"The Japanese Forest": A Unique Perspective Through the Lens of Masaru Eguchi

Exploring the Intersection of Nature, Religion, and Photography in Japan

At the heart of "The Japanese Forest" is the ancient Japanese belief of "Yaoyorozu-no-kami", often referred to as "Animism" or "Shinto" in foreign countries. This belief, which sees a god in all things in nature, is the driving force behind Eguchi's photographic project. The photographer captures the essence of this belief by portraying the will of life in trees, minerals, and even in artifacts like dams that have been left in nature for a long time.

What sets "The Japanese Forest" apart is its unique perspective. Eguchi approaches the project from a Japanese religious viewpoint, but as he delves deeper into the unique aspects of Japan, a more universal and true nature emerges. The nature in his work is a timeless panorama, seen by ancient people, modern people, and future people alike.

The technology behind "The Japanese Forest" is digital retouching, a technique that has allowed Eguchi to achieve a blend of nostalgia and newness in his photographs. Using a NIKON Df camera and Adobe CC for retouching, Eguchi has created colors that could not be achieved with film.

This project, created between 2013 and 2015, was inspired by the decreasing forests in Japan. Eguchi notes that Japanese forests were destroyed by economic growth in the 1960s and replanted with fast-growing trees, leading to a uniformity in the landscape. His work is a call to preserve the existing landscape for future generations.

"The Japanese Forest" is more than just a photographic project. It is a dialogue about the view of nature stored in our genes and a discussion about what is needed for future art. It is a testament to Eguchi's belief that photography, much like the ancient belief of Animism, can capture the intention and will of life in non-human creatures, still life, and even invisible things.

In conclusion, "The Japanese Forest" is a unique blend of art, religion, and technology that offers a fresh perspective on the natural world. Through his work, Eguchi not only captures the beauty of nature but also sparks a dialogue about the importance of preserving our natural landscapes for future generations. His work is a reminder that the more unique a country's landscape, the more universal its beauty.