COREDO Muromachi

- Have you ever visited COREDO Muromachi before?

I've been to Eslite Spectrum in COREDO Muromachi Terrace for interviews and shopping. I've also had a solo exhibition at the Eslite in Taiwan.

- I have the impression that you have a deep connection with Taiwan, so that makes sense. So, what are your impressions after touring COREDO Muromachi this time?

I felt that both the stores and the customers were very energetic. There are many stores, and each one has its own unique character, which is great.

- What do you mean by energetic?

I think that the people who work in Nihonbashi must be really energized by stopping by COREDO Muromachi to shop and eat. Also, I could tell that the people in the shops I photographed were very proud of their stores.

- During the shoot, Kawashima-san didn't just give instructions one-sidedly, but also took into account the store staff's feelings, such as "What are the recommended places?" It was IN. How many stores did you shoot at this time?

There are 21 stores.

- That's amazing. Thank you for your hard work.

I took photos of not only the shop staff, but also the security guards. The most memorable moment was when I took a photo of about 100 employees of COREDO Muromachi. It was the first time in my life that I took a photo of so many people at once.

-- Like this time, when you point a camera at someone who isn't used to being photographed, it can be difficult for them to act naturally, and they tend to become stiff. How do you bring out their natural expressions and charm?

This overlaps with what I said earlier, but everyone loves their own shop, so they naturally had a happy look on their face. Also, I asked them to recreate what they usually do. If it's a wine Shops, I asked them to pour wine.

- By having them perform normal actions, they can behave naturally.

However, this time, everyone was a customer service professional, so many of them were used to being watched. Some people had lovely smiles right away, while others got more and more into the mood as we communicated and photographed them.

- This time you shot on film. What are your particular preferences for film?

There are some things you simply can't capture digitally. A sense of warmth and atmosphere is something that can only be captured with film.

- But you also seem to be interested in new equipment.

I experiment a lot. I don't always use film, there are times when I think digital is better, and I sometimes use a mix of film and digital. This time, the exhibition was limited to one photo per set, so I thought it would be more photographic and interesting if it was unclear whether the photos were taken on film or not.

- By the way, do you always have an assistant with you when you shoot?

yes.

- Any particular preferences?

I think the fewer the number of people, the less nervous the person being photographed will be. People automatically make different expressions when they are alone and when they are with everyone. That's why I want to keep the number of people to a minimum.

- Not just for this project, but is there anything you keep in mind when taking photos?

I guess it's something I'm not used to. I've been taking photos for about 20 years, but I feel like it's no fun if I get good at it. I like things that are on the verge of failure. So I always feel like I'm taking photos for the first time.

- It must be really difficult to not get used to something even after 20 years. COREDO Muromachi 2 & 3 celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, but what do you think is important for something to continue for such a long time?

Before I knew it, 20 years had passed. I thought I was a little younger than that (laughs).

- But I think it's not easy to continue working at the forefront as a photographer.

Maybe I'm looking for new discoveries and new encounters. When I've troubled myself, I realize something about myself, or when I come across a person or place that holds the answer I've been looking for. At times like these, I'm glad I kept going.
For example, when I go to Taiwan, I think, "I want to create a piece here." I really enjoy the time I spend experimenting with things that pique my interest and curiosity.

- Is there any positive impact from continuing?

This may be the opposite of what I said earlier about "not being used to it," but I think in part I'm able to believe in myself because I've had a variety of experiences.

- Bring it on no matter what the situation.

Yes (laughs).

- As you continue taking photos, do you ever think that you've had enough of photography?

There are times when I wonder, "Why am I doing this?"

- And yet you continue taking pictures.

Sometimes I take pictures, sometimes I don't. But I wonder if it's not a bad thing to have doubts like that. In order to find the answer, I end up finding it hard to stop.

- Mr. Kawashima, do you currently have an answer to the question of what is the appeal of photography and why you take photos?

The main reason is because I love it. I love taking photos and I love the opportunity to experiment with what I take.

- This time the shoot was focused on people, but what kind of person do you want to photograph?

I like innocent people. I like people who are pure and confused.

- When you say confused, do you mean when the camera is pointed at you?

I like people who are confused when the camera is pointed at them, and I'm attracted to people who are confused about life. I really love the moment when people change. I imagined "Mirai-chan" as if she was about to become a human.

- I want to capture the moment when people are about to change.

I really like teenagers, who are filled with a mixture of hope and anxiety.

-Finally, please give a message to those who will be viewing this photo exhibition, "Weaving Thank You."

This time, I was able to shoot at COREDO Muromachi, and I realized that the personalities of the people working at each store are what make each place. Everyone has such a strong character (laughs). Maybe that's why I felt it was so energetic.

-- I think when you line up the photos, they'll look interesting again. I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of photos they'll turn out to be.

That's right. I would be happy if many people could watch it.