Masahisa Fukase: the photographer who saw his wife only through a lens

Rebecca Manzi Rebecca Manzi
Posted on 28/02/2025

Starting in 1973, every morning, as Yoko was preparing to leave their Tokyo apartment to go to work, Masahisa Fukase photographed her from the window, giving life to the famous "From Window" series

Masahisa Fukase was born into a family that ran a photo studio in Japan, making his introduction to the world of photography almost inevitable from an early age. Over the years, he gained increasing attention as one of the most compelling photographers of his time. Among his most well-known projects is a series of photographs of his muse and second wife, Yoko Wanibe, which were taken over the duration of their long relationship.

Starting in 1973, each morning when Yoko was preparing to depart their Tokyo apartment to head to work, Fukase would take a photograph of her from above through their window. The morning routine became a series titled “From Window.”

From window

What began as a spontaneous gesture soon turned into a daily tradition, starting out each day for the pair. Over time, these photographs grew into a photographic “documentary” of the couple’s life together, with subtle variations in Yoko’s mood and posture recorded from one day to another.

The actual reason why Fukase photographed his wife every day is not certain. It is unlikely that he was merely documenting their life together day by day. More probably, it was his way of coping with the agony of daily separation, a means of diminishing the impact of each day’s goodbye. It is also a subtle declaration of love.

Despite this ongoing ritual, their love did not stand the test of time. They divorced—a destiny that Fukase may have unconsciously foreseen in his work.

“He only looked at me through a camera lens”

After the split, which was instigated by Yoko, she afterward stated:

“He only looked at me through the lens of a camera. The photos he took of me were, without a doubt, portrayals of himself.”

The divorce destroyed Fukase, plunging him into a depression that would take around six years to recover from. During this period, he photographed ravens compulsively, later compiling these images in his now unsettlingly iconic book, Ravens.

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The cat who waited: Russia’s Hachiko and his unwavering loyalty

Rebecca Manzi Rebecca Manzi
Posted on 27/02/2025

Hachiko never wanted to move away from his human friend, even when he died. For 7 years he remained on his grave, exposed to the worst climatic conditions. Now some volunteers have taken him to give him the necessary care, but his future is controversial

since 2018, a stray ginger cat has won over the heart of a whole russian community with his incredible loyalty. the cat, whose nickname is Hachiko after the famous japanese dog who was legendary for his loyalty to his owner, waited for seven years by his human’s grave, refusing to leave despite harsh weather conditions and multiple rescue attempts.

The story of Hachiko quickly spread among the residents of Makhachkala, in the republic of Dagestan. Since the death of his owner, the cat found refuge in the cemetery, coming back to the same grave after every unsuccessful try at adoption.

Local people and volunteers, touched by his loyalty, tried multiple times to take care of him, providing food and shelter. The cat, however, seemed not to be willing to leave what he had come to consider his home.

To be adopted by a Saint Petersburg family

Eventually, however, Hachiko’s health began to deteriorate. Living outside and being exposed to the elements took a toll on his health, prompting a group of animal activists to intervene.

Recently, the cat was brought to a veterinary clinic to receive proper care. Experts are attempting to return him to health with the plan of giving him a new life outside of the cemetery. He is to be placed in a foster home in Saint Petersburg—a decision which has garnered quite a lot of controversy.

A discussion on animal emotion and decision

Hachiko’s story raises a complex question about the intricacy of animal emotions and how we are to decipher their actions. While it is clear that animals do possess the ability to feel pain and sorrow at the loss of another, it also brings about the ethical question of human intervention.

Is it right to make an animal change his home to live a more secure life? Or, by trying to rescue him, are we depriving him of his own will and his connection with the past?

A tribute to love and loyalty

Hachiko’s story is a poignant reminder of the ability of animals to form deep, long-term bonds, but also challenges our understanding of their welfare and needs. As the cat receives medical care and prepares for a new life, one thing remains constant—his remarkable loyalty, which has touched the hearts of many people.

Regardless of what the future holds for him, Hachiko will continue to be a symbol of unfaltering devotion and unconditional love.

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