Lonely Nights In Japan

• Prize
  Bronze in Editorial/Photo Essay
• Photographer
  Maximilian Kafanke
• Photo Date
  February 2020

The series "Lonely Nights in Japan" explores the themes of individuality, loneliness and anonymity amongst the people in the metropolises of Japan. Created during a solo trip in 2020, a bizarre year that has raised many questions about loneliness and social issues due to the onset of a global pandemic. It invites the viewer to immerse himself in the vein of the city, showing the ubiquitous distraction by technology, how absent-minded shadows are wandering the streets, no longer paying attention and giving chance to random conversation, as everyone is only pursuing their own destinations.

Maximilian Kafanke is a professional photographer and visual artist based in Germany, specializing in event and urban night photography. With a sharp eye for overlooked details, he crafts atmospheric images that balance light and shadow, capturing fleeting moments and extraordinary landmarks with an artistic and often times experimental approach. Beyond discovering cityscapes and unconventional techniques, he seeks to infuse his projects with depth and explores deeper social themes - examining loneliness in cities, cultural peculiarities and the influence of technology on human life.