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?
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
