I hope this letter finds you well. Today I would like to share an extraordinary photographer, my source of inspiration, Jimmy Nelson.
In a world dominated by mass production, where even lifestyles are standardised like MacDonald's, the work of Jimmy Nelson, a renowned truly one-of-a-kind photographer, serves as a powerful reminder of the richness and depth found in the tapestry of diverse human cultures. His world-famous photography book, "Before They Pass Away" has captivated me with its awe-inspiring portrayal of traditional cultures and stunning ingenious people. His authenticity touches my soul.
Through his authentic lens, he showcases the purity and essence of societies where age-old customs still thrive. His photographs evoke a sense of wonder and admiration for the people, landscapes, and traditions he encounters, creating a visual narrative that transcends language and cultural barriers. Through his work, Jimmy strives to document and preserve the essence of these cultures, ensuring their stories and traditions are celebrated and appreciated for generations to come. Then he not only connects with the people he portrays but also offers us an opportunity to connect with their stories and heritage. I believe these encounters open doors to empathy, understanding, and positive change that can impact both our own lives and the lives of others. His passion to keep cultures and traditions alive, and his call to learn from our differences, resonates with me enormously as I value cultural diversity and seek to create a more inclusive and compassionate world through the art of craftsmanship.
As a Japanese woman 🇯🇵 who has lived abroad in ten countries, my journey has taught me that our lives are shaped by the connections we make, the people we meet along the way, and the experiences that touch our souls. It is through these encounters that could open a new door, to change not only our lives but also the lives of others in the most positive way. I firmly believe that in a world dominated by standardised mass-produced goods and content, the value of traditional craftsmanship has never been more important than now - they have the remarkable power to forge connections, ignite inspiration, respect differences and open doors to new encounters and stories. To me, they are a powerful reminder of the richness and depth found in the tapestry of diverse human cultures.
Preserving cultural heritage is a universal mission. Jimmy Nelson's work serves as a wake-up call, urging us to recognise the importance of safeguarding traditional practices and customs although the globalised world is increasingly going in the opposite way. Kaikô, on the other hand, thrives to accomplish this through its commitment to craftsmanship and the story behind it. By connecting artisans with a wider audience, Kaikô aspires that these age-old traditions remain alive and thriving, contributing to the preservation of cultural and human heritage and supporting sustainable livelihoods for the artisans.
If you haven't chanced an encounter with the amazing people from "Before They Pass Away" and Jimmy Nelson, please take a look at his book! I admire his thoughts written at the end of the book. Let me finish this article with the quote from Jimmy Nelson Foundation to cultivate your inspiration and your own thought:
"These are times of social and climate crises, in which we live the consequences of an economic and social model that has infected our connection to life itself. Overpopulation, digitalization, urbanisation, and capitalization have affected our lives in such a way that we, as humanity, are becoming more and more disconnected from what it means to be human. We are at a crossroads where we can decide to either pursue our way of life with all its consequent losses or we can reflect, learn and return to the source of what it means to be human."
Thank you for being a part of this extraordinary journey with Kaikô. I hope you have a nice day.
Kana, Founder of Kaikô