Man Facing a God of Fire

• Photographer
  Susumu Inoue
• Technical Info
  1/1600s,f/2.8,iso 900,full Frame
• Photo Date
  2025.7.24

The Nachi Biei Fire Festival in Hokkaido began as a ritual to calm Mt. Tokachi, an active volcano that erupts roughly every 30 years. Men in white carry massive torches through the streets, bringing them to the shrine. However, the torches blaze violently, like a god of fire challenging those who dare to control it. In this moment, the man faces the flames as if confronting the god itself, enduring both their heat and weight. His stance seems to embody humanity defying the mysterious and formidable power of nature.

"Not just what the eyes see, but the beauty reflected in the heart." Through my photography, I strive not to capture the scenery exactly as it appears, but rather to recreate the vivid memories and emotions that have left a lasting impression on my heart. These are moments that remain etched in my mind—where light, air, sound, and feeling intertwine to create something truly special. In this exhibition, I have tried to express that inner beauty—the kind that lingers long after the moment has passed. If even one of these images stirs something within you, I would be truly honored.