Inauguration of REMINDERS PHOTOGRAPHY STRONGHOLD

And my personal statement for leaving Bangkok and relocating to Tokyo.

I left Japan a very long time ago.

At some point, I determined that Japan was no longer my home.

Because of this, I realize that for many years I contributed little to my own country.

I came to this realization following the Great East Japan Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear Disaster. This catastrophe caused me to think about my life and my direction. Why do I live my life this way? What is my goal?

But I believe that I now have something to offer to Japan – the experience and knowledge gained while working for so long, so far away from home.

For a long time, I have wanted to create a place where one can live with photography. A place where one can eat, sleep, see and do photography. A place not only for myself, but also for anyone who loves and relies on photographs.

To make this possible, I needed a space, and it should be a huge space, big enough to fit my plans. When I started looking for such a location in Tokyo, it seemed unlikely – but the fates smiled, and I think I have found a great spot, one with amazing potential.

This place might be my last home – I could call it my fortress. It could also be a reliable fortress for those committed people who fight for photography. So I have named it “REMINDERS PHOTOGRAPHY STRONGHOLD.”

The plan is to create a photographic gallery and library that offers programs and events that promote photography. In addition to exhibits and books, I plan for the STRONGHOLD to offer international and domestic photo residencies, photography project grants, events, workshops and publishing opportunities.

For many years, the Reminders Project has had no physical space in which to settle or act on its many ideas: now it finally can.

On April 24th, I will leave Thailand, where I have lived for so long. And so will begin the steady preparation for the new project.

I will keep you updated with the progress of this new life in Tokyo. I hope you are looking forward to it as much as I am.

In Bangkok
Yumi Goto – Reminders Project
April 2012