Patina Osaka Hosts Collaborative Photo Exhibition "Shiraoi Un Kur: Living in This Land" with National Geographic Photo Camp

"Naomi, a woman dedicated to preserving Ainu culture, wearing traditional attire she made herself." Photo by Yuuma Kosode

Patina Osaka, an urban sanctuary embodying transformative luxury, located opposite Osaka Castle Park, will host a photo exhibition titled "Shiraoi Un Kur: Living in This Land" in its 1st-floor gallery space starting Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The exhibition will showcase photographic and written works by participants of the National Geographic Photo Camp held in 2025. These works are inspired by the spirit of "Out of Eden Walk," a long-term storytelling program supported by the National Geographic Society, a global non-profit organization.

The Photo Camp, led by National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Karsten Elster, is a program that conveys the power of photography to young people worldwide. "Out of Eden Walk," led by Explorer Paul Salopek, is an epic project tracing ancient human migration routes on foot, and this exhibition reflects the philosophy of "slow journalism" and deep human connection born from it. Both programs collaborated during Salopek's journey across Japan, conducting a one-week Photo Camp in Shiraoi, Hokkaido. This was the first Photo Camp held in Japan, where participants aged 15 to 23 learned to observe, listen, and weave stories with intention and empathy.

"An embroidery master wearing self-made traditional Ainu attire." Photo by Shoko Segawa

Shiraoi, Hokkaido, is a land rich in Ainu culture. The Ainu are an indigenous people living in northern Japan, known for their deep spiritual connection to nature, unique culture, and oral storytelling traditions.

During the Photo Camp, which Patina Osaka also supported, 10 student writers and 10 student photographers paired up to document the daily lives of the people of Shiraoi over five days. They explored themes of cultural heritage and the spirit of sharing, known as "osusowake," while deeply engaging with the local natural environment and the rooted Ainu culture.

The participants received guidance from world-renowned storytellers such as National Geographic Explorers Mathieu Paley, Noriko Hayashi, Paul Salopek, and Karsten Elster. Additionally, local photographers and writers Hidehiro Otake, Christopher Crantz, and Hisako Kaminou participated as mentors.

Noriko Hayashi, whose work was also featured at the KYOTOGRAPHIE International Photography Festival in 2022, is scheduled to speak at the opening event on Tuesday, May 12, joined by Ms. Kaminou, Mr. Crantz, and the students they mentored. On the day of the event, a talk session will be held based on the exhibition's production process, exploring how a single photograph can be elevated into a shared experience. This event will also coincide with the KYOTOGRAPHIE festival, which runs until Sunday, May 17.

"Photography can often be a solitary experience, but initiatives like KYOTOGRAPHIE and the Photo Camp demonstrate its power to create deep human connections," says Ms. Hayashi. "Especially during the Photo Camp, while staying in Hokkaido, we not only taught photography and writing techniques but also built a community. I feel hopeful about the potential for the next generation of storytellers to collaborate and convey important local stories. I look forward to sharing their photographic and verbal expressions with everyone through this exhibition, and to seeing where it leads."

Photo by Shosuke Tsuchida Photo by Takuto Sasajima

For many participants, this program was their first experience handling professional cameras and conducting in-depth interviews. This exhibition introduces their creative journey and a collection of impressive photographs and words that capture the essence of the region they encountered.

Ellen Franke, General Manager of Patina Osaka, states:
"At Patina Osaka, we believe in the power and potential of 'transformative luxury' – experiences that deepen our understanding of the world and each other. Supporting initiatives like the Photo Camp embodies our commitment to nurturing next-generation talent, celebrating local culture and community, and creating meaningful connections. We hope this exhibition will be a platform for the voices of the younger generation."

"Shiraoi Un Kur: Living in This Land."