Photographs I Could Finally Face After 30 Years

KitamuraThe 'Hokkaido' series wasn't realized over a decade ago, but thinking about it, you've photographed extensively both in Japan and abroad over the past ten years, haven't you?


KitamuraIn that sense, wasn't this timing perfect?

MoriyamaThe timing was truly perfect. The Hawaii exhibition had just finished, and I was about to start photographing Tokyo again.

KitamuraI saw the Hawaii exhibition, of course, and I felt a slight pang of jealousy. But I'm truly glad that this 'Hokkaido' exhibition could happen here and that I could be involved in the book.

The Volume Exceeding 600 Pages Eased My Mind

Were you involved in selecting the photographs for this exhibition?

KitamuraNo, I left it entirely to Mr. Moriyama. So, this is the first time I'm actually seeing them. I spent about an hour with the book before coming here today, taking a journey through Hokkaido. I had seen a rough draft before it became a book, but I only glanced at it. I thought it would be more impactful to see the finished product without any prior information.

And what did you think when you saw it?



MoriyamaIndeed. If it had been released back then, it would have been different. While the perception of the same photos can change, the fact that it became an unbelievable volume of over 600 pages left little room for emotional attachments. In other words, this time, I was in a situation where I could include everything I shot over three months, 30 years ago. So, it was easier to create the book. Of course, my feelings towards the book were stronger than ever, but paradoxically, it was also very easy. My mental agility was high. If I had made it back then, I probably wouldn't have been able to include everything, thinking 'this one too, that one too.' I might have gotten caught up in my emotions and become more moody.

KitamuraGiven the location, it's easy for things to become sentimental, isn't it?



MoriyamaNorthern landscapes tend to become moody. Moreover, the period I spent in Hokkaido was a time when I was toning down my emotions. During those three months, as a daily rule, I decided to go out and take photos every morning, just like a salaryman, and I shot regardless of whether I felt inspired or not. So, I wasn't particularly exhilarated while shooting, nor was I in the state of mind I had anticipated before going; I felt like I was shooting rather mechanically. Conversely, looking back now, I feel that perhaps that approach was for the best.