Land of the Aging Sun

When I first arrived in Japan, I was struck with awe at how beautiful and clean the country is. Coming from a province in the Philippines, everything felt new to me. Yet what amazed me even more was how, despite its rapid technological advancement, Japan continues to hold firmly to its roots and traditions.

Today, Japan is a nation where tradition and modernity coexist in delicate balance. But one of the most powerful forces shaping its future is demographic change. With one of the world’s highest proportions of elderly citizens, Japan is often described as a “super-aged society.” This aging population brings economic and social challenges, yet it also reflects cultural values deeply embedded in Japanese life, respect for elders, an awareness of impermanence, and a collective approach to community.

This project is an ongoing, long-term reflection of everyday life in Japan, capturing not only the visible rhythms of daily existence but also the quiet stories of aging, tradition, and change.