What is your background?

I’m a documentary photographer from Japan, based in Tokyo.
I was majoring photo communication at California State University, Fullerton and became a freelance in 2008.

What kind of photography do you most identify with?

Documentary and photojournalism.

Explain your style in 100 words

Focusing on people who are under socialized.
Researching, finding the fixer, and make a relationship with subjects that I want to cover.
And most importantly, respect the subject.

How did your style change over time?

Learned to be patient to focus on the deepest inside the subject.

What photograph left a lasting impression on you and why?

Every photo taken to convey dignity of a human leaves a lasting impression.
I respect photographers who have the sense of duty.

When did you discover your passion for photography?

When I was in college, I travelled often and I thought I want to capture a life of local people. Then I got a manual camera and learned how to deal it.

What jobs have you done other than being a photographer?

Retoucher.

What is your dream project?

Taking a long time to focus on a specific subject (someone`s life).

Name 5 photographers who have inspired you

Robert Capa, Kuni Takahashi, GMB Akash, Yuri Kozyrev, Francesco Zizola.

What would you do without photography?

Reporter, writer, or archaeologist.

How do you know when a body of work is finished?

I think there is no specific goal to cover documentary unless I lose passion.

What is your most important gadget? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?

Cameras and laptop.

What was your first camera?

Nikon FM 2.

What camera do you use now and why?

Canon 5d Mark3 with 24-70 zoom and 35 mm prime lens. Because it is not heavy and not expensive, and also makes good quality images.

What role does the photographer have in society?

I believe the photographer can change our society. Taking a picture is to record, to witness, and to get people know what is going on.

You can contact Kosuke here