The Depth of Self-Expression Born from Continuation | Photographer Makoto Hashimuki | ISSUE #12
'ISSUE' delves into the sensibilities and thoughts of creators worldwide. A source of new inspiration. In 'ISSUE #12', we delve into the roots and cherished thoughts of photographer Makoto Hashimuki, known for capturing the incredible beauty of Mount Fuji and sharing its allure both domestically and internationally, through a series of 10 questions and interviews.
The Beginning with the Trendy Mixi
Makoto Hashimuki says, 'Although I owned cameras like compact digital cameras, I didn't have the habit of taking a camera on trips.' This might be surprising to many considering his current activities. The presence that brought Hashimuki closer to cameras and photography was the SNS Mixi, which was trendy throughout Japan at the time.
A photo he casually posted on a photography topic within Mixi attracted a lot of attention, making him realize the charm of photography in 'expressing a worldview' and 'connecting people.' Coupled with his love for expression, such as manga, he became deeply immersed in the profound world of cameras.
He bought camera magazines to learn various expressions and expressed his envisioned expressions through cameras and photography in daily life and on trips. Always keeping an eye out for new things and continuously learning. This attitude has been the foundation of Hashimuki, unchanged from past to present.
The Joy of Expression through Photography
'To bring joy to those around me through creation' is a sensibility cherished since childhood and simultaneously a great joy. Even if times and tools change, the passion for expression remains unchanged, and in the search for places to express, the encounter with the camera further stimulated this passion.
Expressing the envisioned expressions as they are. Recording those moments and delivering them to people.
©︎ Makoto Hashimuki
Among the fans and companions connected through photography, there are many whom Hashimuki would never have met in his previous life. Before he knew it, he was wholeheartedly facing the camera, practicing his envisioned expressions every day.
The New Wave Brought by SNS
©︎ Makoto Hashimuki
If it weren't for SNS, I wouldn't exist today.
Because SNS was the catalyst for starting his expression activities through photography and because he values connections with fans and companions and continues to share without fail, the words spoken by Hashimuki carry more weight than words alone.
The photos of Mount Fuji that he continued to share daily might have caught someone's eye through SNS, leading to opportunities to be featured on global news programs. A hundred years ago, this would have been unimaginable, but in this era, it's possible to connect with fans across seas and countries through SNS.
Recently, the monetization of SNS has been progressing, but he spoke with a smile about wanting to build deeper relationships with fans, expand inspiration, and incorporate new things into self-expression.
Expressing as It Is
For over 10 years, he has been sharing his work domestically and internationally with Mount Fuji as the theme. Sometimes he receives negative comments, but as his motto 'Perseverance is power' suggests, he continues with his beliefs.
Whether he fails or succeeds, there is always something left. He hopes to move forward with a bright future in mind.
Because he continued to believe in himself and share, he encountered unimaginable wonderful moments and companions, which have now become invaluable assets.
©︎ Makoto Hashimuki
Today, he continues to face the camera, exploring self-expression.
INFORMATION
Makoto Hashimuki / Born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1977. Inspired by Mount Fuji's registration as a World Heritage Site, he uses the new era tool of SNS to share the charm of Mount Fuji with the world. In 2021, the massive cap cloud over Mount Fuji became a topic, and it was featured in overseas media and Japanese TV programs (such as 'Zawatsuku! Friday'). In 2021, he held a photo exhibition in Florence, Italy. In 2022, he held a solo exhibition at the Canon Gallery Ginza. In October 2023, he plans to hold a photo exhibition at the Sunpu Museum. His publications include 'Shinki' (Impress Publishing), among others, and he releases calendars every year, such as 'New Mount Fuji Scenery', 'Incredible Mount Fuji', 'The Four Seasons of Mount Fuji', and 'JTB Beautiful Mount Fuji'.
cizucu: Makoto Hashimuki
Instagram: @hashimuki
Twitter: @MakotoHashimuki
The cizucu-hosted 'Stand by Me', with Hashimuki as the curator, has its application deadline this weekend on August 27. Please submit your works expressing 'Reasons to Continue Photography' with captions, which are the motivation for cizucu's creators. We look forward to receiving many applications!
