Q&A: Mikiya Takimoto — Land Space

05.02.19

What will baffle future generations about our day and age? living in the modern society of Japan, I strongly believe that nuclear power is a negative legacy of our age. Are you aware of any conspiracies? Maybe it’s not a conspiracy, but as the use of the facial recognition system becomes the norm, people will be under constant surveillance by the countries or the authorities. What is it that interests you about photography? Photography allows us to express on a personal level, and it reaches beyond words. What is the worst thing about city life? To get used to the human-centric way of thinking. What part of the planet would you like to explore? Inside volcanos and on the ocean floor. If possible, the world before humans. What do you think is the most plausible of the supernatural? Extraterrestrial life. If you had to align yourself with a leader in history, who would it be? Le Corbusier. Pick a field of science to be an expert within. Astronomy and Archeology. What moment have you most wished you’d had a camera when you hadn’t? When I saw a tornado. Choose a job you would be willing to do for free on the side. Astronaut. Describe the most important photo you’ve seen. I can’t name everything in particular because there are way too many. How often do you take other people’s advice? If the advice seems accurate, I accept it. On what occasion do you lie? When I get an offer that I feel reluctant to accept. What is the best way to educate yourself? Do it when you are still young. Ultimate camera? Sinar P2 4×5 Most used camera? Sinar P2 4×5. What object do you want? Time. What object do you need? Films. How would you explain the internet to someone from the 1950’s? A system where people around the world can share information at the same time. Something very convenient but you should not trust it too much. Are you satisfied with your level of physical strength? Somewhat satisfied. Describe a cheap thrill. Taking a walk at travel destinations. Pick an historic moment from the last hundred years to bring a camera to. Neil Armstrong landing on the moon. Are impulses more important than consequences? Yes. Which talent would you most like to have? The talent to maintain my concentration.

Mikiya Takimoto — Photographer Cinematographer / Born in Aichi Prefecture in 1974. Apprenticed to Tamotsu Fujii in ’94. Went independent in ’98 and founded the Mikiya Takimoto Photograph Office. Active in a wide variety of fields spanning everything from advertising photography, graphic art and editorial work to personal creative endeavors, commercial films, and cinema. Major photo collections include LAND SPACE (’13), SIGHTSEEING (’07), BAUHAUS DESSAU ∴ MIKIYA TAKIMOTO (’05). Also began filming movies in ’12. Debut film “Like Father, Like Son / Soshite Chichininaru”( directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda ) won the Jury Award at the 66th Cannes Film Festival’s Competition Category. Received Best Cinematography Award at the 39th Japan Academy Awards for “Our Little Sister” in ’15. “The Third Murder / Sandome no Satsujin” plays In Competition at the 74th Venice International Film Festival. Has also won many other commendations such as Tokyo Art Directors Club ADC Awards, New York ADC Annual Awards Winners GOLD, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity GOLD, ACC Commercial Festival Grand Prize, New York CLIO AWARDS GOLD、and London D&AD Professional Awards YELLOW PENCIL.

To see more of Mikiya Takimoto’s work visit — mikiyatakimoto.com