Japanese Aquariums

• Prize
  Shortlist
• Photographer
  George Nobechi, Japan
• Date of Photograph
  2020
• Category
  Asia
• Studio
  Nobechi Creative
• Image Location
  Japan
• Socials
• Website
  https://www.georgenobechi.com

Remarkably, of the estimated 400 admission-charging aquariums in the world, 150 are located in Japan. Moreover, fish tanks are ubiquitous—at restaurants, hotels, and even in random roadside displays. Given the country’s aging demographics it is hard to imagine this as sustainable, even as aquariums attempt to shift their raison d’être toward conservation, animal rescue and education.

I am interested in the emotions expressed both by the spectators and the animals. At times, one is left to wonder who is observing whom? And in light of the Covid-19 era, what does a spectator-less aquarium do?

• Biography
  I am a Japanese/Canadian photographer. In 2015, I became a full-time photographer, having studied under National Geographic photographer Sam Abell. Under Abell's mentorship. I have been featured in photo magazines in the US (such as PDN) and Japan (Asahi Camera) and have had solo exhibitions in the US, Australia and Italy. In 2017 I was awarded a Critical Mass Top 50 award, and have received 3rd place honors as an amateur in the IPA awards for Fine Art Landscapes in 2018.
• Awards
  2018 IPA 3rd Place: Fine Art Landscape 2018 Review Santa Fe Top 100 2018 Tokyo International Foto Award: Bronze: Fine Art Landscape / Bronze: Nature/Seasons 2017 PX3: Silver: Fine Art / Silver: Monograph 2017 PDN: “The Curator” Best Landscape Series 2017 SilverEye Center for Photography: Commendation Award 2017 Sidney Zuber Photography Award: Honorable Mention 2016 Tokyo International Foto Award: Gold: Nature/Seasons