refocus-tears-of-struggle-1680520982

The Struggle Against Oppression

Satoshi Takahashi

Japan

refocus--1656588387

Tep Vanny, one of Cambodia's most prominent land rights activists, symbol of peaceful activism against the autocratic government in Cambodia vows to fight for social justice after her trial at the Court of Appeal on February 27, 2017.

refocus-fighting-for-social-justice_satoshi-takahashi-1656597412

Bronze

Fighting for Social Justice

Fishermen ride a fishing boat on their way to hunt for "Hatahata" or sailfin sandfish, on the sea of Japan off the coast of Akita Prefecture. The "seasonal hatahata fishing," of which the period is extremely short. The people of Akita believe that they are the "Gift of God" during the harsh winter.

refocus-hatahata-a-gift-from-god-in-the-cold-winter_satoshi-takahashi-1656599085

Honorable Mention

Hunt for 'god's gift'

Japanese visiting deity "Namahage" march through the streets during a blizzard in Oga City, Akita Prefecture. This folk-cultural event has a long history of over several hundred years. Each New Year’s Eve, the deities visit homes to admonish laziness, also to bring happiness and rich harvests.

refocus-namahage_satoshi_takahashi-1657642296

NAMAHAGE

A Cambodian border security force soldier embraces his son near the border with Thailand during the Cambodian-Thai border conflict in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia on July 13, 2011.

refocus-family-ties_satoshi_takahashi-1671537983

Nominee

Family Ties

Cambodian activists calling for the release of imprisoned 23 protesters during a protest against the dictatorial government of Cambodia outside the Court of Appeal in Phnom Penh, on February 11, 2014.

refocus-free-the-23_satoshi_takahashi-1671538972

Free the 23

Thousands of Buddhist monks gather to pay their respects to the late former Cambodian King, "King-Father" Norodom Sihanouk in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on Oct. 23, 2012.

refocus-prayer-to-the-king-1679906765

Prayer to the King

Cambodian activists shed tears as they celebrate land rights activist and human rights defender Yorm Bopha gets bail after her court hearing in front of the Supreme Court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on November 22, 2013. They are painting their own faces white and black to show justice and injustice.

Cambodia's Struggle for Democracy is the compilation of my work in Cambodia from 2013 to 2018, covering the social movements to struggle against the Hun Sen's autocratic government. I dedicate this series to "Cambodian Resistance" who fight for social justice.