Aesthetic of Everyday Life: Junya Suzuki shows us why the Japanese prefer the mundane

Since ancient times, the Japanese have had a unique aesthetic referred to as "wabi-sabi". This generally means that they prefer the mundane over anything showy, quiet over noise and stillness over any movement. But street photographer Junya Suzuki believes all that is disappearing: "As time goes by, and as people become more and more superficial, they have lost touch with their aesthetic sense.

"One day, I found a common point in photos I captured. That's the quietness. I may unconsciously feel an aesthetic sense like 'wabi-sabi' in the environment which keeps creating, destroying and changing all the time. Nothing is permanent in this world. And we know life is not endless. That's why I suspect that we can have a feeling of existing together in harmony."

Through his series, Junya seeks to find that "wabi-sabi" feeling in everyday life. Born in Japan in 1979, he began taking photographs in 2009 and is today based in Kanagawa and Tokyo, Japan. His style focuses on daily life with a touch of surrealism and humour. Discover more at www.junya-suzuki.com.

All images courtesy of Junya Suzuki

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