“Why did you choose that one photo?”
With the widespread use of smartphones, we now live in an age where anyone can easily take photos. Many of you are probably capturing countless moments in your daily lives.
In this event, we invite you to take a fresh look at the meaning of photography. We are pleased to welcome Naoki Ishikawa, a photographer who travels the world and continues to present a wide range of remarkable works.
What values and emotions inspire Ishikawa to take photographs?
He will speak about the thoughts and stories behind a single image.
In addition, participants are asked in advance to select one photo they have taken—“a photo they wish to preserve as a personal record.”
On the day of the event, you will share the thoughts and background behind your chosen photo within small groups, and freely view and discuss the photos of other participants.
Photography skills and genres do not matter.
At Waseda, where students from diverse backgrounds gather, a variety of photos will come together—revealing new perspectives you may not have noticed before!
Through the question, “Why did you choose that one photo?”, why not encounter others’ values and discover perspectives you may never have realized on your own?
We look forward to receiving many applications!
Guest
Mr. Naoki Ishikawa
（Photo : Andrea Cossu ）
Born in Tokyo in 1977, he is a photographer whose work is informed by perspectives from anthropology and folklore studies. Traveling extensively around the world, he continues to present works ranging from remote regions to urban environments. He graduated from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences II at Waseda University in 2002 and completed the doctoral program at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts, in 2008. Through his ongoing activities across the globe, he became the second Japanese person to complete ascents of all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks in the Himalayas in 2024. He is also active as a writer.
Date & Time
Thursday, July 9, 2026, 5:15-7:00pm (Check in from 5:00)
Place
Waseda Campus
*Details sent to confirmed participants
Eligibility
Waseda Students, Faculty and Staff
Language
MC: English & Japanese
Guest Talk: Japanese ※A translation tool will be used.
Q&A: Japanese and English
Social Time: Unrestricted
Fee
Free
Capacity
About 60 people (by lottery, results will be announced prior to the event)
※Winners will be asked to submit one photo in advance, along with a written explanation of why they selected that photo.
Application
Via this Form
Deadline
Monday, June 29, 9:00am
Before Applying
Please read and confirm your understanding of ICC’s policies on Cancellation, Food Allergens, Photography and Reasonable Accommodations here.
Enquiries
ICC Contact Form
