MichiNakano
Photographer / Film Director
Photographer, film director, and writer.
Born in North Carolina, USA in 1989, Michi Nakano grew up in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, and currently resides in Tokyo.
After completing his master's degree in Literature at Sophia University Graduate School, he began his career as a photographer and film director in 2015.
In 2020, he published the photo book "Akatsuki," exploring the theme of wholeness and unity.
He released another photo book, "Days in Between," in 2023.
He has also established himself in the music industry by directing music videos for popular bands.
His work has been featured in art publications such as Japanese renowned art magazines ”Bijutsu Techo”, earning high critical acclaim.
Michi Nakano, who also works as a film director and writer, is devoted to analog cameras.
This work expresses the relationship between two essential elements for photographers—cameras and cars—through the format of a contact sheet. It visualizes how cars, as everyday means of transportation, exist as crucial "partners" in the creative process.
He attempts to reconsider the taken-for-granted presence of cars in daily life from a creator's perspective. In particular, he found inspiration in the physical property of light reflection from MODELLISTA parts, discovering connections with photographic expression.
By adopting the contact sheet format—a recording method unique to photographers—he enables viewers to share the artist's perspective and temporal flow. The work also serves as an opportunity for him to reflect on memories and emotions from the time of shooting.
TOYOTA Prius
MODELLISTA has enhanced the Prius—a vehicle combining "love-at-first-sight design" with "captivating performance"—adding dynamic elements and emotional styling.
The fusion of superior environmental performance and refined beauty has stimulated Nakano's sensibilities as someone who interacts with cars daily, while the excellent handling characteristics have also left a profound impression on him.