photo poster project | Enjoying Photography While Traveling by Kodai Yamashita | ISSUE #73

I'm Kodai Yamashita, a photographer capturing discarded objects in Tokyo and Kanagawa. Feel free to call me Hao or Kodai.

By profession, I work as a corporate employee in the entertainment industry. I picked up a camera in 2020 and have since been shedding light on the often-overlooked existence of these objects. In March 2025, I held my first solo exhibition, 'Discarded Second Hands.'

I first learned about the ppp held in Osaka and felt incredibly envious... When the first Tokyo event was announced, I immediately applied to participate.

It was actually my first opportunity to exhibit my photos, and I had always wanted to hold a photo exhibition and print my work on a large scale. Additionally, my strong interest in the cizucu platform made me decide to join without hesitation.

Even on my third participation, I still get nervous, but one thing that has changed is my approach to gallery talks.

I try to tailor my talks to the theme of each event while incorporating elements of my style and topics that could spark conversations during the post-talk discussions. I'm not sure if this approach is effective, but I've become more comfortable talking with each event!

Additionally, I've started forming connections through ppp, which has slightly changed how I engage with photography and social media.

I find the format of the event, where exhibitors gather freely under a specific theme, very appealing.

In typical group or solo exhibitions, the dynamic is often between 'exhibitors' and 'viewers.' However, ppp creates a space where exhibitors can communicate with each other, and the gallery talk sessions naturally foster connections and conversations.

Additionally, since the events are held nationwide, it allows participants to explore areas outside their usual surroundings. I've recently discovered the joy of combining 'travel and ppp.' For instance, although I live in Kanagawa, I participated in the Osaka ppp this time!

Each ppp event features a variety of participants from different areas. Even if you participate in the same region, the new encounters are refreshing. Traveling to a slightly distant area can lead to new discoveries, and combining it with a photo trip to enjoy the local area could be another way to enjoy the event.

I plan to continue traveling to different regions and participating in ppp. If we meet at a ppp event, I look forward to chatting with you!