1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I am 21 years old. I was born with a heart condition and have been unable to exercise since I was a child. I had a camera just before entering junior high school and since then, I started having fun. I have been taking pictures with a single-minded love for photography.
2Where did you study photography?
I'm a self-taught photographer from the beginning and never learned from others.
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
The first one was a nondescript leaf in the park in front of my house. Even now, that photo is the first one in my data.
4What equipment do you use?
At first, I used a compact digital camera that I had at home but now I use a Sony full-size mirrorless.
5What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
After all, compliments from relatives and friends feed our photography activities.
6What inspires your unique storytelling?
None in particular.
7What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
I'm often surrounded by:
1: Gentle style.
2: Nature in its natural state.
3: Inspiring.
8Congratulations! As the winner of the MUSE Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
It will lead to my own personal growth and motivation for the future.
9Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 MUSE Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
With this year's awards, I received a Gold Award for Brilliant Time in the Natural Landscape category and a Silver Award for Growth in the Natural Landscape Fine Art category. I entered this award because I wanted to know what level my work was at, and also as a new challenge.
10How has winning an award developed your career?
I believe it has given me increased motivation and credibility as a photographer.
11Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
They are "Michiko Yone," a Japanese female landscape photographer, and Toshiki Nakanishi, a landscape photographer who was a member of the jury when I won the silver prize in a contest held by a magazine called Nippon Camera. These are the photographers I still admire and wish to become such wonderful photographers.
12What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
I may not be in a position to give much advice since I am still a novice, but what I would like to tell you is to keep going. I didn't win any awards at all at first. Sometimes I felt insecure and wanted to quit photography, but I still believed in myself and continued to take pictures with just one thought in mind, "because I love it" and this year is my 9th year.
Recently, I have finally started to receive recognition for my work. If you want to become a photographer, please don't give up! The day you are rewarded will come one day. Believe in yourself!
13What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
You have to keep going and not give up.
