We’ve Both Grown Older.

A project tracing the relationship between photographer and subject, reunited after 13 years apart.

Project: “We’ve Both Grown Older.”

Statement

I first met Ms. Oda, the subject of this project, in 2012, when I was just beginning my career as a photographer. From our very first encounter, I intuitively felt, “I want to photograph this person,” and from that point on, I photographed her on a regular basis.

At first, she told me that she was uncomfortable being in front of the camera. Yet as our sessions continued, I sensed her gradually becoming drawn to the expressive potential of being photographed. At the same time, I found myself deeply affected by her presence—by the way she resisted society’s expectations of how one should be, and revealed both strength and vulnerability in a raw, unguarded manner. Through her, my perspective as a photographer was challenged, and I was given many important insights.

After 2018, however, our photo sessions came to an end, and our connection was lost.

Time passed. In late April 2025, I attended a talk event at a newly opened local bookstore called ARBOR BOOKS. Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out from outside:

“What are you all doing?!”

It was Ms. Oda. As I hurried toward her, she looked momentarily surprised, then smiled and said:

“We’ve both grown older, haven’t we.”

Those words became the signal that quietly reconnected the time that had once stood still.