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Satoshi Takahashi
Satoshi Takahashi

April 16 : 2024

Satoshi Takahashi

Satoshi's winning image provides a look at the humanity present in the most astounding of places.

by Lily Fierman

"A Soldier's Rest"

When I take pictures [of the soldiers], I respect their dignity and press a shutter button with the belief that photojournalism will help create a better society.

Q:

Can you please tell us more about the making of your winning image, “A Soldier’s Rest”?

A:

The Preah Vihear Temple, built by the Khmer Empire, is located on a 525-metre (1720 ft) cliff in the Dangrek Mountains along the border between Cambodia and Thailand, was registered as Cambodia's second UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008.

However, a border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, which had long disputed the territorial rights around the temple with deep historical roots, flared up after the temple was registered as a World Heritage Site, and military forces from both countries confronted each other along the border. As a result, several military clashes occurred between 2008 and 2011. Soldiers and civilians on both sides were killed or wounded in the clashes, and tens of thousands of people were forced to evacuate to safety. "A Soldier's Rest" is one of several images taken during those tensions. When I visited one of the Cambodian soldiers' garrisons, one young Cambodian soldier was resting with a kitten in a tent. The soldier told me that the kitten comes to his tent every day. I felt as if the kitten was comforting the soldier. He said, "The World Heritage Site should be a symbol of peace. I hope the border dispute will be resolved soon." I felt that his words were the heartfelt wish of the Cambodian people, who know all the tragedy of war.

Q:

What kind of emotions do you feel taking an image like this that is? It feels vulnerable for both the photographer and the subject.

A:

Before I enter the field, I learn about the social issues surrounding my subjects. And I go to the field not just once, but many times to deepen mutual understanding and trust. When I take pictures of them, I respect their dignity and press a shutter button with the belief that photojournalism will help create a better society.

Q:

What components of a photograph make an exceptional photojournalism image?

A:

I think that one of the components of an outstanding photojournalism image is that it should contain a message that reflects the society of the time. It also requires good insight and judgment to seize opportunities.

There were many things I could not have learned just by reading books. It was the real fields that taught me the truth.

Q:

Your images have a quality to them that’s somehow more finished and thoughtful. Let’s face it - most people have cell phones that can document what they see. How do you think you are able to do this?

A:

I think that photography on cell phones is one of the good opportunities to start learning photography in earnest. I also think that the evolution of the camera function of cell phones has the potential to enable everyone to capture moments of historical matters. That's why I think this is a time when photographers' abilities are being tested.

Q:

I know you lived in Cambodia for years, where your winning photo was taken, and now you are back in Japan photographing vanishing cultures in Akita prefecture. How do you think living around or among the people and places you photograph affects your ability to take such impactful photos?

A:

I lived in Cambodia for 11 years. Living close to the people allowed me to understand their way of thinking and to build mutual trust. By going to the field many times, I felt like I became a part of their family. By doing so, I had many opportunities to capture their emotions in my photographs, which had a positive impact on my photography. There were many things I could not have learned just by reading books. It was the real fields that taught me the truth.

Q:

Who are some photographers that inspire you?

A:

W. Eugene Smith and Michael Nichols.

Q:

What is your dream subject?

A:

I hope one day to work with the Cambodian people to create a place where young Cambodians can learn various fields of photography. This is because there are still few such opportunities in Cambodia. And in recent years, freedom of the press has been suppressed in Cambodia for political reasons. Photography is an important tool for conveying reality to the people. I want to contribute to the creation of a just society in Cambodia through photography.

Q:

What are you working on next?

A:

My hometown, Akita Prefecture, has the largest number of nationally designated important intangible folk cultural assets in Japan, so I would like to photograph all of them. This is because there is a possibility that these precious cultures will cease to exist in the future due to aging and depopulation. And it has been about 20 years since I started covering Cambodia, where I began my career as a photojournalist. I would like to continue photographing Cambodia and publish a new photo book.

ARTIST

Satoshi Takahashi

Satoshi Takahashi

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Japan

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