A tool to go find the light--Mao Nagaba and the RICOH GR.

“When I hold a camera, I enter a mode where I actively observe the world,” says artist and illustrator Yu Nagaba. He first picked up the Ricoh “GR” 20 years ago and has recently taken it up again. As this year marks the 30th anniversary of the film-based GR1, what does Nagaba have to say about the camera’s appeal and the changes it has brought to his daily life?

Photo_Ari Takagi
Edit&Text_Shinri Kobayashi

A glimpse into Mr. Nagaba's daily life, captured with the RICOH GR IV.

"I stopped by Watarium on a whim since they were having a Judd exhibition. I'd like to visit Marfa." (Nagaba)

"A furniture store in Ebisu before opening. Snapped this on my way to the hair salon. I love the hazy look through the frosted glass." (Nagaba)

"The day I miraculously got into that curry shop in Shimokita without waiting in line. There was a nostalgic copy of Keibunsha's Encyclopedia on the counter. And it was the Jackie Chan edition, no less." (Nagaba)

"It's starting to feel like spring around the office. The daffodils look great. The cherry blossoms are still a little ways off." (Nagaba)

“Usually around 9 a.m. on the third Sunday of every month. My usual hair salon. The light streaming in through the window is beautiful, and there’s always a portfolio on the desk. On this day, it was Margiela.” (Nagaba)