Takeshi Mizukoshi

A photographer who works in the area of alpine and nature shooting. Mizukoshi was born in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, in 1938. After attending the Faculty of Forestry at Tokyo Agricultural University, he worked for Yukio Tabuchi, an alpine photographer. His independence from Tabuchi came when he held a photograph exhibition titled "Hotaka." Mizukoshi was awarded the Annual Prize by the Japan Association of Photographs for his "Primeval Forests in Japan" in 1991 and the Publishing Culture Prize by Kodansha for his "HIMALAYA" in 1994. His major works include: "Snow Grouse" published by Heibonsha, "Tropical Rain Forest BORNEO" published by Kodansha and "Water Story" published by DHC. Mizukoshi lives next to Lake Kussharo in Hokkaido and photographs nature, especially the mountains. He often goes abroad for shooting, but he decided to concentrate on Japan's natural features for this feature.

Why did we interview Mizukoshi to "sense" Japan?

Mizukoshi at home, beside Lake Kussharo.
Feeding birds in the garden.
Showing how little equipment he carries on shoots.


Recent works


"Mizu-Monogatari"


"Yakushima Island"
CD-ROM

Why did we ask Mizukoshi to contribute his photo story?

"A symbiotic relationship between mankind and nature," "Protect Mother Earth," these benign expressions surround us. While we can appreciate their sentiment, is nature always so kind to us. Torrents, floods, mountain fires, avalanches, landslides, squalls... Despite its many kindnesses, nature can be cruel.

Takeshi Mizukoshi is aware of this cruel side of nature that we often forget about. He knows mountains as a skilled climber does and knows how quickly the weather can change.
When he climbs a mountain, he carries only the minimum amount of equipment necessary. He is always cool and careful. He is different from the majority who just talk about the kind side of nature.

In the sea, Mizukoshi wants to dive in the sea with no equipment, and wants to shoot without a flash. He wants to be with nature as it is. He never goes against, begs, or relies too much on nature. That is why he can shoot photos of the "inside" of nature, which are totally different to postcard photos.

Respect and fear: they must be the basis of communication with nature.
We, the sensorium staff wanted to share with you the way Mizukoshi communicates with nature and we too wanted to learn about it. We hope you enjoy viewing his photo essay.
(sensorium staff, Oz)

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[Mizukoshi Shot Subtropical Winter]
[Mizukoshi Shot Fiery Mountain]
[map page of sensing Japan]


Theme pavilion "sensorium" (sensorium home page)
INTERNET 1996 WORLD EXPOSITION (World Public Park) / JAPAN (Japan EXPO home page)