Cotton Thread Bound Around the Waist

I aim to convey the sensation of navigating through a dark maze, guided by the slender thread around my waist. The images combine casual snapshots with intentional compositions, subtly establishing connections through texture, content, and line.

Cotton Thread Bound Around the Waist Phtotgraphy, 2023-2024

Before entering the labyrinth of the Minotaur, Theseus wrapped a thread around his waist, ultimately using it to navigate the maze’s complexities.

In garment construction, the process emphasizes the meticulous act of threading a needle. Similarly, as adaptable social beings, we are often skilled at “threading connections” in our lives—guided by a single thread that allows us to maintain a directional focus amid continual movement. However, most of the time, the logic of life eludes us, as it is intrinsically invisible. Yet, when we substitute perception for sight, we may sense a delicate thread or silk tethered to our waists—imagine yourself as a kite or a hooked fish, suddenly soaring into the air. From this elevated perspective, in a state of bodily disorientation, I have glimpsed these vivid images.

In the photographic book Cotton Thread Bound Around the Waist, I present a selection of images captured in Tokyo from autumn 2023 to autumn 2024. Tokyo, a metropolis of 14.06 million inhabitants, prompts reflection: how do I differ from the other 14,059,999 residents? This is a self-constructed labyrinth, akin to the origins of the Minotaur—a product of unnatural union. Through these photographs, I aim to convey the sensation of navigating through a dark maze, guided by the slender thread around my waist. The images combine casual snapshots with intentional compositions, subtly establishing connections through texture, content, and line. For example, the pigeon perched on the eaves, the guava resting at the edge of the sofa, and the streetlight standing in the parking lot all exhibit notable morphological similarities. Additionally, the peeling skin of the guava bears an uncanny resemblance to the shape of awnings used for sheltering passersby from the rain. In the layout of the photographic book, I function as a craftsman weaving this invisible thread into tangible form through each photograph.

When you flip through The Cotton Thread Bound Around the Waist, you might be surprised to find that a scene from your daily life resonates with a photo in the book. Don’t worry; it’s just a momentary intertwining of the threads bound around our waists.