&ldquo;Where am I? I should know this place well. My mind is covered in haze. Calm down. I take out my phone and tap on the map. Clarity shines through the haze.&rdquo; &ndash; Atsushi Shimosaka, Kyoto, Japan.<br />
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Atsushi&#39;s smartphone displays a map app that shines through the haze. The photographer worked with Atsushi to represent his testimony, placing the smartphone inside a cardboard box and filing it with dry ice.&nbsp;<br />
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2024 Photo Contest, Asia, Open Format

Heartstrings

Photographer

Kazuhiko Matsumura

for The Kyoto Shimbun

“Where am I? I should know this place well. My mind is covered in haze. Calm down. I take out my phone and tap on the map. Clarity shines through the haze.” – Atsushi Shimosaka, Kyoto, Japan.

Atsushi's smartphone displays a map app that shines through the haze. The photographer worked with Atsushi to represent his testimony, placing the smartphone inside a cardboard box and filing it with dry ice. 
 

Chapter I: The World of Dementia. People with dementia and those without see different worlds. In typical cases of Alzheimer's, mental functions like memory, temporal and spatial orientation, judgment, and motor skills gradually decline. Life, as once known, changes little by little. However, it's not solely the decline in cognitive function that determines symptoms. One’s emotions and surrounding environment have a profound impact. Listening to the stories of people with dementia and their families, one learns that love and care are medicine.

Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability among the elderly worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Japan’s aging population has one of the highest proportions of elderly people with dementia in the world, with about 7 million citizens expected to live with symptoms in 2025. 

This project offers a unique visual exploration of dementia, capturing not only the larger social issues surrounding this condition, but also the inner lives of people with dementia and their relationships to their families and caretakers. Comprised of the stories of three families, this project is structured into four chapters. The introductory chapter provides a comprehensive overview, while subsequent chapters delve into the individual narratives of each family.

In an era where dementia affects an increasing number of individuals and their loved ones, the photographer seeks to do more than simply convey information about the condition. Rather, through photographic techniques that express deep empathy, he shares the personal insights gleaned from the experience of dementia itself. Acting as a bridge between hearts, a societal wake-up call, and a silent dialogue, dementia reveals moments of brilliance amidst the fading twilight between life and death.

By prompting contemplation on the nature of happiness and unhappiness, this project invites viewers to consider the factors that contribute to a fulfilling life. Through introspection and dialogue, it advocates for the creation of a society that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of its most vulnerable members, fostering empathy and understanding for those living with dementia.

 

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Kazuhiko Matsumura
About the photographer

Kazuhiko Matsumura (b. 1980) is a photojournalist who explores topics related to human life, social security, and care work. He started working for the Japanese newspaper Kyoto Shimbun in 2003.  With a focus on dementia, Matsumura has published articles on the subject in newspapers and magazines, as well as hol...

Read the full biography
Technical information
Camera

Nikon D850

Jury comment

The jury was impressed by the photographer's thoughtful choices in presenting a unique perspective on dementia in Japan. The dignified portrayal and incorporation of a cultural perspective contribute to a consistent style throughout the project. Each conceptual decision goes beyond aesthetics, effectively narrating the story with a visual vernacular, mood, and symbols rooted in Japanese culture and photographic tradition.