Bronze in Advertising/Self-Promotion / 2025 / Advertising / Self-Promotion

• Prize
  Bronze in Advertising/Self-Promotion
• Photographer
  Kaoru Asano, Japan
• Date of Photograph
  September 2024
• Instagram
  www.instagram.com/kaoru_works_portrait and www.instagram.com/kaoru_works_art

I have spent years photographing my daughter—my muse and a professional ballerina.

In this piece, her form embodies the Japanese kanji “人” (hito), meaning “human.”
In 2024, a major scandal in Japan evoked the #MeToo movement, exposing deep-rooted misogyny and a culture where women are still treated as less than human.
As a Japanese woman and an artist, I could no longer remain silent.
Through this image, I raise a quiet, unwavering cry for dignity, equality, and the simple truth:
“I am human—just like you.”

I am a creative photographer. Since 2019, I have exhibited annually in Tokyo, building a loyal audience who looks forward to my work each year. 
I find the greatest joy in the creative process and aim to create beautiful images that become lights of hope in a chaotic world.
My work has received international awards, and in 2020 I published a picture book.

Awards PX3 2025 - BRONZE WINNER
https://px3.fr/winners/hm/2025/1-124528-25/

2025 International Photo Awards - Official Selection
https://photoawards.com/winner/zoom.php?eid=8-1722598921-25

2025 Tokyo International Foto Awards - Honorable Mention
https://www.tokyofotoawards.jp/winners/social/2025/23-53948-25/