honorable mention
Jun Ishikura japan
title
Nokaji
Ookubo-san works as a Nokaji for more than 70 years. He’s the last person that makes an exclusive machete called “tomarinata”. He has no apprentices, yet he continues to do his work to serve his pride.
Akita-san, a 27 years-old man, met Ookubu-san as a college student and was fascinated by his work. He felt connected to the art and went on his way to be a Nokaji 4 years ago.
Akita-san feels that through his efforts he can bring attention to this craft by creating work and educating people.
Will Nokaji be able to survive? The story of Nokaji is just a small part of a big picture. Somethings stay, somethings go.
He captures a variety of scenes through his camera lens
– mostly everyday people and their culture.
He researches the subjects to understand their background
and history when he takes their photographs.
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entry description
Nokaji is a kind of blacksmith. It’s a unique art form in creating tools primarily for farming and forestry. Prior to WWII Nokaji was a notable occupation throughout Japan. Unfortunately, now the craft is starting to fade.Ookubo-san works as a Nokaji for more than 70 years. He’s the last person that makes an exclusive machete called “tomarinata”. He has no apprentices, yet he continues to do his work to serve his pride.
Akita-san, a 27 years-old man, met Ookubu-san as a college student and was fascinated by his work. He felt connected to the art and went on his way to be a Nokaji 4 years ago.
Akita-san feels that through his efforts he can bring attention to this craft by creating work and educating people.
Will Nokaji be able to survive? The story of Nokaji is just a small part of a big picture. Somethings stay, somethings go.
about the photographer
Jun Ishikura is a photographer based in Japan.He captures a variety of scenes through his camera lens
– mostly everyday people and their culture.
He researches the subjects to understand their background
and history when he takes their photographs.
back to gallery