During an extended trip through Japan one of my projects was to photograph ordinary people. People like you and me, in their environment, wherever they are. It took some effort to address the Japanese - mainly because I did not speak the language. I always started with a smiling “konichiwa”, then I said the most common word in conversations in Japan: “sumimasen” which means “excuse me”. Right after I went straight to my question which I often phrased in English: “May I take your photograph, please?”, or sometimes I would have my online translator with me to phrase the question in Japanese. To my astonishment, many of the Japanese reacted positively to my verbal and non-verbal signs and agreed to be photographed. In total over 80 portraits throughout Japan were created in this way. Herewith, I would like to show a selection of my favorite pictures and at the same time pay tribute to the friendliness and happiness of the Japanese.
