Four Years Through the Lens

It started with my father's SLR camera, which he would occasionally let me hold.
And then there was the digital camera my parents gave me when I was in elementary school.

Having cameras around me from a young age, it was only natural that I would grow to love photography.
I never imagined that this "camera" would become a gateway to engaging with Shinto.

When I entered university, I joined the Mikoshi club, Wakagi Mutsumi, which had caught my interest. It is a club that helps with festivals across the country, focusing on managing the Mikoshi Togyo (*1) at the Wakagi Festival, Kokugakuin University's school festival.

*1 Mikoshi Togyo: A ritual in which a portable shrine (mikoshi) is carried from a shrine to parade through the local area, bringing blessings to the people.

When I told my seniors, "I love taking pictures," I quickly found myself in charge of the club's public relations. Then, I became the record-keeper for the Kangetsu-sai (Moon Viewing Festival), a university event hosted by the Faculty of Shinto Studies.

The period when public relations activities were not very necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic had ended, and there was a need for documentation and PR. That was when I became the record-keeper, and later, I became independent as a PR officer.

The first year was all trial and error. What should I take pictures of, how should I take them, how far should I go, and what should I capture? But it was incredibly fun.

In my second year, the department became independent as a PR unit, and I became the supervisor. My responsibilities and workload increased. I realized that the Kangetsu-sai was a Shinto ritual, and there were more moments when I felt an intuitive question: "Should I be taking a picture right now?" Amidst this conflict, I decided, "If I'm in doubt, I won't take the shot."

In my third year, for better or worse, I developed a sense of pickiness. It was a year where I thought about where I should be, as the number of people I interacted with and acquaintances increased, and I changed my shooting positions for each performance.

In my fourth year, I am handing things over to the next generation. I have had more opportunities to be interviewed and to put into words what I have done so far. I realized how blessed I have been with the people around me.

Events can function without a PR officer. But I have been searching for the meaning of being there.

While also handling photography for the club, over these four years, I have gradually learned to value my own position as someone holding a camera. The fun of a festival can only be understood by those involved. That is why I wanted to capture the energy, the gazes, and the expressions of that moment.

Beyond PR for events and clubs, I have also taken various photos as a student advisor for the Admissions Office. Photos for open campus events and material for social media. I fondly remember taking photos of the empty campus early on Saturday mornings. How much of the university have I seen through the lens?

Perhaps it suited my nature to remain an outsider, no matter how much I was on the inside. I feel that the folklore studies I am majoring in has a similar character.

People around me often say, "You're always at the scene, and you seem busy." That is the greatest compliment for me. My driving force is "because it's fun." And also, "because I love taking pictures of everyone's expressions."

My photography skills are strictly at a "hobby level." But for four years, I have been looking through the viewfinder in this place. I am sure I can take the best photos.

I will be a working professional starting this spring. I think my partner will remain the same, hanging from my shoulder.