Born in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture. Began working as a freelance photographer in 1975. In 1981 moved from Tokyo to Oku-Nikko to a new home 1500m above sea level. In 1985 received the Playboy Document File Grand Prix Award. Started releasing work combining photographs and text. In 1986 moved away from Oku-Nikko and back to life in Tokyo. Has held numerous exhibitions including Oku no Hosomichi and Sui-bo-in ("The Origin of Water"). Author of numerous books including Dare mo Ikanai Nihon-ichi no Fukei ("The Best Views in Japan Where Nobody Goes") and Hotaru Zensen no Tabi ("Following the Firefly Front"). Website features photographs and text updated daily. I was given the opportunity to photograph the Nikko Toshogu, a Shrine that was built and outfitted about 370 years ago, using the latest digital camera. You can feel the breath of the painters of the Kano school through the timeless photographs. A more precise camera and lens were needed to capture the beautiful natural landscapes of the painters of the time in minute detail. Until now, I have been shooting the Nikko Toshogu with film cameras. But the colors, resolution, and sharpness of the E-1 surpassed those of a 35mm camera. I did the shoot with the 50-200mm lens developed specifically for the digital medium. This lens has enormous potential. This lens gave my images that exceeded my demands.

Vol.1: Kenji Ishiguro / Brings out the sensuality and luster. Vol.2: Mitsuaki Iwago / I must have been looking forward to the E-1 more than anyone. Vol.3: Kazuo Unno / Perfect for Macro model! I could not live without this camera now. Vol.4: Yasuhiko Miyajima / I'm sold on this camera. Vol.5: Shin Yamagishi / The lens lets you get right up close, which helps along shooting. Vol.6: Kenji Ishiguro / Capturing Thought in the Garden of Time. Vol.7: Mitsuaki Iwago / A feather-light response to the drumming of a woodpecker. Vol.8: Kazuo Unno / That once-in-a-lifetime blue is about to fly away now. Vol.9: Yasuhiko Miyajima / The breath of the painter comes through. Vol.10: Shin Yamagishi / The E-1 answers all my demands on digital cameras for portrait photography.