It’s about time I updated my “About Me” page.
I’ve been running this site for five years now, and it’s long overdue for a refresh. Leaving the “About Me” section untouched for so long didn’t seem right, so here I am, ready to give it a proper update.
Hi, I’m tokyokazzo. Sometimes I simply go by kazzo, but recently, tokyokazzo feels more fitting, so that’s what I use.
It’s been five years since I started taking photos, and to mark this milestone—and to challenge myself—I held a solo exhibition in Kyoto in 2024. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who came to see it.
One of the questions I was frequently asked during the exhibition was about the origin of my name, tokyokazzo.
Let me take you back about 25 years. I traveled to Orlando, Florida, to attend a seminar on educational psychology. There, I met an Israeli man named Ariel, and we became instant friends. During my stay, we spent nearly all our time together from morning until night, sharing both meaningful and fun moments.
My ability to speak English is largely thanks to him.
My nickname back then was “Katsu.” One day, Ariel playfully came up with the name “kazzo.” Of course, it was a joke. If you look up the word “cazzo” in a translation tool, you’ll see why (haha).
After that trip, we kept in touch via emails and phone calls. Ariel remained a dear friend with whom I shared a deep connection. However, due to various circumstances, we eventually lost contact.
Naming myself “tokyokazzo” is my way of honoring that unforgettable friendship and keeping the door open for Ariel to find me someday. It’s also a nod to Tokyo, the city I’ve called home since I moved here at the age of 20. It’s not my second home—it’s my first. Tokyo is noisy, messy, cramped, crowded, and full of people with strong personalities. But it’s my Tokyo, and I love it.
I hope Ariel, wherever he is, will somehow come across “tokyokazzo” and recognize me as the Katsu from Tokyo.
Now, who am I?
I’d love to call myself an artist, but for now, “photographer” feels more accurate. My goal isn’t to take conventionally beautiful photos or capture beautiful things. Instead, I aim to express my deeply personal thoughts and emotions through my photography.
(may 2019)