Assignments, Japan, Jasmine, Karate, Karate Masters Portrait Project, Okinawa, Photography, Sensei: Masters of Okinawan Karate, Sessions
Published on January 4, 2024
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2023 Highlights

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2023 was a year of consolidation and preparation. Travel was limited, but the months were filled meeting fascinating people, and documenting their stories.

The biggest change was Jasmine turning five. She has graduated from baby seats to booster seats, Duplo to Lego, and Paw Patrol to Bluey.

My mum and dad visited in autumn, and it was great to reconnect. Yuki was amazed at just how many cups of tea we drank.

2023 saw the return of several major events in Okinawa, including the dragon boat races, competitive sports, and local festivals.

Ryukyu Guardian Lions v Taipei Predators 1st July 2023 at Onoyama Athletics Park. Chris Willson Photography http://www.TRAVEL67.com
Shinugu festival, an intangible folk cultural asset of Japan, Ada, Kunigami Village, Okinawa, Japan.

I’ve met so many wonderful people from all different backgrounds.

Ryukyu dancer Kana-san wearing traditional kimono and hanagasa hat. Yomitan, Okinawa.
Shinugu festival, an intangible folk cultural asset of Japan, Ada, Kunigami Village, Okinawa, Japan.

It was a pleasure to meet, photograph, and interview the Māori martial arts master Tuari Dawson. Recording him singing on the beach was unforgettable.

I’ve continued my project to document the masters of Okinawan karate, shooting both indoors on the black background and on location.

James Thompson 10th-dan Uechi-ryu, photographed in Motobu, Okinawa by Chris Willson Photography http://www.TRAVEL67.com
Yusuke Onaga, Okinawa Karate Kobudo, Onaga ha ren ryukai soke Photographed at the Honbu Dojo, Naha City, Okinawa on May 16 2023
Greg Lindquist, 10th Dan Zensekai Karate Kobujitsu Renmei, Oyakata Kobujitsu, Kuzushi. Photographed on 9th April 2023
Bryson Keenan ,8th dan Okinawa Gojuryu Kenkyu Kai.
Yoichiro Kuniyoshi 6th dan Uechi-ryu Karate with his younger brother Wataru Kuniyoshi (3rd dan) training on the beach in Yomitan, Okinawa. http://www.TRAVEL67.com
Jean Frenette, Goju-ryu Karate, stunt coordinator photographed at the Jundokan dojo in Naha City, Okinawa on July 26th 2023.
Chika Toguchi (40) 3rd dan Uechi-ryu karate, All Okinawa Kumite Champion

The Sensei: Masters of Okinawan Karate series has grown in popularity with hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube and Instagram. Series Two has included Okinawan icons such as Higaonna Sensei and Matsuda Sensei. A huge thank you to the sponsors and supporters of the series.

I’ve also had the opportunity to interview international karate masters during their visits to Okinawa. In the last month I’ve released the amazing stories of James Thompson (Uechi-ryu karate / U.S. special forces), and Jean Frenette (Goju-ryu karate / stunt coordinator).

A huge thank you to all those who have supported my work over the year. Thank you for taking my workshops, thank you for booking me to photograph your events and your families. Whether it is military balls, university graduations, or piano recitals, it is always a pleasure to be a small part of your special day.

Chinami Piano Studio Recital, 9th November 2023, Okinawa, Japan. Chris Willson Photography http://www.TRAVEL67.com
Beach Session, Motobu, Okinawa Chris Willson Photography http://www.TRAVEL67.com

2023 was the first year I created calendars, which are now available at my Shopify store.

2024 is hopefully going to be a big year. The construction of a new studio / office beside our house will allow me to expand the business, while I hope to venture beyond the reef, and explore more of Okinawa, Japan, and the rest of the world.

Hope you all have a wonderful 2024! Thank you again for all your support.

Chris

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