Abstract

Yururi Island lies off the coast of the Nemuro Peninsula, at the easternmost tip of Hokkaido. Once home to the dwellings and huts of kelp harvesters, the last inhabitants left Yururi half a century ago, leaving behind their horses. At its peak, the island was home to 30 horses, but that number has steadily declined, and now only a few remain. Photographer Atsushi Okada has been documenting the island's scenery, where landing is strictly restricted, since 2011. He contemplates the disappearing elements and explores what he hopes to convey to future generations. Through photographs and writing, he introduces this contemporary lost world. Recipient of the 2023 JRA Award for Equestrian Culture.

Author’s Information

Photographer and Doctor of Arts. Born in Hokkaido in 1979. Graduated from the Department of Photography, Faculty of Arts, Osaka University of Arts in 2003. Obtained a PhD (Art Studies) from the Graduate School of Arts, Tokyo Polytechnic University in 2008. In the same year, received the Ihei Kimura Photography Award, often called the "Akutagawa Prize of the photography world." Other awards include the Hokkaido Cultural Encouragement Award, the Higashikawa Award Special Artist Prize, and the Fuji Photo Salon Newcomer Award.