Born in 1958 on Tokunoshima. Influenced by his father, got into photography when he was in elementary school. Opened Studio Kagawa in 1986. Since then, in addition to operating his photo studio, has photographed the island's nature, culture, bullfighting, whales, etc., and has held photo exhibitions on the island and in Kagoshima, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Argentina, etc., to introduce Tokunoshima.
Photo Exhibitions
- March 2014
- “An Island with a Fighting Spirit - Tokunoshima Bullfighting”, Case Gallery, Tokyo
- May 2015
- “An Island with a Fighting Spirit”, James R. Armstrong Theatre, Los Angels, USA
- April 2018
- “Whales/Tokunoshima”, Tokunoshimacho Bunka Hall, Tokunoshima, Kagoshima
- October 2018
- “Whales/Tokunoshima”, Route Books, Ueno, Tokyo
- October 2018
- “Tokunoshima”, Corrientes, Argentina
- August 2019
- “Photos Taken with All Our Hearts - Portraits of Tokunoshima in the Three Generations of the Kagawa Family”, Tanaka Isson Memorial Museum, Amami, Kagoshima
“WAIDO! WAIDO!”
That's what the islanders of Tokunoshima shout to fire up morale and encourage contenders.
Tokunoshima, the island of bullfighting.
Bullfighting is said to be about 400 years old, and is how the islanders still identify themselves today.
On match day, when all of the customary rituals are over, handlers lead their bulls, which they have raised to be the pride of the family, to the bullring to the sound of people shouting “WAIDO! WAIDO!” The sight of man and bull fighting as one, as if in a battle of life and death, is captivating. It is as if souls are clashing with each other. After the bout, the winner shouts “WAIDO! WAIDO!” while trumpets and drums sound, and men and women of all ages dance wildly.
In this day and age, people tend to think of bullfighting as cruel, but the handlers have a deep bond with their bulls and treat them truly like family. I hope to convey the fascination I have with bullfighting on Tokunoshima.