logo

MK

Makoto Kawakami

Tokyo Tenement, Behind the Waves of Time

During the 2021 Olympics, Goro Kotani quietly passed away in Tokyo. His uncooled room became unbearably hot. The tenement for wartime Korean laborers in Edagawa, Goro lived on a a small pension. From 2014, I photographed his decline, capturing a story of Japan’s poverty, loneliness, and history.

Awards

World Photo Annual

2024

Nominee

Photojournalism

Non Professional

Tokyo Tenement, Behind the Waves of Time

During the 2021 Olympics, Goro Kotani quietly passed away in Tokyo. His uncooled room became unbearably hot. The tenement for wartime Korean laborers in Edagawa, Goro lived on a a small pension. From 2014, I photographed his decline, capturing a story of Japan’s poverty, loneliness, and history.

About Artist

Makoto Kawakami

​Natori Yonosuke Award(2016) ​

Photographic Areas of Focus

People, Photojournalism

Location

Japan

Explore Other Winners

View All
Bronze
Honorable Mention
Nominee
Thibault Gerbaldi

Thibault Gerbaldi

Travel

Honorable Mention
Nominee +2
Thibault Gerbaldi

Thibault Gerbaldi

Travel

Honorable Mention
Nominee
Julia Kochetova

Julia Kochetova

Photojournalism

Nominee +1
Mike McKinnon

Mike McKinnon

Photojournalism

logo

Contests

Info

FAQ & RulesTerms of UsePrivacy Policy

Links

Facebook

Instagram

Contact Us

© Creative Resource Collective, LLC 2026. All Rights Reserved.

reFocus Awards is managed by Creative Resource Collective, LLC.

Learn More

Creative Resource Collective, LLC.