SHIZUOKA | JAPAN
Kazuhisa Oishi is more than a photographer; he’s a devoted observer of nature, capturing its quiet power and serenity through his lens. His deep love for Japan’s untamed landscapes and his fascination with flowers blooming far from human eyes infuse every photograph with a sense of wonder. Born in Shizuoka, surrounded by Japan’s natural beauty, Oishi has developed an intimate bond with the world around him. His photographs are visual narratives of nature’s silent stories, and this interview offers us a glimpse into the mind of an artist who celebrates the harmony between people and the natural world.
Your love for nature and its beauty shines through in your work. How did growing up in the natural beauty of Shizuoka inspire you to become a photographer? Could you share the moment you knew that photography was your calling?
Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Kazuhisa Oishi, and I’m a nature photographer based in Japan. As a Japanese artist, I’m truly honored to have this opportunity to share my journey with you, and I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the curation team at Artistic Hub.
Japan, located between 25 and 45 degrees north latitude, has a diverse climate that ranges from subtropical in the south to subarctic in the north. This results in an extraordinary variety of natural landscapes. Shizuoka Prefecture, where I was born, sits between Tokyo and Osaka, acting as a major artery connecting eastern and western Japan, with the iconic Shinkansen bullet train, Tomei Expressway, and Tokaido Line running through it.
Shizuoka stretches 140 kilometers from east to west and is home to many stunning natural sites, including Mount Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, the Southern Alps, and Lake Hamana, as well as scenic mountains and coastlines. Growing up surrounded by this breathtaking environment, I developed a deep sensitivity to nature’s beauty, which likely played a role in shaping me into the photographer I am today.
Interestingly, my journey into photography didn’t start with the intention of capturing nature. Initially, I bought a digital camera to document my travels and landscapes. However, I soon realized that my temperament, which is characterized by High Sensation Seeking (HSS) — a trait that makes me sensitive, curious, and dynamic — led me naturally to photography. I believe this inner drive helped me discover my passion for the craft.
Wildflowers have become a central theme in your photography. What drew you to this particular aspect of nature, and how do you capture their quiet beauty in your photos? Is there a specific flower or moment in nature that stands out as particularly inspiring to you?
Wildflowers have become one of the most significant subjects in my work, something I feel deeply committed to capturing throughout my life.
My first meaningful encounter with wildflowers was in the spring of 2020, when I came across the Kumagaisou in the woods near my hometown. They were blooming so beautifully, as if celebrating the arrival of spring. What fascinates me about wildflowers is how they bloom without anyone instructing them; they sense the changing seasons entirely on their own.
These flowers don’t bloom for anyone’s approval. They simply exist as part of nature, fully in tune with the world around them. I find endless wonder in their mysterious life force as they sprout, blossom, and eventually seed. For me, the most powerful moment in a wildflower's life cycle is when it's in full bloom—this is when its energy is at its peak. That’s the moment I aim to capture, engaging with them through my lens.
Over the years, many wildflowers have left a lasting impression on me. Among my favorites are the kitadakesou, Suruga jourou hototogisu, and shirahigesou. Each of these flowers carries its own quiet strength and beauty, which I strive to convey in my photographs.
The seasonal changes you capture – from cherry blossoms to autumn leaves – are a key feature of your work. How do you approach photographing these fleeting moments, and what emotions do you hope your audience will feel when viewing them?
In Japan, the subtle changes of the seasons have been cherished for centuries—whether it's the delicate cherry blossoms, vibrant autumn leaves, camellias, or Japanese apricots. These moments are woven into the fabric of our culture, and they’re something we take great pride in.
Take the someiyoshino cherry blossom, for example—one of Japan's most iconic blooms. While it always flowers in the spring, the timing can vary greatly depending on the region. And with spring weather being so unpredictable, it's often a matter of luck whether the skies will be clear enough to capture that perfect scene. It’s really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity every time, which is why I meticulously monitor weather conditions through the JMA website and satellite images every day to ensure I don’t miss it.
While many visitors know Japan for Mount Fuji, fewer may realize that Shizuoka Prefecture is home to early-blooming cherry blossoms that start as early as late January. I photograph cherry blossoms from February through late April, and autumn leaves from October to November, focusing on capturing these fleeting moments in all their beauty.
