About
Akinori Ikeda
Hello! I'm AKI, a photographer living in Turku, Finland. I'm eagerly excited to offer my photography skills gathered from years of working in the professional photography industry in Japan.
In August 2023, my family of four moved to Europe after my wife achieved her dream of being accepted to the University of Turku. We left behind a stable life in Japan to embark on an exciting new chapter filled with new experiences.
My wife is now immersed in her studies, and our 6-year-old and 9-year-old children are attending local schools. They have bravely jumped into a new world, learning Finnish from scratch alongside new classmates.
At 40, I am also experiencing life abroad for the first time. We moved here without knowing anyone and with little English proficiency. As Finnish is the primary language spoken here, daily life has proven to be quite challenging. Currently, I am attending a Finnish language school and practicing English conversation with classmates and friends, all while continuing my work as a photographer. You can follow our journey and see more details on my Instagram. Please take a look!
AKI's Philosophy and Vision
My philosophy is to bring inspiration and joy to people.
Growing up in nature and gaining perspectives from mechanical design, I was inspired by the works of Arne Jacobsen, which led me into the fields of design and photography. In 2013, encountering Arne Jacobsen's Drop Chair was a pivotal moment in my life. The overwhelming sense of excitement and inspiration I felt then remains at the core of my work today. I aspire to be someone who can convey that same sense of wonder and excitement to others in different forms, and to offer heartwarming experiences to many. This is my philosophy and my mission.
Currently, I am working in Finland, aiming to capture and share happy moments through photography and videography, while also promoting cultural exchange between Japan and Finland. My business brand in Japan, "SHIZUKU," still thrives within me. True to its name, I hope that a single drop of inspiration can ripple out, crossing borders and reaching many people.
Business info
2024: Photographed Director Koki Mitani at the screening of Let's Talk about Suomi at the Helsinki International Film Festival 2023: A product development reality show, Still Edible 2023: Relocated to Finland 2022: Studio design for another company 2020–2022: SHIZUKU Studio 2020: Official photographer for Zexy 2020: Wedding photography featured in Asahi Shimbun 2020: Featured in Shizuoka Asahi TV and aired on Tokimeki Shizuoka 2019: Official photographer and promotional work for Minobu-san Kuonji Temple 2019: Official photographer for Mishima Skywalk 2019: Traveled to Taiwan to deepen photography skills 2018: Official photographer for Winkle Shizuoka 2017: Exhibited photographic works at Shizuoka City Museum of Art in the Danish Design Exhibition 2017: Held a solo exhibition, Living with People of Denmark 2016: Asahi TV Culture Center photography instructor (4 years) 2014: Launched SHIZUKU's design and video production business 2014: Traveled to Denmark to explore the designs of Arne Jacobsen 2013: Mentored by wedding photographer Wataru Takeda
In Finland ・Maailman musiikin keskus ry ・My Suomi Oy ・International Women Alliance • Turku ・Touch Wood ry ・Blanc Studio ・aqu.at.ics In Japan (Over 100 Clients) ・Recruit Co., Ltd. (Zexy / Hot Pepper Beauty) ・Yonex Co., Ltd. ・Mynavi Corporation ・Windam Corporation ・Five-Up Corporation (Bonne Couleur) ・PAL WIZ Corporation ・Fukukobo Corporation (Shizuoka Showroom) ・ShanSon Cosmetics Inc. ・FC Central Laboratory Co., Ltd. ・Access International Inc. ・Hinode Publishing (Fashion Magazine Fine) ・Mama Yume Radio ・Hotel Grand Fuji etc.
My Story
Born and raised in Shimizu, Shizuoka, Japan in 1984, Aki developed a passion for the arts in a nature-surrounded environment. As a child, he excelled in activities such as fishing, soccer, swimming, calligraphy, and drawing. He studied Mechanical Systems Engineering at Kitami Institute of Technology and worked for Toshiba Career for six years after graduation. During this time, he contributed to the development of energy-saving models and large chillers, obtained patents, and presented papers at the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Society, earning a special jury certificate.
Turning Point
Although he found fulfillment in his engineering career, the 2011 Tohoku earthquake profoundly changed his perspective on life. This disaster prompted him to question "What is my life about? What do I truly want to do?" leading to his decision to resign in 2012.
Aspirations and Conviction in Design
After resigning, Aki became fascinated with Scandinavian furniture and interiors, particularly Arne Jacobsen's Drop Chair. Driven by this inspiration, he traveled to Denmark in 2013, visiting Jacobsen's alma mater and various design works. The moment he finally gained access to the Drop Chair's only location at the SAS Royal Hotel after seven negotiations was an emotional highlight that he vividly remembers.
Jacobsen's design philosophy, focusing on pure forms and lines while harmonizing with nature, had a strong impact on him. This influence solidified his desire to convey excitement and emotion in a different form. Upon returning to Japan, he founded "SHIZUKU," inspired by this experience.
Transition to Photography
Aki's journey into photography began in 2013, inspired by the renowned wedding photographer Wataru Takeda. Through rigorous training, he honed his technical skills and creativity, which now underpin his high technical proficiency and unique perspective.
Major Projects and Clients
Aki has worked with notable clients including Recruit Co., Ltd.'s "Zexy," Yonex Co., Ltd., and weddings for J1 League players. His "HapiPro" family photo events, launched in 2020, have been highly successful, capturing up to 50 families in one day. Since 2019, he has also been involved in wedding photography at the historic Kuon-ji Temple, one of Japan's three major sacred mountains.
Unique Techniques and Style
Aki's photographic style emphasizes capturing moments perfectly in real-time, providing high-quality images without relying on extensive post-processing or AI. His strength lies in controlling light and taking beautiful photos in various conditions, including nighttime, using skill rather than camera performance. He values communication with clients, seeing photography as a collaborative work. His aim is to make every session enjoyable and to offer innovative ideas during corporate shoots, meeting client demands efficiently.
