The is held by cizucu across the globe. By simply submitting your photographs to cizucu, you can participate in the photo poster project exhibition and connect with fellow photographers you have yet to meet.
This time, we spoke with creator Hayashi Satoshi, who took part in the .
Please introduce yourself!
I have always enjoyed capturing scenes from my travels and daily life with my smartphone—photography has long been a familiar hobby. In my second year of university, I had the opportunity to borrow a DSLR camera from a photography enthusiast, which introduced me to the depth and fascination of more serious image-making.
The allure of creating a single frame while considering all the settings myself was compelling, and that experience became the main reason I decided to purchase my own camera. Since then, photography has become an essential means of expression in my daily life, and I continue to enjoy documenting various moments with my camera.
What motivated you to participate?
The reason I decided to join the was that, although I frequently take photographs, I have few people around me with whom I can discuss photography or cameras. I was seeking a community where I could engage in such exchanges through participation.
While I have purchased photobooks and visited exhibitions by photographers I admire, I had never exhibited my own work or communicated my intentions and thoughts behind my photographs in public.
Precisely because we live in an era where social media is so prevalent, I felt a strong desire to experience the value of sharing the context and emotions behind my images in person, and that became a major motivation for participating.
How was your experience participating?
Participating in the was a truly refreshing and valuable experience, as I was able to speak directly with many fellow creators through my photographs.
While I usually share my work unilaterally on social media, being able to hear viewers’ impressions and questions in real time was incredibly stimulating.
Moreover, encountering the expressions and perspectives of other participants allowed me to discover new ways of thinking and shooting that I had not considered before, greatly broadening my outlook on photography. I also felt the warmth of the community and am now even more eager to actively take part in such spaces in the future.
Why did you choose this particular photograph?
This photograph was taken when I went out to photograph cherry blossoms as a way to refresh myself, about a month before the civil service exam after a year of studying. Since the theme this time was ‘2025’, I was looking back at images I had made in 2025, and this was the only one shot from a low angle—something I don’t usually do. I think it was precisely because I was feeling anxious and impatient at the time that I naturally captured the scene in this way.
As a result, I feel the image strongly conveys the sense of moving forward along the path lined with petals on the ground, and it left a lasting impression among the photographs I took in 2025, which is why I chose it. I hope viewers can imagine the spring that lies ahead on this path.
For those considering joining the photo poster project
If you are considering participating in an exhibition, I encourage you to take the leap. Many may feel apprehensive about showing their work, but once you do, you will discover the joy of connecting with others through your photography and the excitement of encountering new perspectives.
The opportunity to converse directly with visitors and other participants provides invaluable insights that cannot be gained through social media. Moreover, by sharing the intentions and background behind your work, you deepen your own understanding and experience the true joy of creative expression. If you love photography, it will surely be a rewarding experience!