Through my landscape photography, I hope to share the experience of Japan’s deep-rooted appreciation for the changing seasons. I want my audience to feel connected to this tradition, to see and feel the beauty of each season as the Japanese people have for generations.
In your photograph "Higanbana and Sunset," you evoke feelings of transience and melancholy through the interplay of light and flowers. How do natural elements like light and seasonal blooms help you express emotion and connect with your viewers?
The higanbana, also known as Lycoris radiata in Latin, is believed to have arrived in Japan from China centuries ago. Today, it grows wild throughout the Japanese archipelago—along riverbanks, levees, roadsides, cemeteries, and even near railway tracks, places where human activity meets the natural world. In Japanese, it goes by several names, including higanbana and manjushage, each reflecting the flower's cultural significance.
In Japan, there’s a period called Ohigan, which marks the changing of the seasons. The name higanbana comes from this time, as the striking red flowers emerge from the earth, seemingly out of nowhere, to bloom during this transitional period.
I vividly remember the day I captured Higanbana and Sunset. It was around September 23, 2022. That day, Shizuoka Prefecture, where I live, had been hit by intense rain, leading to severe flooding. My mother’s parents’ home was also affected, and we spent the day helping them clean up the mess. That evening, I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness and despair. I channeled those emotions into the composition of the higanbana against the setting sun reflected on the river’s surface. The melancholy of the scene reflected my own feelings that day.
When photographing wildflowers, I pay great attention to the background. The interplay of elements like the sky, sun, mountains, and bokeh can enhance the image and elevate the wildflower’s beauty. Although I often enter a trance-like state while photographing and may not always consciously infuse my emotions into the work, my ultimate goal is to capture the intrinsic beauty of the wildflowers themselves. Through my photographs, I hope that viewers can not only appreciate the flowers but also experience the profound beauty of Japanese nature.
With "Rapeseed Blossom in Full Bloom and Mt. Fuji," you blend breathtaking natural landscapes with symbols of Japanese culture. What does the combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage mean to you, and how does it influence your work?
Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry, Manyoshu, compiled during the Nara period (710-794), mentions Mount Fuji, a mountain that has been revered, loved, and deeply ingrained in Japanese culture for centuries. Today, Mount Fuji stands as both a World Heritage Site and a spiritual symbol of Japan, representing the heart of our cultural identity.
The photograph in question was taken at a place called Koibito Misaki (Lovers' Cape) in Doi-cho, Izu City, on the Izu Peninsula. From there, you can see the breathtaking Suruga Bay with the magnificent Mount Fuji rising in the distance. The area is known for its early-blooming cherry trees, the Izu Doi Cherry Blossoms, which come into full bloom in early February, signaling the arrival of spring.
The creation of this piece was somewhat serendipitous. I stumbled upon a field of crucifer flowers in full bloom and wondered if I could combine their vibrant presence with the towering majesty of Mount Fuji. Although it was early February, the cold, brisk northern wind created the perfect conditions for capturing Fuji-san in all its clarity—thanks to the crisp, clear air of winter.
In this image, the symbolism of Mount Fuji, combined with the vibrant yellow rape blossoms in bloom, reflects the deep-rooted sensitivity and respect for nature that the Japanese people have nurtured since ancient times. As a Japanese artist, I feel an immense sense of pride in being able to convey this harmony between nature and culture through my work. I hope that, through this photograph, viewers will not only see this beauty but feel the cultural essence that has shaped our connection to the natural world.
As your artistic journey continues to evolve, do you see yourself continuing to explore nature and wildflowers, or are you looking to experiment with new techniques or themes? What would you like your audience to experience next through your photography?
I haven’t yet found a clear destination for this artistic journey—nor do I fully know where it will ultimately lead. What I do know, with certainty, is that the heart of my work will always be nature and wildflowers. There are still countless wildflowers blooming in places I’ve yet to discover, and I intend to continue traveling, searching for these hidden gems.
That said, I’m open to experimenting with new methods, techniques, and themes as my artistic vision evolves. I’m constantly inspired to explore different ways to express the beauty of the natural world.
