WINNERS

Akiya (Abandoned House)

  • Photographer
    Akira Hashimoto, Japan
  • Prize
    Honorable Mention

In Japan, there are many houses once inhabited but left abandoned after the residents passed away—called akiya. Due to high demolition costs, many remain untouched, even by the government. I found this nearly-collapsing akiya in a rural town in Mie, western Japan, and photographed it with my film camera. Inside the house, furniture and garbage—left behind by former residents—were still scattered, preserving traces of everyday life. Though I don't know their name or face, I felt a strong human presence in what remained, and hope to capture the quiet yet powerful imprint of a life once lived.