Soko Ichiri #00 Atsuto Shimada

"Soko Ichiri" is an exhibition record by photographer Atsuto Shimada, featuring a series captured in his native Chiba Prefecture on the Boso Peninsula. This volume documents the complete set of 35 works from his 2021 exhibition (#00) at RICOH Imaging Square.

The title "Soko Ichiri" refers to an old local proverb: when you ask for directions in Boso, locals will tell you it's "just right there" (soko), yet you'll find yourself walking for a full li (ichiri, approx. 4km) before arriving. This phrase captures a mysterious sense of distance—something that feels close yet remains far away.

Shimada repeatedly returns to these familiar landscapes, observing the subtle shifts of light and the slow drift of his own consciousness through the lens. At times, the intimate scenery of his hometown suddenly transforms into a remote, alien frontier. These photographs transcend mere documentation, reflecting a unique nostalgia where familiarity and estrangement coexist. Even after countless shots, the artist feels there is "still something more" to find. This book is a quiet testament to the enduring resonance between the land of Boso and the photographer's spirit.