event
2024.09.04

Setouchi Living Photo Exhibition 'Distant Blue' | Photographers Koki Manju, Kento Hirasue, Utau Mi

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Introduction

The mountains, the sea, the sky
are faint and blue in the distance.

If memories had colors,
perhaps they would also be blue.

What shade of blue are the memories and thoughts of that day?

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© Koki Manju
Photograph of the Seto Inland Sea by Manju

These are the words woven by photographers Koki Manju, Kento Hirasue, and Utau Mi, who are jointly hosting the Setouchi Living Photo Exhibition 'Distant Blue'. This exhibition offers a special time to embark on a journey through memories via the landscapes of the Seto Inland Sea. The exhibition will be held from December 1 to December 25, 2023, at ONOMICHI U2 in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. We interviewed Manju, Hirasue, and Utau Mi about the message behind this exhibition, so please check out the interview article.

INFORMATION

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Koki Manju

Born in 1998. Currently living between Okinawa and Okayama. Released a photo book 'Beyond the Ripple', which includes a limited recording of Hideyuki Hashimoto's improvisation 'hamon' showcased at the photo exhibition 'Ripple', capturing all the emotions, tremors, and expanses felt in Okayama by photographer Koki Manju.

Instagram: @manju_koki
HP: https://bio.site/manju_koki

INFORMATION

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Kento Hirasue

Born in 1997. Works as a barista at Kinoshita Shoten while engaging in photography based in Setouchi. Proposes what to leave for the future in the current time. Currently broadcasting the podcast 'Setouchi Breeze'.

Instagram: @_kentohirasue
HP: https://kentohirasue.studio.site

INFORMATION

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Utau Mi

Born in 1999. Originally from Yamaguchi Prefecture, drawn to the calm sea of Setouchi, moved to Okayama. Takes photos that cherish living close to nature and resonate with people's thoughts and daily lives. Enjoys being barefoot by the sea and savoring delicious food.

Instagram: @utau_mi
HP: https://utaumi-photo.com/

Towards the Solo Exhibition

Q. Was there a trigger for deciding to hold a photo exhibition with the three of you this time?

Manju: Someone from U2 suggested doing a photo exhibition with Utau Mi, and at that time, I thought it would be great to do it with Hirasue as well. I formed a photo unit called 'calm' with Hirasue, and as I worked with Utau Mi as a photo partner, we naturally spent a lot of time together. I wanted to leave something in the form of the three of us.

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Photo Unit 'calm'

The three of us, who met in Okayama because of our love for the sea, accumulate various memories. As time passes and our daily thoughts gradually change, when we searched for a common expression, the words 'distant blue sea' came to mind.

Hirasue: I've always liked the word 'distant', and Utau Mi added, 'The distance is blue, isn't it...'. It's a miracle that the three of us, who usually can't gather often, can hold a photo exhibition with a theme that naturally blends us together. Yet, at the same time, I also feel the usual everyday nature. I'm happy that we can hold it together, and it makes me feel calm.

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Koki Manju (left) and Kento Hirasue (right) of the photo unit 'calm'

Feelings We Want to Convey

Q. If you have a message you want to convey to the visitors, please let us know.
Hirasue: I've come to think that blue is a color connected to memories. For example, youth. Blue is a color that reminds you of being young or slightly past memories. However, even though there are various gradients of blue, I would like to ask the visitors, 'What color is your blue?'.

Utau Mi: That's right. This photo exhibition has a big theme of expressing the atmosphere close to life in Okayama and the Seto Inland Sea. While I'm happy if you take your time to appreciate the photos, I also want you to relax and enjoy the music and space of the venue with a drink in hand, feeling close to everyday life.

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© Utau Mi
Photograph of the Seto Inland Sea by Utau Mi

Manju: I think the experience of viewing photos in a place other than social media is very valuable for modern people. The photos we take are intentionally light in color, focusing more on the gentleness of everyday life rather than intense images. That's why we decided to exhibit our photos in a space close to living.

I believe there is already significance in our generation, which includes us who started on social media, actually holding a photo exhibition. As Utau Mi mentioned, I hope people will drop by casually and spend a pleasant time. Although the photos displayed are everyday scenes in the Seto Inland Sea region, including Onomichi, I hope people will also realize the goodness of re-examining everyday life.

Exhibition Overview

INFORMATION

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INFORMATION

Setouchi Living Photo Exhibition 'Distant Blue'
Date: December 1, 2023 (Fri) ~ December 25, 2023 (Mon)
Opening Hours: 10:00 ~ 18:00
Days Present: To be listed in each profile highlight [Photo Exhibition]
Instagram: @manju_koki @_kentohirasue @utau_mi
Venue: ONOMICHI U2
Address: 5-11 Nishigoshocho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture | Map