My name is Mariko Okubo, Tokyo based Portrait/Street photographer. I am curious about the people who are living or visiting to Japan from other countries. My main question is, "How come they decide to come to Japan?"

I would like to keep taking their pictures to prove their history of life in Japan.

I studied under Shinobu Imai who is a wonderful and skilled kids/family photographer.

I remember my first shot back to when I was a junior high student, I took a picture of a flower by using my father's film camera. It was a black and white film and I still like it, I am very fond of it.

Sony 7iii and Canon EOS90D.

Movies, books, the ordinary but mostly wonderful days with my daughters.

Creative, classy and modern.

Thank you so much for choosing my pictures and giving them a place in your Hall of Fame of wondrous photographer winners! It is very big deal for me and it encourages me a lot to do better. You gave me great confidence!

The main theme is "Japanese beauty". You can find various styles of beauty that is reflected in my pictures.

This is definitely something to boast about! I can include this in my resume about this prize and hopefully some companies offer me a job.

"Don't hesitate to begin new things!" emphasizes the importance of embracing change and taking action without fear of the unknown. Embracing new opportunities can lead to personal growth, learning, and exciting experiences that enrich life. By overcoming hesitation, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities and pave the way for new adventures and accomplishments.

Trusting your instincts and following your photographer's eyes means tapping into your intuition and creativity while learning from the experienced photographer's perspective. It's about finding a balance between your unique vision and drawing inspiration from someone else's expertise. This approach allows you to grow as a photographer, adapt to changing situations, and capture moments that evoke emotion and tell powerful stories through your lens.

From the Internet and books! They’re a great motivation for me to be susceptible to new information and that would lead me to being in a more creative space.

Thank you so much. I am truly honored to be the recipient of these rewarding prizes!