyoto from "a city for its residents" into "a spectacle for tourists," it becomes an act of cultural destruction.
I don't want to photograph a "tourist destination." I want to photograph a "living Kyoto," where people live, gather, and connect.
I will continue to photograph Kyoto. To document and share the "authentic Kyoto" that still remains. And I hope to contribute, even in a small way, to returning Kyoto to a place where "daily life, not tourism, is the main character."
Kyoto is not a place to see; it's a place to live.
