#Japan #Tokyo #Asahi Shimbun #Takuya Tanabe #International Photography Awards

Takuya Tanabe's Achievement at the IPA

In noteworthy recognition, Takuya Tanabe, a photographer from Asahi Shimbun, achieved first place in the Professional Analog/Film Photojournalism category at the 2026 International Photography Awards (IPA). This prestigious contest is held annually, bringing together both professional and amateur photographers from around the world.

The Winning Photographs

Tanabe's award-winning series is a compelling collection of eight photographs that delve into the history of isolation policies and forced sterilization related to Hansen's disease. The photographs depict the daily life of Nobuharu Nakao, a 92-year-old survivor residing at the national sanatorium Nagashima Aiseien in Okayama Prefecture. Tanabe captured these moments using medium-format film, which adds a touch of authenticity and depth to the images. This remarkable work was published in the evening edition of Asahi Shimbun on June 10.

The International Photography Awards

Established in 2003, the International Photography Awards is a global competition that highlights extraordinary works in both professional and amateur categories. For the 2026 edition alone, the contest received over 14,000 entries from 139 countries and regions, showcasing remarkable talent worldwide.

In addition to Tanabe's achievement, another photographer from Asahi Shimbun, Tohru Takehana, received an honorable mention in the Professional Winter Sports category for his photo capturing the emotional moment of figure skating duo Rika Miura and Ryuichi Kihara after winning a gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Tanabe's Reflections

In reflecting on his award-winning photographs, Tanabe expressed that they represent a powerful narrative intertwined with the life of Nobuharu Nakao. By depicting Nakao's daily existence and memories, the series draws attention to the human rights violations embedded within the history of Hansen's disease treatment in Japan. Nakao has dedicated over half a century to educating the public on the Hansen's disease issue, making his contributions invaluable.

“Receiving this award is not solely an individual honor but a recognition of the collaborative efforts from many individuals, including Mr. Nakao, who generously supported my work over the years,” Tanabe remarked.

He emphasized the importance of continuing to raise awareness of these historical issues through photography, stating, “The challenge now lies in how we can preserve the material and memories of those who lived through these experiences for future generations.”

From October 14 to 29, the photographs will be exhibited at the Nara Prefectural Library, marking a significant opportunity to engage the public in conversations surrounding Hansen's disease. Tanabe hopes this recognition will drive greater interest and awareness of the ongoing issues related to Hansen's disease.

About the International Photography Awards

The International Photography Awards™ recognizes photographers of all levels, from professionals to amateurs and students, providing a platform for showcasing their talents on a global stage. The winners from both professional and amateur categories compete for the highest honors, including the International Photographer of the Year trophy and a cash prize of $10,000. The event culminates in an annual awards ceremony that celebrates the diverse array of stories and perspectives captured through photography.

For more information, visit the International Photography Awards website.