THE ART OF SILENCE: Kazuhisa Oishi and the Magic of Japanese Nature

SHIZUOKA | JAPAN

Kazuhisa Oishi is more than a photographer. He approaches nature with the quiet attention of someone who listens before he speaks, noticing subtleties that often pass unnoticed. His deep love for Japan’s wild landscapes and his fascination with flowers that bloom far from human paths give his images a sense of purity and wonder. Growing up in Shizuoka, surrounded by the soft rhythm of mountains, forests, and coastlines, he formed a close and lifelong connection with the natural world. His photographs read like gentle stories told by nature itself, and this interview opens a window into the mind of an artist who finds harmony between people and the landscapes that shape them.

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?

It is a pleasure to speak with you. I am Kazuhisa Oishi, a nature photographer based in Japan. As a Japanese artist, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share my story, and I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the curation team at Artistic Hub Magazine.

Japan lies between 25 and 45 degrees north latitude and spans a wide range of climates, from subtropical in the south to subarctic in the north. This creates an exceptional variety of natural landscapes. Shizuoka Prefecture, where I was born, sits between Tokyo and Osaka and forms an important link between eastern and western Japan. The Shinkansen, Tomei Expressway and Tokaido Line all pass through it.

Shizuoka stretches for about 140 kilometers from east to west and includes many remarkable natural sites such as Mount Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, the Southern Alps and Lake Hamana, along with mountains, forests and coastlines of striking beauty. Growing up in this environment nurtured a deep sensitivity to nature and shaped the way I see the world. It is very likely that this connection helped guide me toward becoming the photographer I am today.

My path to photography did not begin with the intention of capturing nature. I originally bought a digital camera simply to record my travels and the places I visited. Over time, I realized that my temperament, shaped by High Sensation Seeking, a trait associated with curiosity, emotional depth, and a strong desire for exploration, drew me naturally toward photography. That inner impulse helped me recognize my passion for the art form.

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 meaningful subjects in my work and something I feel committed to documenting throughout my life.

My first true encounter with them took place in the spring of 2020, when I found Kumagaisou blooming in the woods near my hometown. They appeared with such grace, almost as if they were welcoming the arrival of spring. What fascinates me most is the way wildflowers bloom entirely on their own. They respond to the rhythm of the seasons without guidance or interference.

They do not bloom for admiration. They simply live as part of nature and move with its quiet flow. Their ability to sprout, blossom and eventually seed carries a kind of mystery that never stops inspiring me. The moment that moves me the most is the peak of their bloom, when their vitality is at its highest. That is the moment I try to capture through my lens.

Over the years, many wildflowers have stayed with me. Among those that have left the deepest impression are the kitadakesou, the Suruga jourou hototogisu and the shirahigesou. Each one holds its own form of strength and beauty, and I strive to reflect that 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, subtle shifts in the seasons have been appreciated for centuries. Cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, camellias and Japanese apricots are part of our cultural identity, and they carry a strong emotional presence.

A good example is the someiyoshino cherry blossom, one of the most beloved blooms in Japan. It always flowers in spring, yet the exact timing varies greatly from region to region. Spring weather is unpredictable, so capturing the blossoms at their best often depends on the sky above. Every opportunity is unique. For that reason, I monitor weather updates and satellite images on the JMA website every day to ensure I do not miss the right moment.

Many people know Japan through the image of Mount Fuji, but fewer realize that Shizuoka Prefecture has early-blooming cherry varieties that appear as early as late January. I photograph cherry blossoms from February through late April and autumn leaves from October to November, always searching for moments that reveal the fragile beauty of these transitions.

Through my landscape photography, I hope to share the depth of Japan’s connection to the seasons. I want viewers to sense this tradition and experience the beauty of each changing moment in a way that reflects the feelings Japanese people have carried 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, known as Lycoris radiata in Latin, is believed to have come to Japan from China many centuries ago. Today, it grows freely across the Japanese archipelago along riverbanks, levees, rural paths, cemeteries and even near railway tracks, in places where daily life meets the natural world. In Japanese, it has several names, including higanbana and manjushage, each carrying a sense of cultural depth.

In Japan, there is a period called Ohigan that marks the transition between seasons. The name higanbana is tied to this moment. The vivid red flowers rise suddenly from the earth and bloom during this time of change, as if responding directly to the shifting light.

I remember the day I photographed Higanbana and Sunset with absolute clarity. It was around September 23, 2022. Shizuoka Prefecture had been struck by heavy rain that caused serious flooding, and my mother’s parents’ home was affected. We spent the day cleaning and trying to restore some order. By evening, I felt a deep sadness and exhaustion. I carried those emotions with me when I found the higanbana by the river. The setting sun reflected on the water, and the scene held the same sense of melancholy that I felt within myself. I composed the photograph with that emotion in mind.

When I photograph wildflowers, I pay close attention to the background. The sky, sunlight, distant mountains, and soft bokeh all help shape the image and reveal the flower’s presence more fully. I often enter a focused, almost meditative state while working, and in those moments I am not deliberately placing my emotions into the frame. My intention is always to capture the natural beauty of the wildflowers as they are. Through these images, I hope viewers not only see the flowers but also feel the depth and stillness 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, the Manyoshu, compiled during the Nara period from 710 to 794, includes references to Mount Fuji. This mountain has been cherished for centuries and holds a deep cultural and spiritual presence in the Japanese imagination. Today, Mount Fuji is both a World Heritage Site and a symbol of national identity.

