My name is Mariko Okubo and I am a portrait photographer based in Tokyo.

I am always interested in people and their backgrounds. Sometimes I go to town and ask people from overseas to take their photos.

While I didn't have formal training at a traditional photography school, I was deeply inspired by the work of Japanese masters like Shinobu Imai and Kunihiro Takauma. Their captivating images have been my virtual classroom, teaching me the subtle nuances of light, shadow, and composition. Their dedication to their craft and their ability to capture the essence of a moment continue to guide my own photographic journey.

My father lent me a Pentax film camera, so I took pictures of the sky.

Sony A7iii and Canon equipment.

I hope to exhibit my work in a photo exhibition or museum. I also want to go abroad for shooting.

Beyond any compliment, the everyday moments with my daughters are what truly inspire and touch me the most.

My storytelling draws its magic from the spellbinding pages of my favorite novels and the silver screen's captivating tales.

Modern, creative and classic

Thank you so much! Winning the European Photography Awards is a huge honour. It's a big confidence boost, knowing my work resonates and inspires others to keep capturing the world.

My hometown, Hachioji, has a very traditional Japanese culture called Geiko (Geisha, professional traditional Japanese entertainer).

Geiko wears kimono and plays traditional Japanese instruments called shamisen or koto. They also perform traditional Japanese dance. I think they are very beautiful, so I choose to take their photos.

• Michaela Noroc

• Daido Moriyama

• William Claxton