A pictorial vision beyond the viewfinder. Photographer Raihei Okada has arrived at a way of enjoying life.

"What the hell am I photographing?"

Raihei Okada, a Kyoto-born photographer active in fashion magazines, advertising, and artist photography, repeatedly asked himself the same question after the Corona disaster. The reality is that only information is flowing at a dizzying pace, while actions are restricted and closed off. One of the answers he arrived at was to "photograph women.

What can I do as a photographer in this life I have been given? By expressing my own "way of enjoying life," I hope to give even the slightest hint of life to those who view my photographs. I hope that they will give people a chance to think about it. This is the idea behind "My Date Time," an exhibition of his photographs that will be held at the Shibuya Experiment starting this weekend.

The women in his photographs, which give the impression of being fragile yet powerful, are all very natural. The photographs are smooth and without boundaries, as if a story could begin right away.

We meet at Futakotamagawa Station, have a cup of tea at a café, and take a walk while chatting about trivial matters. It is an ordinary scene that could be found anywhere, but for me it is a special time, and the people in the photos are people I could never reach. Only when I have my camera in my hand am I allowed to enter their private zone. It is a pseudo-dating experience that lasts only a few hours. It is a privilege that I, as a photographer, am allowed to enjoy. says Mr. Okada.

The photo exhibition, which for him strongly reflects the way he enjoys life itself, will be held for 9 days from this Saturday, the 16th to Sunday, the 24th. Please come and visit the exhibition.