EDITORIALS
I thought it was a painting." "It's wonderful that you succeeded in capturing it," said a high school student photographer as he captured the creatures of Hokkaido.
I am a high school student photographer who loves Hokkaido.
I succeeded in photographing a fox for the first time!
Quote from @nagatani_nonoko's post
My name is Kusanosuke Mizutani, a high school student photographer!
I had the pleasure of photographing the Ginsan black-faced goshawk in Hokkaido ✨.
Quote from @Souno_photo_'s post.
Hokkaido's creatures as captured by a high school photographer
The photographs show a fox with a somewhat dignified expression and a precious golden-bellied rosefinch with beautiful colors. The photographs were taken by high school students Nonoko Hase and Kusanosuke Mizutani, both of whom live in the Kanto region. The two have been presenting their works mainly on SNS, and many people have warmly commented, "I want to go to Hokkaido," "Congratulations on the successful shooting," and "It's so beautiful.
How did Ms. Nonoko Hase get started in photography?
Ms. Nonoko Hase
Ms. Nonoko Hase started taking pictures when she was in the first year of junior high school. Her mother's hobby was taking landscape photographs, and she became interested in cameras when she had time to spend at the Corona Disaster. Having always loved animals and wild birds, Ms. Hase began to pursue them with a camera in hand.
She then told us this about Hokkaido's charms.
In the spring of 2023, I stayed at Lake Toya for two nights with my mother on a junior high school graduation trip and was able to photograph wild birds and squirrels in a forest park. I was hooked by the cuteness of the wild Ezo squirrels I saw for the first time and fell in love with Hokkaido from there.
This was my fifth trip to Hokkaido, and again I was able to see many cute animals, which made me fall in love with the island even more.
How did Kusanosuke Mizutani get started in photography?
Kusanosuke Mizutani
Kusanosuke Mizutani got into photography because of his grandfather. His grandfather, who started taking pictures of wild birds after his retirement, took him under his wing, and Mr. Mizutani, who was a kindergarten student, gradually became interested in living creatures. When his grandfather bought new equipment, he took over his SLR camera, which he had taken pictures of Mizutani in the past, and began taking pictures at zoos and other places.
Mr. Mizutani spoke about the charms of Hokkaido in this way.
What attracts me to shooting in Hokkaido is the opportunity to photograph life in the great nature that is unique to Hokkaido. When it comes to wild birds, there are many species living together in the same trees, and there are territorial disputes.... I believe it is because there are so many animals that I am able to photograph them!
Mr. Hase and Ms. Mizutani's recommendation
Ms. Hase and Mr. Mizutani convey their deep love for photography and living creatures. We asked each of them to introduce a "recommended photo" that they have taken.
Hase-san's photo: "I am very attached to this chipmunk because I waited for hours for it to come out only for a moment on this photo trip.
Mr. Mizutani's photo "I was able to capture a very cute moment with a bird called the Ginkgo borealis, which lives in the Daisetsuzan Mountains of Hokkaido!
Nature-rich Hokkaido, where you can encounter wild animals
We asked the two photographers about the charms of Hokkaido, but in the Kanto region, where Hase and Mizutani live, opportunities to photograph wildlife like this are very limited. The beauty and richness of nature that we who live in Hokkaido take for granted is extremely precious.
While supporting their future endeavors, why don't you also take a camera in your hand and tour Hokkaido?
- 1
- 2
