Interview: How Westminster alumna Sayuri Ichida won Jerwood/Photoworks Award by raising awareness of Japan’s depopulation crisis

What inspired your project?

I grew up in the countryside of Japan, surrounded by mountains and the sea. The population decline was already evident during my childhood. I remember witnessing one of the three elementary schools in my town closing while I was still living there. A few months ago, my sister informed me that the town's only junior high school would soon follow suit. Although the issue of depopulation in Japan has only recently gained more media attention, it has been a reality for many years. Last year, I came across a news article predicting that the UK might face similar depopulation challenges starting this year. As an artist who grew up in a region directly impacted by this issue, I feel a sense of responsibility to raise awareness. My goal is to share this subject with UK audiences, highlighting a possible future scenario by reflecting on my personal experiences and the changes I’ve witnessed.

What are your plans for the project?

What I plan to do with the award is to visit those closed schools in Niigata and photograph those buildings and I’d like to create a collage work with those pictures. I want the audience to have a new experience by adapting sculptural approach. I want to play with space, exhibition space. I want to take advantage of me being in the UK so that I can bridge this message between my nation and where I am now.

What impact do you hope your project will have?

My hope is that the audience becomes more aware of this issue, sparking conversations with their friends and family. I also aim to inspire individuals to consider proactive steps they can take, no matter how small, to address or engage with the problem and help prevent potential impacts similar to those Japan is currently experiencing.

How did it feel to win the Jerwood/Photoworks Award?

I’m incredibly excited and honoured. This is a true milestone opportunity for my career, and it feels like my perseverance has finally started to pay off. This award makes it possible for me to bring this project to life, and I’m deeply grateful for the support of Jerwood and Photoworks. It's also an honour to embark on this journey with the other awardee, Roman Manfredi. I’m excited to begin this project and look forward to sharing it with her. This award and my first participation in Paris Photo last year have been the standout moments of my career so far.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Westminster?

I visited the University of Westminster on an Open Day and had the opportunity to meet my future course leader, Lucy Soutter. I was drawn to her positive and supportive energy, which became my main motivation for choosing to study there. The highlight from my time here would be receiving such positive feedback on my Master’s project during our degree show. It was incredibly rewarding and reaffirming, providing me with valuable encouragement and motivation for my future work.

What are your hopes and aims for the future?

One of my hopes is to break the boundaries between art and photography in my practice and reach a wider audience. Additionally, I aspire to support young Japanese artists seeking exposure in Europe and the UK once I have further established my career. I would like to serve as a bridge for them, as I understand the challenges they face living in Japan, particularly due to language barriers, distance and cultural differences—challenges I have personally experienced. Right now though I am looking forward to my first UK solo exhibition that is opening at the end of this month at the Daiwa Foundation in London.

What advice would you give to student artists?

It may sound cliché but have a strong belief in yourself and tune out the noise.

Find out more about studying Art, Design and Visual Culture courses at the University of Westminster.