Photographer Profiles
From Higashikawa, the Town of Photography
TAISETSU COFFEE was born in Higashikawa Town, "Photography Town," at the foot of Hokkaido's Daisetsuzan Mountains. Collaborating with photographers who live in this region and engage with Hokkaido's nature, we deliver a beautiful story with every cup of coffee. Please enjoy the essence of Hokkaido captured by photographers—such as red foxes, Ezo flying squirrels, and magnificent mountain landscapes—as package art.
Hiroki Inoue
Hiroki Inoue
A photographer residing in Higashikawa, Hokkaido, known as "The Town of Photography." He dedicates himself to capturing Hokkaido's wildlife, especially red foxes, and its beautiful landscapes. In 2016, he became the first Japanese to win 1st place in the Nature category of National Geographic's "TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR" competition. His masterpiece, "Fox Chase," was successfully bid for 27,500 Euros at a Phillips auction in the UK, among other achievements, earning him high acclaim both domestically and internationally. He also teaches photographic expression as a part-time lecturer at Waseda University.
Natsumi Handa
Natsumi Handa
Born in Asahikawa, Hokkaido in 1986, she is an animal photographer who, while working as a nurse, began photographing Hokkaido's wildlife in 2013. In just a few years, she garnered international awards such as the Sony World Photography Awards 2017 and the Big Picture Natural World Photography Competition. With her warm gaze, she captures the endearing expressions and lives of Hokkaido's unique animals like the Ezo flying squirrel, brown bear, and Blakiston's fish owl. Her photobooks "Pirika" and "Kamuy" and an appearance on Fuji TV's "Seven Rules" have earned her widespread popularity.
Yoshihiro Yasuhiko
Yoshihiro Abiko
Born in Yamagata Prefecture in 1989. Moved to Hokkaido in 2016 and was captivated by its majestic nature, leading him to pursue photography. Based in Kamifurano Town, he continues to capture the landscapes at the foot of the Tokachidake mountain range and wildlife such as red foxes and Hokkaido deer, often depicted with beautiful backlighting. He has received numerous awards both in Japan and internationally, including being selected for Tokyo Camera Club 10 Selections 2019, 1st place in IPA 2018, and Highly Honored in Nature's Best Photography ASIA 2018. He also works as a Sony α Ambassador.
Hirai Hazuki
Hazuki Hirai
Born in Aichi Prefecture in 1988, now residing in Kamifurano, Hokkaido. In 2017, captivated by Hokkaido's magnificent nature and wildlife during a photography trip, she decided to relocate in 2018. While working as a pharmacist, she continues to photograph Hokkaido's wildlife, including red foxes, Hokkaido squirrels, and Siberian flying squirrels, along with its natural landscapes. Her numerous accolades include awards at the International Photography Awards and selections in "The Nature of Japan" photography contest. Her work has also been featured in many media outlets such as Digital Camera Magazine and Sony αUniverse.
Sato Kei
Kei Sato
Born in Rumoi City, Hokkaido, in 1979. Animal photographer and representative of SLASH Photo Office. He continues to photograph the natural landscapes and wild animals of Hokkaido, with a particular focus on Siberian chipmunks and Hokkaido pikas, and has spent over 10 years visiting the Daisetsuzan Mountains to document their ecology. He received the Grand Prize at the 35th Japan Nature Photo Contest and the Nagaoka Award at the 70th Nikkor Photo Contest. His books include "Mountain Gardener: The Siberian Chipmunk" and "Connecting Bonds with Calls: The Hokkaido Pika."
Otsuka Yukinori
Yukinori Otsuka
Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1979, currently residing in Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido. At the age of 20, a job at Asahidake Onsen sparked his encounter with the Daisetsuzan mountain range. For over 20 years since, this photographer and mountain guide has been capturing the four seasons of Daisetsuzan, known as "Kamuy Mintara (Playground of the Gods)." He spends approximately 100 days a year climbing Daisetsuzan, photographing the breath of nature in Hokkaido, from wild animals like Ezo flying squirrels and Ezo owls to magnificent mountain landscapes. He has authored numerous works, including the photo book "Bravo! Daisetsuzan."
Coffee and photo stories from Higashikawa, the town of photography.
Each cup of drip coffee embodies the nature of Hokkaido and the passion of photographers.