Fukuyama Masaharu の Heart

Zankyo 残響  - A collection of Masha’s thoughts on his hometown Nagasaki (2)

The reason why I chose Nagasaki for the photo exhibition this time, was because FM Nagasaki was celebrating its 25th anniversary and I was asked if I could do something for it. To be honest, I had doubts at that time about arranging activities in Nagasaki. Why, you ask me? Because this is my hometown. Of course I would want to do something in my hometown, but on the other hand, because it is my hometown, I don’t want to be doing it just for my own selfish reasons. If I brought anything half-hearted back (home), I’d probably be told off: “That guy just thinks he’s something else, now that he’s made a name for himself in Tokyo….” (laugh)

I guess nobody in Nagasaki would really think that way, it’s just me, there is a pressure called “hometown” that I’ve put on myself, a unique rock that I have on my heart….because I am a very cautious person. Nevertheless, it was with the commission and organization by the media people in Nagasaki, that we were able to initiate this photo exhibition.

With this in mind, I had to prepare something special, I wanted to present something that was uniquely Nagasaki. Coincidentally I guess what had to be done, was already done. 3 years ago, when I had just spent the same number of years living in Tokyo as I did in Nagasaki, Ohmura Katsumi-san and I started going back to Nagasaki to take pictures. I feel a bit embarrassed, to see pictures of my present-day-self in the scenery of my hometown. Oh I seem to be quite self-intoxicated! (laugh). But because we could inter-mingle my past images with the present ones, I decided to choose my favourite places to shoot the photos.

How can I explain myself well enough….it’s a bit like when you’re in love! Isn’t it? Don’t you want to take your lover back to your old favourite spots? To tell her, “This was one of the places where I hung out, during my high school years.” Perhaps, only men will understand that sense of nostalgia! Through Omura-san’s camera, I felt like I was going on a date with you all!

So what we could show you already, was the Fukuyama Masaharu who was being photographed. What about the Fukuyama Masaharu who’s interested in photography himself? What could we do for that? As a photographer, the only thing left for me to do, was to go to the place that I have always wanted to take pictures of. Let’s go! Wait, can we…? Because of this, my quest for a “photoshoot at Gunkanshima” 軍艦島 (Battleship Island)* began. To the locals, Hashima Island 端島 (commonly known as Gunkanshima) was a very special place. And so, I had to confront my “hometown”, not knowing if I could successfully convey my thoughts to them.  At the same time, to people who are not familiar with Nagasaki, I believe these photos could symbolize (part of Nagasaki) in the photo exhibition. What do you think after you’ve seen them?

And with that, the photo tour ** in Tokyo, Tottori and finally, my hometown Nagasaki, has successfully epitomized my photos at this point in time, as well as the collaboration with other photographers. The satisfaction I got from these 2 areas, has made it very meaningful for me. And we had such a lot of visitors…. I don’t think this is simply the case of my being self-satisfied, you have shown me what happiness is. I am truly grateful to you all. Thank you very much.

Extract from Bros Magazine [どうも福山です] 2008.07

To be continued.

*  More information on Gunkanshima is available here.
** Photo Stage ～記憶の箱庭～ (2006.12.06 ~ 2007.01.14  Tokyo)
    Photo Stage II ~出逢いの記憶~ (2007.07.28 ~ 09.24 Tottori)
    Photo Stage III ～残響～ (2008.04.05 ~ 05.25 Nagasaki)

Translated from Fukuyama Honne (Article 1136)
This English translation was first posted on MashaPlus [dot] Info Forums. (Registration required to enter.)