Prize-winning works in the “Photo and Essay Division” for high school students of the 31st Yomiuri Photo Grand Prix

Seeking to Be a Star / Kanetaka Azusa (Tokyo)

Message from the photographer

On the last night of the school festival—just the other day—he became a star. While everyone in third-year was busily studying for university entrance exams, he devoted his time to his band. The sound of his guitar and his voice that we heard almost every day at school, sounded more lively with each passing day. He is just a normal high school student—shy, quiet, and popular—but as soon as he starts to play, his face lights up with passion for his band. This regular, amateur high school student had never looked more alive—he was our superstar that night.

About the subject

My subject is one of my senpai (seniors) at school. He always let me take photos of him with his band, so I thought I would photograph what his everyday life is like at school.