shashasha

For ten years, since she was 25, Haruna Sato has been photographing the same sceneries, the same locations, the same routines of her life, like a rhythm. Her photobook singles out exceptional moments or views but also alludes to the cycle of daily life, for example by laying out four different photos taken at the same spot or by including twelve photos of her mother standing in front of the same door, presumably seeing her off with a “Have a nice day!” as mentioned in Sato’s afterword. Sato’s photography appears not only accepting of the repetitiveness of life but, remarkably, interested in each moment regardless of its unique or special qualities. Looking back at the past ten years in photographs, Sato simply observes the changes – or the lack thereof – that have taken place since she was 25 years old.

“Since I was 25, things that have not changed are mixed with things that have changed. Places that I frequented have become places I can’t go to anymore, likewise I can’t meet some familiar people anymore.
During the past ten years, some places I used to be uncomfortable with have become comfortable places for me, and I found new precious people I always spend time with.
Now, looking at my old photos, they reminded me once again of the changes through time.
I believe that is the power of photography.”
― from Haruna Sato’s afterword (all texts in Japanese and English)