New Takes on Disability: Tokyo Photography Workshop on Para Athletes

Paracanoeist Seryū Monika. The photographer, Honma Asako, a student at Kurumenishi High School, said, “I tried to capture her best facial expression.” (© Honma Asako)

Seryū demonstrates her training techniques using a watermelon. The photographer, Koishikawa High School student Ōsato Mirei, commented: “When I compared her disability with my psychological complex, I felt an affinity with her.” (© Ōsato Mirei)

Photography demonstration by students Ōsato (left) and Honma. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

Photographer Ochi Takao has covered para sports for over two decades. He addressed the photographers at the event: “Para athletes are truly charismatic.” (© Matsumoto Sōichi)

Wheelchair rugby team members Hashimoto (left) and Nakamachi perform a tackle. According to the photographer, “This scene made me want to better capture the expressions and emotions of the athletes.” (© Honma Asako)

Wheelchair rugby team members Hashimoto (left) and Nakamachi. Ōsato says she “wanted to photograph the two athletes smiling at the camera and the cheering audience to express the wide support they have.” (© Ōsato Mirei)

Para taekwondo athlete Awatari Kenta. Honma said “He’s not just cool, the smile on his face from doing what he loves is also appealing.” (© Honma Asako)

Para taekwondo athlete Awatari Kenta (right). Ōsato said, “I was simply amazed at Awatari’s skills. I was desperate to capture his lightning-speed moves in my photos.” (© Ōsato Mirei)