Ultimately, I hope that those who view my work will not only appreciate the beauty of Japanese nature but also understand that I, Kazuhisa Oishi, am an artist dedicated to the unique and perhaps even obsessive pursuit of photographing Japan’s wildflowers. This is my passion, and through my lens, I aim to share that love with the world.
Climbing mountains and exploring wildflowers has become an important part of your artistic process. Your photography often captures the quiet, yet powerful landscapes of Japan’s mountainous regions. What inspires you to climb mountains and photograph wildflowers? What aspects of mountain nature resonate with you the most?
The Japanese archipelago is home to a stunning range of mountains, stretching from Hokkaido to Kyushu. The Southern Alps, Northern Alps, Central Alps, and Yatsugatake mountain range in central Honshu are particularly popular among climbers.
I didn’t start mountain climbing because of any specific event—it was more of a vague aspiration, something I felt drawn to do. Over time, that desire grew, and I became a dedicated climber, eventually reaching peaks as high as 2,500 meters. During these climbs, I discovered the beauty of wildflowers, particularly alpine plants, which quickly became a central theme in my photography.
The conditions in the subalpine and alpine zones are incredibly harsh. Year-round, strong winds and heavy winter snow make survival challenging for any plant. Yet, alpine plants have adapted to these extreme conditions, and I’m continually amazed by their resilience. Year after year, they bloom in the same spot, defying the rugged environment.
Mountain weather is unpredictable—one moment, it’s calm and sunny, and the next, thunderstorms roll in with heavy rain. This constant change is humbling and awe-inspiring. In Buddhism, there’s a saying: “all things change.” I find this phrase perfectly captures the nature of the mountains, and I feel a deep connection to it.
Your love for nature is reflected not only in your art but also in your commitment to environmental conservation. You’ve mentioned your desire to support conservation efforts in Japan through your work. How do you plan to contribute to nature conservation through your art? Which specific activities or organizations do you intend to support through donations from the sale of your work?
Since the Industrial Revolution, human civilization has made incredible leaps in technology, and we've all benefited greatly from these advancements. However, this progress has come at a cost. The burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil has led to massive carbon dioxide emissions, which have contributed to global warming. As a result, we now face a host of environmental challenges—rising temperatures, severe droughts, torrential rains, and melting glaciers, to name a few. Japan is no exception. In places like the Yatsugatake mountain range and the alpine zones of the Northern and Southern Alps, the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. Alpine plants are blooming earlier due to reduced snowfall, and wild deer in the Southern Alps are venturing into alpine zones and damaging the delicate plant life.
The environment surrounding Japan's wildflowers, including its alpine plants, is facing serious challenges. It’s a difficult situation, but I believe art can play a role in raising awareness. Through my photographs of Japan’s seasonal wildflowers, I hope to not only highlight these environmental issues but also showcase the incredible beauty and significance of Japan’s natural heritage. It’s a reminder of the deep cultural connection the Japanese people have had with the four seasons for centuries.
A portion of the proceeds from my artwork sales will be donated to various environmental organizations in Japan. While I’m still finalizing the details, my focus will be on groups dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural environments of Mount Fuji, the Yatsugatake mountain range, the Southern and Northern Alps, as well as other key areas in Shizuoka Prefecture and beyond.
Lastly, could you let us know where your work can be purchased? What is the best way for admirers of your art to acquire your photographs?
My work is available for purchase on the French art platform, Artmajeur, where I offer prints through their service. If you’re interested in acquiring one of my pieces, you can visit my Artmajeur account to view the available works.
On the site, you’ll find a range of options, and you can choose between framed or unframed prints based on your preference.
"Photography is my way of connecting with nature and with people. I hope my images inspire others to pause, look around, and see the world as it truly is – wild, free, and beautiful."
Through his images, Kazuhisa Oishi not only invites us to witness moments of fleeting beauty but also urges us to recognize the importance of protecting the natural world. His commitment to conservation and his passion for wildflowers, coupled with his desire to share these rare scenes, elevate him beyond the realm of traditional visual art. He doesn’t merely capture landscapes and plants – he reveals the essence of nature and its ever-turning cycle of life. In this interview, we meet not just the artist, but a deeply reflective individual who is in tune with the rhythms of nature and the world around him. His work leaves a lasting impression on those who experience it, and his voice for conservation resonates far and wide across the art world.
Photos: Kazuhisa Oishi