The road near the bicycle parking lot that is known as Shigeo's last known footsteps. The photographer took this photo six years later, on the same day, at the same time of the day, in Kyoto, Japan.
2024 Photo Contest, Asia, Open Format

Heartstrings

Photographer

Kazuhiko Matsumura

for The Kyoto Shimbun

The road near the bicycle parking lot that is known as Shigeo's last known footsteps. The photographer took this photo six years later, on the same day, at the same time of the day, in Kyoto, Japan.

Chapter II: Walking Together. Labels invite misfortune, and misfortune in turn reinforces labels, perpetuating a vicious cycle that must be broken. 

On 15 August 2013, Shigeo Mori vanished. His remains were discovered the following spring in a bamboo grove. Shigeo was aware of his dementia symptoms and visited a clinic for a consultation. Regrettably, he did not receive a formal medical diagnosis and was not referred to welfare services. The "blank period" between symptom recognition and diagnosis is a critical time. Often, people are afraid or anxious of being labeled as a dementia patient. In Japan, being labeled "haikai," meaning one who "wanders aimlessly," only serves to exacerbate fear and anxiety and delay diagnosis.The term is not only inappropriate but also obscures valid reasons individuals may have for their movements. Itoko believes that her husband Shigeo was trying to return to their first home near the bamboo grove where his remains were found. 

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 D5

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.