OYAKO

Our last print issue in 2020, made before the covid-19 pandemic stopped international mail, was edited by two young members of the KJ team, Ty Billman and Codi Hauka. The theme of “Next Generations” was a perfect opportunity to introduce the oyako (parent-child) photographs of Bruce Osborn. He has written: “The relationship between a parent and child is like the foundation of a building. Upon this foundation, family, friends, and the community are built. The Oyako Series began soon after I moved to Japan, and it remains a theme that I continue to explore to this day. Family bonds hold deep and enduring significance within Japanese society.

“Each photograph tells a unique story that exists between the parent and child, evoking emotions we can all relate to. In 2003, my wife, Yoshiko, and I established ‘Oyako Day,’ which is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July. Every year on this day, we invite parents and children to participate in a special photo session.”

Akie Ohwada (housewife) / Keiko Ohwada (elementary school student) / Mitsuaki Ohwada (tattoo artist)

“During a period when I wanted to capture Japanese culture through parent and child relationships, I decided to photograph families from various professions. Tattooing is a traditional Japanese art, and I wanted to include it as part of the series. Through a friend’s introduction, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Ohwada and photograph his family. His tattoo designs have also been featured on clothes by Issey Miyake.”

Yoshito Ohno (Butoh dancer) / Kazuo Ohno (Butoh dancer)

“What is dance? What is life? What is death? What is the soul? What is the body? Butoh dancer Kazuo Ohno pursued the answers to these questions … and established his own unique butoh style. It was a very special experience to be able to film them dancing together in the space of the studio and see it with my own eyes. On this day, 88-year-old Kazuo was wearing a costume inspired by ‘my mother.’”