Yasuhiro Ogawa‘s latest photobook, “Into the Silence,” encapsulates the untamed yet enduring allure of Japan’s northern region, tracing the footsteps of the 17th-century poet Matsuo Bashō. Bashō’s odyssey, chronicled in his travelogue “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” (“Oku no Hosomichi”), unfolded during the summer of 1689 as he embarked on a journey with his companion Sora. Unlike Bashō, who traversed the terrain on foot armed with a pen, Ogawa opted for train travel, equipped with a camera to document his expedition through the Tōhoku region.
Ogawa’s photographs skillfully capture the rugged magnificence of the landscape, ranging from snow-draped mountains and mist-laden forests to deserted roads and glimpses of wild oceans, often taken through foggy train windows. Through his lens, Ogawa unveils a world suspended in both stillness and motion, portraying a remote and timeless environment.
Despite the centuries that separate them, Ogawa’s images echo the challenges encountered by Bashō on his odyssey. The solitude and desolation of the journey are palpable in shots featuring empty trains, solitary tracks, and forlorn hotel interiors. Ogawa’s muted photographs vividly portray the physical hurdles of navigating rough terrain and enduring inclement weather. A stark contrast emerges between the scenic tranquility and the harsh realities faced by the inhabitants of this remote region. From unadorned coastal towns to vacant streets, Ogawa’s images lay bare the impact of economic decline and depopulation on the area. Yet, amidst the somber scenes, a spirit of hope and resilience endures.