Interviews with Daisuke kawashima

To capture the ethereal morning light, I had to hike through mountain trails in the darkness before dawn. This required essential gear such as a headlamp and GPS, and it was crucial to confirm the route in advance. Additionally, the cold temperatures at night and the unstable terrain demanded adequate cold-weather gear and safety measures.From a technical perspective, meticulous preparation was essential to accurately capture the soft morning light. Since the moments right after sunrise are the most beautiful, I needed to determine my camera settings beforehand. In particular, adjusting exposure and white balance was critical, and I combined these adjustments with long-exposure techniques using a tripod to adapt quickly to the rapidly changing light conditions. I also paid close attention to composition and lens selection to highlight the texture of the cherry blossoms and the mist in the background.Moreover, engaging with the natural environment was vital. Accurately predicting weather conditions and the formation of mist required multiple visits to the location to increase the chances of encountering ideal conditions. Overcoming these challenges allowed me to convey the unique tranquility and mysticism embedded in the photograph.

Through my work with the tourism association, I created a webpage to showcase the charm of the Kumano cherry blossoms. Many photographers, inspired by the page, now visit during the cherry blossom season. Today, it has become a popular tourist attraction in our town.

The cherry blossoms only bloom for a week. The first year I started shooting, the weather was not good enough for beautiful photos in that week. The following year, the second year, there was only one sunny day, so I waited from that night and took photos.

We asked for the cooperation of a tree surgeon who lives in Kozagawa Town and studies Kumano-zakura. By covering his research, we were able to encounter the beautiful Kumano-zakura trees that lie dormant in the mountains.

The Kumano cherry tree has been designated as the town flower of Kozagawa Town. The town has realized its importance and is working to preserve it.

Moving from the city to the countryside has changed my life to one where I feel closer to the earth. Instead of taking photos of plants, flowers, birds, and animals that I come into contact with in my daily life, I have changed my style to one where I wait for the best timing to take photos according to the changes in nature.

I didn't take an artistic approach. Local people took the initiative to preserve the area. I helped them through photography.

The period when the Kumano cherry blossoms can be beautifully photographed lasts only one week. During this week, there are only a few sunny days. I checked weather forecasts from multiple sources every day, monitored cloud movements on an hourly basis, and conducted the photoshoot during the optimal time slots.

I simply photograph the Kumano cherry blossoms every year, as they reveal a different expression each time. If I can capture beautiful images of the blossoms, people will naturally be drawn to them when they see the photos. As people gather, awareness and attention grow. With increased attention, conservation efforts become more active. That is what I hope for.