Japan in Britain

Japan in Britain is an ongoing portrait series exploring the lives and identities of the Japanese community in the UK.

Three women wearing masks and aprons standing outdoors in front of bushes.
Close-up of two women, one with glasses and dark hair, and the other with light hair, sitting together and smiling.
Group of six people outdoors, wearing masks, with three people kneeling and three standing, against a background of dense foliage.
A black and white photo of an elderly Asian woman sitting on a chair, looking slightly to the side with a thoughtful expression, wearing a cozy sweater with a floral design and a fleece vest.
A black and white photograph of a family of five sitting together indoors near a large window, with a view of an outdoor fence. The family includes a young man, an older woman, an elderly woman, an elderly man, and a middle-aged man. They are dressed
A black and white photo of two young girls standing outside in front of a house. The older girl is wearing a long floral dress and has long hair; she is smiling slightly and has her arm around the younger girl. The younger girl is wearing a light-col
An elderly person with a shaved head wearing traditional clothing, sitting with hands clasped, smiling softly, in a room decorated with flowers and artwork.

'Japan in Britain' is an ongoing portrait series exploring the lives and identities of the Japanese community in the UK. Born in Japan and raised between Japan and Britain, my own sense of belonging has been shaped by these two distant island nations on opposite sides of the world.

I am closely connected to the community I photograph; many of the individuals portrayed are friends and students. They include those who have built long-term lives in Britain as well as those here temporarily through work or relocation, reflecting the varied reasons people find themselves between cultures.

My family history holds memories of conflict, yet my own life has unfolded in a time of peace. This series acknowledges how far these histories and relationships have moved toward understanding and connection.

Ultimately, 'Japan in Britain' is about deepening understanding through the personal stories of a community that is subtly present within the British landscape.