VOL.10 Photographer Moron Non’s ONOMICHI TRIP
Photographer Moron Non “もろんのん”, who was in charge of shooting in Onomichi for “Second Town Journey.” During the coverage, she interacted with local creators and residents, advancing her interviews. We asked about the feedback she received from her life in Tokyo while experiencing Onomichi. We also inquired about her feelings and any changes in perspective she experienced after her time in Onomichi.
Moron Non, who has been working as a corporate employee on weekdays and pursuing photography as a weekend hobby, made the leap to become a freelance photographer in April of this year. Full of fresh energy and enthusiasm, she embarked on a journey with our editorial team to Onomichi, with hopes of encountering people and creativity in the area.
“I love conveying to others the things and moments I find wonderful. Photography is my chosen medium, but if there are better ways to communicate, whether through writing or videos, I’m eager to explore them too,” Moronnon shared during our pre-trip meeting with the editorial team. Inspired by her perspective, the editorial team tasked Moronnon with capturing Onomichi through her lens, focusing on the aspects of the town that resonated with her personally.
In my usual line of work, I get to capture photographs across various genres. Among them, my personal preference lies in images that have both ‘vibrant colors’ and ‘depth in the scenery.’ In this regard, Onomichi was particularly awe-inspiring for me because of the beautiful colors of the mountains and sea, and the way the town and ocean fit into a single frame when photographed from atop a mountain. Additionally, with the open sea and sky, I was able to achieve the depth I desired, resulting in some of my favorite photographs.”
During her stay, which coincided with the end of the rainy season, Moronnon enthusiastically captured various scenes of the town under the intense sunlight. Among them, what left the most lasting impression was the scenery of the town revitalized through the efforts of the NPO “Onomichi Vacant House Revitalization Project.
“I walked around the town a lot and took in various landscapes, but I was particularly amazed by the story of Ms. Masako Toyota from the ‘Onomichi Vacant House Revitalization Project,’ who continues to take action to preserve those views. Listening to her, I was fascinated by the diversity of the ‘vacant houses,’ each with its own construction method and age, making it interesting to inspect each building. At the same time, I felt that Ms. Toyota’s efforts in nurturing the town are something very much needed in today’s era.”
And another significant portion of Moron Non’s photographs captured in Onomichi were of the cats roaming around the town. While walking through the streets of Onomichi, encountering numerous cats is quite common. We, the editorial team, have conducted cat-related projects in the past and are well aware of the challenge of capturing the whimsical nature of cats in photographs. However, what stood out in Moronnon’s cat photographs was how relaxed the cats appeared, almost as if they had allowed her to capture their essence.
“There were many cats, especially in the hillside areas. Despite the intense heat during the day, they tend to hide, but as evening approaches, they come out in large numbers onto the streets. I was able to quietly approach them and take photos without being met with any unpleasant reactions.”
In addition, Moron Non accompanied us on their interviews and captured various people and places through her photographs. As a photographer, how does Moron Non feel about the quality of her work in Onomichi?
“Looking back at the data, I realized it was truly exceptional. In my usual work, I’m conscious of what the client wants to convey through my photos, but this time I was given the freedom to shoot as I felt. The same goes for the style of the photos. Normally, I adjust the style based on whether a more casual or trustworthy image is required, depending on the project. However, this time, I felt I was able to express myself in the style I personally enjoy.”
Moronnon’s photographs captivate by conveying the essence of the places she captures. The harmony of focus and color reproduction creates a sense of presence, almost as if the viewer has momentarily stepped into the scene. While photography is highly subjective, the element of pleasantness in viewing photos is something that resonates universally.
“I aim to capture images that inspire people of my generation to actually want to visit or experience the places depicted,” Moronnon shares her aspirations as she progresses in her career as a photographer.
Finally, when asked if Onomichi has become a new emotional refuge for her, she reflects, “I believe regularly visiting Onomichi will be a positive experience for me. I’ve heard from interviews that many people of my generation are doing new things in Onomichi. Experiencing the creative scene in regional areas might spark new ideas. While I’ve just started my independence and there are still many things I want to do in Tokyo, this trip has made me consider the possibility of such opportunities in the near future.”
As she returns to her daily life, embarking on the journey of building her career one step at a time, one can only hope that the landscapes and experiences she captured in Onomichi will continue to enrich her life in some way.
Moron Non もろんのん
Photographer who captures a bright and poppy world view. She specializes in portrait, travel, and corporate advertising photography. She spreads the joy of photography and offers photography workshops through seminars nationwide and her own YouTube channel.
