Artist Spotlight - Hiroto Fukuda
Biography
I am Hiroto Fukuda, a nature and wild bird art photographer. Born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, in 1973, I began my photography journey after falling in love with the common kingfisher—a bird often called the "gem of the clear stream"—at first sight. While working as a corporate employee, I spent seven years photographing kingfishers and aspiring to become a professional photographer. I ultimately decided to pursue this career path, driven by my late father’s final words—"Don't have any regrets"—and the unfulfilled dreams of my mother, who had once aspired to be a photographer herself. I left my job, enrolled in photography school, and mastered the fundamentals of the craft. I went on to win the Grand Prix at the "High Photo Award" in Japan and made my professional debut with the publication of a photobook dedicated to kingfishers.
Ryukyu Ruddy Kingfisher, 2014, photograph, 42cm x 42cm
After spending about four years on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa photographing the crested serpent eagle and the ruddy kingfisher, I now reside in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, where I focus on photographing the red-crowned crane. Although I have been battling an illness for the past six years, I continue to work as a photographer. While I previously operated within Japan—taking on assignments for clients such as Canon, Tamron, Nikkei National Geographic, and the Wild Bird Society of Japan—my illness prompted me to expand my scope and share my work with a global audience. My work has received awards in international photography contests, appeared in overseas photography magazines, and been featured on international websites such as 1x.com.
A Gaze of Peace, 2010, photograph, 59.4cm x 42cm
My parents have had the greatest influence on my work. They were kind, hardworking people who lived fulfilling lives while raising me. Watching the example they set, I came to believe deeply in the importance of living with sincerity and kindness. My mother worked at a children's care home, where she served as the director and dedicated herself to the children until the very end of her life. My father, too, worked tirelessly at a railway company until he passed away due to illness. I struggled greatly with the decision to become a photographer; for more than three years, I could not bring myself to quit my job. Seeing how diligently my parents worked at their own jobs, I felt a sense of guilt—as if leaving my company to pursue photography would be a betrayal of the two people who had raised me.
Wings of the Eagle of Peace, 2010, photograph, 42cm x 59.4cm
However, it was my father’s final words that freed me from that spell. I resolved to quit my job and become a photographer. Later, after my father passed away, my mother confided in me that she, too, had once wanted to be a photographer. Learning of her hidden wish made me feel truly glad that I had decided to pursue photography. She was overjoyed, thinking, "Oh, my child is fulfilling the dream I couldn't," and she supported me devotedly until the end of her life.
Prayer for peace, 2022, photograph, 59.4cm x 42cm
I became the photographer Hiroto Fukuda thanks to my parents; no one else has influenced me more. Even now that I am ill, I continue to work as a photographer because I cannot bring myself to betray their hopes for me.
A Pair of Peace, 2022, photograph, 59.4cm x 42cm
On a less pleasant note—though significant in terms of my life experience—I was bullied at school when I was young. That painful memory led me to vow that I would never inflict such cruelty on others—whether people or living creatures. I make a conscious effort to treat everyone with kindness and respect. While I once harbored hatred toward those who bullied me, I now actually feel grateful to them; thanks to that experience, I learned what it means to feel pain. In that sense, although the memory is unpleasant, I believe it has had a positive influence on the way I live my life. It brings me great joy that my wife, too, tells me I am a truly kind person. My wish is for everyone to live happily, with smiles on their faces, and I sincerely hope for a world where that becomes a reality. It would be the ultimate happiness for me if my work could have a positive impact on the world and bring even just one more smile to someone's face.
Dance of the Pair of Peace, 2019, photograph, 42cm x 59.4cm
My published works include *The Common Kingfisher: An Encounter*, *The Crested Serpent Eagle: A White Angel of Ishigaki Island Worth Protecting*, and *The Ruddy Kingfisher: Crimson of the Ryukyus*. I strive to capture images that resemble paintings; for me, photography is the creation of art, using light as paint on the canvas of film.
Kingfisher: A Sculpture of Water, 2004, photograph, 59.4cm x 42cm
Though I am but a small individual, I strive to hold fast to high and steadfast aspirations. I could not capture the photographs of the wild birds and nature I love were the world not peaceful and serene. It is my heartfelt wish that those who view my work will smile—hoping for a beautiful Earth and feeling inspired to end war, bring about world peace, and cherish nature. That is my life's mission.