I created this photograph at a place called Koibito Misaki, known as Lovers’ Cape, in Doi-cho on the Izu Peninsula. From that point, you can see the wide expanse of Suruga Bay with Mount Fuji rising elegantly in the distance. The region is also known for its early-blooming cherry trees, the Izu Doi Cherry Blossoms, which open in early February and mark the first signs of spring.

The photograph itself came to life in an unexpected way. I came across a field of crucifer flowers in full bloom and wondered whether their vivid yellow petals could be placed in harmony with the presence of Mount Fuji. Although it was still early February, the cold northern wind created a crisp atmosphere and gave me a clear view of Fuji-san against the winter sky.

In this image, the symbolism of Mount Fuji and the lively rapeseed blossoms come together to express a long-standing Japanese appreciation for nature. As an artist, I feel a strong sense of pride in capturing this balance between landscape and cultural heritage. My hope is that viewers not only see the beauty in the scene but also sense the cultural depth that has shaped our bond with 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 do not yet know the final direction of this artistic journey, and I am not sure where it will ultimately lead. What I do know is that the heart of my work will always remain with nature and wildflowers. There are many wildflowers growing in places I have not yet explored, and I plan to keep traveling and searching for them.

At the same time, I am open to new methods, new techniques and new themes as my vision develops. The natural world continues to surprise me, and I am always looking for new ways to express its beauty.

My hope is that those who spend time with my work will see more than the flowers themselves. I want them to feel the landscapes, the seasons, and the quiet character of Japanese nature. I also hope they understand that I am an artist devoted to the careful and constant search for wildflowers across Japan. This pursuit is my passion, and I want to share that passion with the world through every photograph I create.

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 has an extraordinary range of mountains that stretches from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south. The Southern Alps, Northern Alps, Central Alps and the Yatsugatake range in central Honshu are especially well known among climbers.

I did not begin mountain climbing because of a specific moment or event. It started as a quiet aspiration, something I simply felt drawn toward. With time, that feeling grew stronger, and I eventually became a committed climber, reaching elevations of up to two thousand five hundred meters. During these climbs, I discovered the world of alpine plants. Their presence quickly became one of the most important themes in my photography.

Life in the subalpine and alpine zones is extremely demanding. Strong winds and deep winter snow shape these landscapes throughout the year, and very few plants can survive such conditions. Alpine flowers have adapted to this harsh environment, and their resilience continues to move me. They bloom in the same places each year, no matter how unforgiving the surroundings may be.

Mountain weather changes rapidly. A calm and bright morning can turn into heavy rain and thunderstorms within minutes. This unpredictability is humbling and awe-inspiring. There is a Buddhist expression that says all things change. That idea captures the spirit of the mountains perfectly, and I feel a deep sense of connection to it.

Your love for nature is reflected not only in your art but also in your commitment to environmental conservation. You have 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, humanity has seen extraordinary technological progress, and we have all benefited from it. At the same time, this progress has brought serious environmental consequences. The burning of fossil fuels has led to high levels of carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming. As a result, we are facing rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, intense rainfall, and melting glaciers. Japan is experiencing these effects as well. In regions such as the Yatsugatake mountains and the alpine zones of the Northern and Southern Alps, the impact is becoming increasingly visible. Alpine plants are blooming earlier because of reduced snowfall, and wild deer in the Southern Alps are entering fragile alpine areas, damaging plant communities that are already under pressure.

The environment that supports Japan’s wildflowers, including alpine species, is facing significant challenges. Although the situation is difficult, I believe that art has the power to raise awareness. Through my photographs of Japanese wildflowers, I hope to draw attention to these environmental issues while also showing the beauty and importance of Japan’s natural heritage. It is a reminder of the long cultural relationship that Japanese people have had with the four seasons.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of my work will be directed to environmental organizations in Japan. I am still finalizing the exact partners, but my focus will be on groups committed to preserving the natural landscapes of Mount Fuji, the Yatsugatake mountains, the Northern and Southern Alps and other important 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 through the French art platform Artmajeur, where prints can be purchased directly. Anyone interested in my photographs can view the available pieces on my Artmajeur page.

The platform offers several options, including framed and unframed prints, so collectors can choose the format that suits them best.

"Photography is my way of connecting with nature and with people. I hope my images encourage others to pause, look closely and see the world as it truly is: wild, free, and beautiful."

Through his images, Kazuhisa Oishi invites us to witness moments of delicate and fleeting beauty while reminding us of the responsibility we carry toward the natural world. His dedication to conservation and his deep fascination with wildflowers, combined with his wish to share these rare encounters, place his work beyond the boundaries of traditional visual art. He does far more than record landscapes and plants. He reveals the inner character of nature and the quiet rhythm of its continuous cycle. This interview introduces an artist of remarkable sensitivity, someone who moves through the world with attention and sincerity. His work leaves a clear and lasting impression, and his voice in support of conservation continues to reach audiences throughout the art community.

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Photos: Kazuhisa Oishi