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R YO H E I J I N G U
01 The Uniqueness of Japan
02 Tr a v e l P o r t r a i t s
01 The Uniqueness of Japan
T h e s u m m e r o f 2 015 c o u l d b e t h e b i g g e s t d i v i s i o n p o i n t f o r J a p a n i n t h e 70 y e a r s s i n c e i t s a w t h e e n d o f W W 2.
More than 10million people in total gathered to protest against the revision of constitution article 9. Japan, the only nation to have suffered atomic bombs, are now moving on to amend their principals, the renunciation of war. After undergoing the loss of WW2, people of Japan have continued to value the idea of peace for 70 years. This idea has been symbolized by constitution article 9. “The Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation” ” land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. “ ” The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.” These words are said to reflect the belief unique to the Japanese people.
However, this often calls for discussion as the draft of this constitution was made by the US to ensure that Japanese military will not become a threat again. This fact is treated as a taboo and hardly ever taught officially. The Right wings state that article 9 was forced on them, while the left value this as icon of peace. Looking at the scene of protest with this in mind, the complex side of this issue is unveiled, and that it is not just about people standing up for peace. After the 3.11 earthquake, the LDPs with their manifesto focusing on economic recovery looked promising to the people. In reality, while the people’ s attention are absorbed in the hope of growing economy and the coming Olympics, the government is striding towards revival of nationalist nation. LDP members have started to threaten the media by suggesting radio waves to be cut off and corrupt states are left unpursued, but how many people actually acknowledge the situation?
MacArthur and the Emperor of Japan, Hirohito
Many people attended the protest against the foreign wars bill, but is
By U.S. Army photographer Lt. Gaetano Faillace
10million a large number compared to the issue that they are facing?
[Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
What of the people who did not take action? Do they not care, or oblivious of the situation? I intend to look in to this further in my work.
No more war. Don't break article 9.
In modern Japan, young people such as high school/college students often lead protests.
A young policeman looking alert for collisions.
From individuals, grassroots movement groups to legal professionals, wide range of people gathered.
Every night, the house of parliament was swarmed with people protesting against the security bill.
This woman insists on a peace against police.
Men and women of all ages made a dramatic protest against the LDP’ s constitutional amendment.
The main road leading to the House of Parliament covered with protesters.
Policemen trying to maintain order and the people forcing past.
In a culture where social harmony is valued, cases where people speak out their resentment are rare.
Man guiding people to the protests. “This way to the protests” “to the house of parliament”
A woman silently praying amidst chorus of protests.
Protesters using taxis to cut through pedestrian restrictions.
"Shame on Komeito!ďźˆfor holding hands with the LDPdisgrace upon the name of peace"
People complaining to the policeman blocking their way.
LGBT rainbow flags were seen as a protest against the conservative mentality of LDP.
“We will not forgive the politics of Abe�
Many flags and placards were seen.
Policemen mobilised to restrict protesters from accessing the House of Parliament.
A placard against the security bill
02 Tr a v e l P o r t r a i t s
I n a t i n y p a r t o f t h e w o r l d.
Being in a different environment all together, makes me suddenly realize that my commonsense and education only makes sense in a tiny part of the world. I have come to realize this through taking portrait pictures whilst traveling alone. Communications made through taking portrait photos during my travel, brings a strong connection instantly in between the person and I. That, I think is because there is a certain moment whilst taking photos, where two individuals with totally different backgrounds become free from their prejudice. However, I always try to keep in mind that as a photographer, I am an outsider and there are certain rules within that certain society that has to be kept. In such a situation, I always have to be the first one to get rid of any prejudice or beliefs that relates to the background I come from. By doing this, I can get closer to the real nature of the person. This process is just as much as important to me as the act of taking the photo itself, and the reason I choose people as my main objective.
A taxi driver proudly talking about his classic car passed on from his grandfather: Havana, Cuba, 2012.
His classic car: Havana, Cuba, 2012.
Fighting for the center: Jodhpur, India, 2013.
The crowd of Jodhpur station: Jodhpur, India, 2013.
"I want a perfect shot" says the man while children play in the background: Siem Reap, Cambodia, 2012.
Another day: Siem Reap, Cambodia, 2012.
Old lady taking a rest from her washing near the crematory: Varanasi, India, 2015.
A washing man: Varanasi, India, 2015.
This boy in Varanasi has the eyes of an experienced business man: Varanasi, India, 2015.
He told me his circumstances. Even with a good education, the things are not going well in a life: Delhi, India, 2015.
A young Cambodian man leading the way to the grave of a famous Japanese cameraman: Siem Reap, Cambodia, 2012.
Road leading to the grave: Siem Reap, Cambodia, 2012.
At a school in Havana: Havana, Cuba, 2012.
Looking over the gulf of Mexico from Malecon street: Havana, Cuba, 2012.
Animal is all around: Jodhpur, India, 2013.
Back street of Jodhpur: Jodhpur, India, 2013.
Taking a break from his work: Siem Reap, Cambodia, 2012.
A view from his working area: Siem Reap, Cambodia, 2012.
A night live: Trinidad, Cuba, 2012.
Music fills the air at night in Old Havana: Havana, Cuba, 2012.
Boys counting their day’ s earning: Jodhpur, India, 2013.
Their products: Jodhpur, India, 2013.
An old man during his lunch break: Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2012.
Miscellaneous dwellings of Punom Penh: Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2012.
An old woman proudly walking the streets of Jodhpur: Jodhpur, India, 2013.
Old urban area of Jodhpur: Jodhpur, India, 2013.
Taking a break from the laundry: Trinidad, Cuba, 2012.
A man talks passionately about baseball as soon as he realized I was Japanese: Trinidad, Cuba, 2012.
Old man making small talk with neighbours: Varanasi, India, 2015.
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