The Power of Documentary Photography

We often hear voices from the disaster-stricken areas on television and the internet. Among them, one question and answer left a strong impression: "What do you need most right now?" "I want my family photos, washed away by the tsunami."

In a situation where people had lost their homes and food, family photos, normally just mementos, had become the most essential item. This made me deeply appreciate the power of photography.



Photography captures what the human eye sees and feels, essentially creating a record. These documentary photographs contain both "truth" and "facts" that cannot be expressed in words. By viewing a single photograph from the past, people can feel moved, surprised, joyful, or sorrowful. Sometimes, a simple "documentary photo" can even bring happiness.



While the profound impact of this photobook by Kazuma Obara may not directly safeguard world peace, perhaps by fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and by recognizing and seriously considering the small events and questions in our immediate surroundings, we can contribute to the peace and happiness of future generations.

Kazuma Obara
Born in Iwate Prefecture in 1985. While working at a financial institution, he studied at the Days Japan Photojournalism School. Three days after March 11th, he resigned from his company and began his reporting. His coverage of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant was reported across various European countries.
http://kazumaobara.com