Nature in Focus: Exploring the Wild with Yushi Kaisyakuji

Thank you. I am a pediatric surgeon, saving lives both small and big in the field, and I take photos as a hobby. On Japanese social networking sites, the quality of a photograph tends to be judged more by its entertainment value and the photographer's ability to communicate than by the technical quality of the photograph itself. Since I became a photographer, I have started to take photography seriously and create images to improve myself in terms of photography itself.

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for receiving the prestigious MUSE Photography Award. The award-winning work was taken of wild Japanese macaques found in a local national park. Japanese macaques and other primates sometimes express emotions and communicate with each other in ways that surpass those of humans. I try to capture these moments in my photographs.

I also try to express the texture and emotion of the animals in my work so that it does not end up as just a documentary photograph. I am very happy to have received at least an honorable mention at MUSE, which has given me confidence and the joy of aiming even higher. I would like to continue to devote myself to my work.

We chose shoot dates as close to the deadline as possible. The reason was not only to win an award but also to have people see me as I am now.

My wife's influence: She had been a camera hobbyist since before we were married, and it was under her influence that I bought my first camera. It didn't take me long to get into it.

I love animal photography. Certainly, animals have emotions. But even their emotional expressions are only what humans have imagined. No one knows if the animal really has those feelings. Still, humans never stop trying to imagine and feel their emotions. I believe that photography can at least give form to that moment, even if we don't know whether it is real or not. That is why I love animal photography.

I am a fan of SONY cameras. I can confidently say that SONY cameras are perfect for dynamic photography.

I don’t want to dictate how anyone feels while looking at my work, but I do hope it conveys the message I want to share through these intimate yet relatable stories. I hope viewers can connect and understand the importance of the subject matter.

It was not difficult. I just took pictures while closely observing the monkeys' faces and imagining what each one was thinking. I have not done anything special.

No one influenced me. I simply pursued what I wanted to do in my own way. I absorbed the necessary knowledge and skills from literature as needed. Even if my photographs include elements inspired by others, I am careful to ensure they are not directly copied in the creative process.

First of all, we are not yet satisfied with the results, so I cannot say much. I believe I am just at the beginning.

We live in a world where we can easily access the work of others through social networking services. Therefore, it is also true that "good photographs" are becoming more uniform. I want people to take pictures of what they like—not by tracing someone else’s work in any form, but by capturing what they enjoy in their own way.

I prefer editing and retouching to shooting itself. Although a good photo is key, I believe the process of creating the photo is also very important. How much can I reflect my own style? That is what I focus on in my work.

I think the impact of AI is significant. However, it is only a tool. Even if AI is used in the process, it should reflect the user’s intent; if the user’s intent disappears through the use of AI, then it is not appropriate for the world of art. In short, I believe it is up to human beings.

I think it is my hand. That hand can be anything. I also believe it shows us that such a possibility is fully achievable.