​​I am a Japanese artist-photographer based in North East England and a Senior Lecturer in Fine Art at Teesside University, where I have taught since 2009.

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In my artistic practice, I integrate digital and traditional methods to explore themes of dignity, resilience, and well-being.

 

While my work is rooted in documentary photography and portraiture, I expand these traditions through participatory and collaborative processes. By moving beyond the conventional "observer and observed" dynamic, I prioritise dialogue, interaction, and mutual learning as essential components of the image-making process.

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This methodology was originally developed during my role as the Jo Spence Research Fellow at Northumbria University, through arts and healthcare projects in partnership with the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

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As a researcher and educator, I examine the pedagogical implications of these creative processes, focusing on their potential to foster and cultivate a deeper appreciation for individuality and inclusive ways of living.

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Work:

• 2009 ~ ongoing: Lecturer in Fine Art, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, U.K.

• 2000~2003: Jo Spence Research Fellow, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, U.K.

• 1997~1998: Assistant for Commercial Photographers, Tokyo, Japan.

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Education:

• 2004-2009: MPhil Fine Art, School of Arts & Social Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, U.K.

• 1998-2000: MA Photography, School of Arts & Design, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, U.K.

• 1994-1998: BA Media Art, School of Arts, Tokyo Polytechnic University, Tokyo, Japan.

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​Awards:

• 2012: Combined Royal Colleges Medal, Royal Photographic Society, London, U.K.

• 2006: Overall winner, The Seeds of Change Photographic Award, London, U.K.

• 2005: The Miki Jun Award, Nikon Salon, Tokyo, Japan.

• 2000~2003: Jo Spence Fellowship, Northumbria University, UK.

• 2000: Overall winner, The Observer Hodge Photographic Award, London, U.K.

• 2000: Jack Jackson Photography Award, Birmingham, U.K.

• 1997: Fox Talbot Photography Award, Tokyo, Japan.

• 1995: Kodak Student Photography Award, Tokyo, Japan.

 

​Research Projects:

• 2017: in Middlesbrough. This is a Lottery funded project which is managed and delivered by NACRO in Tees Valley.

• 2000-2003: Images of Trust: A year in the life of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in collaboration with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria University.

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Exhibitions & Artist activities:

• 2025: 'Men's Health Photography Project' in collaboration with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust, U.K.

• 2024: 'Place, People & Living Memory' group exhibition, U.K.

• 2022: 'Diversity and Cultural Heritage in collaboration with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust, U.K.

• 2013: ’Japanese Cultural Heritages project’ Miyoshi, Tokushima, Sikoku Island, Japan.

• 2006, ‘The Seeds of Change Photographic Award’ group exhibition, London, U.K.

• 2005: ‘The Miki Jun Award' solo exhibition, Nikon Salon, Tokyo, Japan, (Solo).

• 2000, ‘The Observer Hodge Photography Award' group exhibition, London, U.K.