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Life Onboard |
LAST UPDATE
January 23, 2006
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| site design imagesparkle.com |
| January 12, 2006 |
An Eye for Images that Bring Change – Chihiro Koga |
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| Documentary photographer Koga Chihiro (left), a former member of Japan’s Women’s National Rugby Team, takes a moment to share the game she loves with Peace Boat participants |
As a little girl, Chihiro Koga noticed certain photographs had the power to make people stop, look, and think. Such potential allured her. Consequently, she used any excuse to take photographs, especially in school projects. After graduating from university in Japan, Chihiro realized fluency in English would be a necessity in order to pursue a career in her two passions: rugby union and photography. So, in 1999 she moved to Northern California, USA, where she found a way to advance and excel in all three. She managed to become fluent in English, study photography at California State Hayward University, play rugby for the Berkeley All-Blues club team, and continue her commitments with the Japanese Women’s national rugby team. In fact, her ability on the field earned her a place in the 2002 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Barcelona as a representative of her country. |
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| Portrait of Mr.Yama-chan, resident of Osaka’s Nagai Park (Photo: Chihiro Koga, April 2005) |
In 2002, a casual encounter with a photojournalist specializing in violent conflicts led to an opportunity to shadow him in Palestine – at her own expense. The then 25-year old Chihiro lacked knowledge on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but found the courage and money to go. Those 10 days in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank forever altered her views regarding social struggles and progressive change. She became determined to somehow make a positive difference.
While in the United States, Chihiro worked for a newspaper in which a few assignments involved profiling the lives of homeless people. Upon her return to Japan in 2004, she applied her unbending determination and photographic skills to raise awareness regarding such alienated groups in her own country. Chihiro believes that by portraying the daily lives of those whom she refers to as Park Residents or People on the Streets (she refuses to call them Homeless because of the negative connotation the term carries), a process of humanization can occur in the society that rejects them, and hence initiate a positive change. Chihiro has spent many weeks living and documenting the daily life of people on the streets, and is especially involved with a transient community in Osaka’s Nagai Park. |
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| Koga Chihiro leads a photography workshop. As seen in the background, an exposition of her photographs was set up in a central area of the ship |
In the summer of 2004, Chihiro came across another unexpected opportunity: the chance to go to Iraq. Her country, however, found itself in the midst of a crisis which involved the recent death of two Japanese journalists as well as an ongoing hostage situation in the war torn country. She overcame her doubts and fears, and owing to family encouragement, headed for Baghdad. During her month-long stay in the Iraqi capital, she concentrated once again on documenting the lives of everyday citizens. |
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| Members of the Hmood family in Baghdad, Iraq (Photo: Chihiro Koga, July 2004) |
Chihiro believes that mass-media provides viewers with all the gore they need. Hence, she makes a point of not capturing death and destruction, but instead seeks to provide the point of view of a normal person caught in a hostile environment. During an emotional lecture and slide show, Chihiro related the life story of the Hmood family; a humble Iraqi family that welcomed her warmly amidst the omnipresent danger. |
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| During a stirring slide show, Koga Chihiro recalled her experiences in Palestine |
Onboard from Singapore to Mombasa, Chihiro has enlightened and inspired participants by sharing her photographs and experiences as well as leading several workshops on photography. Her persona carries a heartfelt sensibility which has embedded in those who attended her presentations the importance of maintaining at the forefront, the human aspect found in every struggle and social issue. |
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