A Japanese business man captures “everyday life of Koreans” through lens
July 4, 2006 Kyunghyang Newspaper
As overseas trips become a part of our life, we have a lot of opportunities to encounter foreigners, and foreign cultures as well. Nevertheless to say, the first foreign culture we encounter leaves us a great impression. However, it is quite difficult to see it without a bias. In other words, it is not an easy thing to see something new from “your own point of view” while understanding “others’ point of view”. The same thing can be said about foreigners who encounter Korean culture for the first time.
52-year-old Yuji Ogawa, vice president of Japanese logistic company, NYK Line, said, “I had many things I didn’t understand when I first came to Korea.” He also added, “However, you will see more when you try to enjoy different culture than when you compare your own culture and different culture and discuss which is better.” Mr. Ogawa who came to Korea in April of last year published a photo essay “NanSeng Cheo Um” that depicts everyday life of Koreans, which was published in both Japan and Korea last month.
His photos expressed his genuine and warm view toward Koreans. His book that is full of wit is also translated into English as well as Korean. Here are excerpts from his book: “It is a big party with relatives, friends and coworkers invited. I have never seen such a big party for 1-year-old baby. (Toru Tyanchi)” and “In Korea, not only kimuchi but also small dishes served as starters all come for free. Refills of them are also free, no matter how many times you ask for. Never heard before. (Free refills)” He has taken photos of Koreans’ everyday life with his camera that he always has with him since he came to Korea.
Mr. Ogawa started taking photos of flowers in Australia five years ago. He as a professional photographer already published 5 photo books. Many culture-oriented scenes in Korea were captured by his camera: famous spots such as Namdaemun and Cheong-Gye River, a funeral hall at the hospital, ladies selling rice crackers on the street and making kimuchi and so on.
Mr. Ogawa majoring in International Politics at Waseda University in Japan has basic knowledge of Korean history, but he now enthusiastically studies Korean and Korean history. After learning Korean history for a certain extent, he wishes to visit historical sites located throughout Korea. He also plans to publish “Nan Seng Cheo Um 2”. He said at last, “There are a lot of political and historical problems between Japan and Korea. Considering that situation, I believe the interaction among ordinary people in both countries is quite important. I will be grateful if my photos and essays play a role of a bridge that connects two countries and helps people come closer to each other. “
<Written by Kim Jae Jung, photo taken by Park Min Gyu hermes@kyunghyang.com〉
