Mao Ishikawa, “Ms. Wakana Ohshiro (26) A student of a drama school June 8, 2008, in Nago City, Okinawa”, from the series Here Is What the Japanese Flag Means to Me, ©Mao Ishikawa.

“Being engulfed by the waves and gasping for breath, I am expecting my mind to move forward through the struggle. I have just been living an enjoyable life up until now. There are some children who are just standing still, but I am not. I want to move forward with the children in Nago and those in Japan. I feel easy and relieved in the ocean for some unknown reason.”