Photo by Hajime Kato
Good luck on your journey
Single-channel video installation（video 24'32")
2019
Single-channel video installation（video 24'32")
2019
This video work emerged from an encounter with a Japanese Brazilian man who has lived the first half of his life in Brazil and the second half in Japan, alongside his son, who was born and raised in Japan. Together, we embarked on its creation.
The man often exhibits stereotypical Japanese behaviors. While he is proficient in everyday Japanese conversations and customary greetings, he conveys his inability to express more complex emotions or thoughts in Japanese. Initially, I proposed to the man that he write a letter to his past self before departing for Japan. This letter, composed in Portuguese, is received by his son, who is of a similar age as the man was when he left. The son then translates the letter into Japanese. Finally, with his son's assistance, the man narrates the translated letter in Japanese.
Within the backdrop of an authoritative camera presence and his compelling gaze, an intriguing paradox unfolds. The man's words and subtle physical responses reveal the strong homogeneity fostered by Japanese society and its perspective on minorities.
Good luck on your journey
Single-channel video installation（video 24'32")
2019
2019
この映像作品は、人生の前半をブラジル、後半を日本で過ごしてきた日系ブラジル人男性と、日本で生まれ育った彼の息子との出会いを契機とし、彼らとともに制作した。
この男性はよくステレオタイプな日本人のようにふるまう。日本語での日常会話や慣例的な挨拶を身につけている一方で、複雑なことや感情が伴うことは日本語で伝えることができないという。私はまずこの男性に、日本へ旅立つ前の過去の自分に手紙を書くことを提案した。そして、ポルトガル語で書かれたその手紙を、当時の彼と同年代の息子が受け取り、息子は手紙を日本語へ翻訳する。日本語に訳された手紙を、息子の協力をうけながら、男性が日本語で語り直す過程をとらえた。
権威的なカメラの存在と彼の強い眼差しが拮抗する中、彼の発する言葉と、身体の微妙な反応を通して、逆説的に日本社会の生み出す強い同質性や、マイノリティへの眼差しが明かされる。