May the Earth remain beautiful forever, and may the world remain at peace forever.
Red berries and a Japanese white-eye, 2017, photograph, 42cm x 59.4cm
Clients
Canon, Tamron, National Geographic Japan, Wild Bird Society of Japan, etc.
PHOTO CONTEST JUDGING PANEL
・THE KNIGHTS OF ART™ International Photography Award Jury Members
・The NEXUS International Photography Awards (NIPA) INTERNATIONAL JUDGE
Kingfisher: A Fleeting Moment, 2008, photograph, 59.4cm x 42cm
Award history
2025 PLATINUM WINNER, Fine Art Photography - Wildlife, Global Photography Awards
2025 First place, Anthology Photography Competition
2024 Honorable Mention, Chromatic Awards
2024 Editors choice, 500px
2024 GOLD / SILVER WINNER, New York Photography Awards
2024 BRONZE WINNER, Budapest International Foto Awards
2024 Special Jury Award, MonteCarlo Photo Contest 2024 GOLD WINNER 8 Category, Global Photography Awards
2024 SILVER WINNER 10 Category, Global Photography Awards
2024 awarded,1x
2024 Bronze awards, Camelbackgallery ALl animals
2024 art awards
2024 Honorable Mention, IPA - INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS™
2024 Official Selection,IPA - INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS™
2024 MERIT PRIZE, Wildlife Photography Contest
2024 First place, INTERNATIONAL ART COMPETITION "NATURE”
2024 JURY TOP 5 SELECTION & Official Selection, IPA - INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS™ “ONESHOT - SEARCHING FOR PEACE”
2022 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in OF THE AIR category
2nd and 3rd place in OF THE IMAGINATION category Peninsula Art Academy International Digital Exhibition Competition
2019 Longlisted, Sony Japan Nature Photo Contest
2009 Grand Prix, High Photo Award Grand Prix
Kingfisher: A Wish for Peace, 2008, photograph, 42cm x 59.4cm
Affiliated organization
Japan Professional Photographers Societ(JPS)
the Photographic Society of Japan(PSJ)
Wild Bird Society of Japan
Japanese Society for Preservation of Birds
World Wide Fund For Nature
Japan Canon Professional Services(CPS)
Sony Imaging PRO Support
Kingfisher Family, 2008, photograph, 42cm x 59.4cm
Artist Statement
My works focus on Japanese wild birds and nature. It captures the flapping of wild birds' wings and the dream of flying freely into the sky. I also incorporate my desire for world peace into my works. peace on earth. Peace of people. Peace for living things. I wish everyone peace.
Red-crowned cranes dancing in the snow, 2013, photograph, 59.4cm x 42cm
I have been living with an illness for about six years now. I continue to pursue my photography while managing my condition. Although I previously focused my activities within Japan, I am now sharing my work with the world.
Splashes of Peace, 2008, photograph, 42cm x 59.4cm
Before I fell ill, I used to photograph the beauty of nature exactly as it appeared. I was captivated by capturing moments of motion—such as the dynamic flight of wild birds. However, since becoming ill, I have come to cherish moments of stillness as well, striving to create images that are more artistic and beautiful. Living with illness has made me constantly conscious of life and death, and I believe that this mindset infuses my work with a deeper spirit when I release the shutter. Perhaps this perspective is a gift born from the struggles and anguish I have endured. My illness has also given me a profound, painful understanding of what others suffering from sickness go through. Moving forward, I hope to create works that offer healing to those who are suffering. I intend to keep striving every day to overcome the trial that is this illness.
Angel of Peace, 2025, photograph, 59.4cm x 42cm
However, as a practical matter, I need funds to continue my photography. I also require money for the medical treatment involved in my thrice-weekly hospital visits. I am seeking the support of those who resonate with my vision and my work to help sustain my artistic endeavors. Ideally, I would love to find sponsors or patrons who might use, promote, sell, or purchase my work; such partnerships would allow my photography to expand significantly. I sincerely hope to connect with people who identify with me and my art, and who are willing to support both my creative activities and my battle with illness.
Website
https://www.hirotofukuda.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/fuku_wildbird
Crested Kingfisher: Thoughts of Peace, 2004, photograph, 42cm x 59.4cm
