人 – Human

• Photographer
  Kaoru Asano
• Technical Info
  SS 2 sec, ISO 400, F 16, 46mm Rear curtain sync
• Photo Date
  September 2024

My daughter, a ballerina and my muse, forms the shape of the Japanese kanji “人” (hito), meaning “human.” In 2024, Japan was shaken by scandals echoing the #MeToo movement, revealing deep-seated issues of gender inequality and a lack of human rights awareness. As a Japanese woman and artist, I could not remain silent. Through this image, I appeal for the dignity and rights of all women to be respected —“I am human, just like you.”

I am a creative photographer. Since 2019, I have exhibited annually in Tokyo, building a loyal audience who looks forward to my work each year.  I find the greatest joy in the creative process and aim to create beautiful images that become lights of hope in a chaotic world. My work has received international awards, and in 2020 I published a picture book.