These photographs were mostly taken on Ishigaki Island.

At dawn I was aimlessly driving around the island. There I found a quiet forest with strangely shaped trees. I was astonished by this one huge tree (a gajumal tree) which had fallen from the force of a strong typhoon wind, but which was still alive. Half the tree's roots were grabbing at the ground. I felt tremendous energy from this tree.

Once I came out of the forest, I looked out over the ocean and saw a streak of light from the sky, brightening the surface of the water--a silvery color. It was beautiful.

This series reflects my pleasure with these unexpected scenes and situations, with nature encountered on the island.

Winter 2007