I first visited Furano, in Central Hokkaido, with my family when I was 7 years old. It has since held a special place in my heart because of all the fond memories I have had there. It conjures up a feeling of nostalgia and reminds me of a time that was pure and simple.

In 2010, I started visiting Furano and its neighboring towns Kamifurano and Biei more regularly and frequently to photograph. These towns have been changing rapidly to adapt to the ever increasing number of tourists and photographers drawn to its special beauty. Trees have been cut down to make way for restaurants and tourist facilities. Farmers have, understandably, become more protective of their fields, erecting sign posts and fences to ward off trespassers.

I, too, have experienced a number of changes over the past years. I left professional life in the corporate sector behind to pursue my love for photography. My approach to life has changed, and along with that my photography. If I were to sum up my last couple of years in a word, the word ‘metamorphosis’ comes to mind.