Famous Photographer Makoto Ishizuka Coming to Meet You

This time, we had the opportunity to interview photographer Makoto Ishizuka.

Mr. Ishizuka is an active photographer with a history of holding solo exhibitions in New York and Paris.

Additionally, he works as a director for King Kong's YouTube channel "Weekly King Kong" and runs his own YouTube channel "Illness Disability Radio (Tentative)," engaging in activities without being confined to a single framework.

We traced his roots and delved into the future Mr. Ishizuka wants to create through photography. Please read until the end.

*Information confirmed and partially updated on March 13, 2026.

1. Who is Makoto Ishizuka?

photo by Yota Higaki

Through the interview, I felt that Mr. Ishizuka is someone who "always values excitement."

While he runs around with his camera, eager to share that excitement, he describes himself as having a rather introverted personality.

However, he loves people even more. Seeing people happy after helping them is what brings him joy.

Overall, Mr. Ishizuka describes himself as a people-loving, human-like human.

From here, let's delve into Mr. Ishizuka's diverse career.

1-1. A Person with a Diverse Career

[Interviewer (Writer): Akaishi / Interviewee: Mr. Ishizuka]

Akaishi: Mr. Ishizuka, you mentioned that your guiding principle in your activities is "aiming for a society where people who feel life is difficult, regardless of illness or disability, can live more easily." What kind of society is that specifically?

Mr. Ishizuka: The society I'm aiming for is a peaceful one, but I believe diversity is crucial to achieving that.

I'm working towards a society where people of all races, beliefs, genders, and disabilities can accept each other's differences.  

Akaishi: Was there a turning point in your activities?

Mr. Ishizuka: I've done many things, so I feel like everything has been a turning point, but joining "Weekly King Kong" was significant.

That led to creating videos for Mr. Nishino's events, which resulted in many connections and ultimately led to my current activities.

1-2. Past Activities and Achievements

[Career]
2013: Directed the YouTube program "Weekly King Kong"
2018: Launched his own online salon
2019: Held his first solo photo exhibition in New York
2020: Published "Poupelle of Chimney Town" coloring book
Focused on advertising, events, and portrait photography
May 2021: Launched the YouTube program "Illness Disability Radio (Tentative)" / Served as producer and personality
November 2022: Held photo exhibitions in Paris and London
Raised over 8.8 million yen through three crowdfunding campaigns, achieving all target amounts.

Director of NPO "Live with Passion"
Auditor of NPO ASPJ
Producer of the general incorporated association "Children's Entertainment"
Supporting artist for NPO "Super View"

1-3. Solo Exhibitions in New York, Paris, and London

photo by Hiroki Miyachi

Akaishi: I heard you recently held successful exhibitions in Paris and London. Why did you choose those locations?

Mr. Ishizuka: I held exhibitions for six days in Paris and three days in London, aiming to become a renowned photographer.

In Japan, people often ask about a photographer's achievements, so I chose these locations to create a strong, impactful business card.

Akaishi: After holding exhibitions in Paris and London, did you have any new realizations or changes in perspective?

Mr. Ishizuka: It had been three years since my last exhibition in New York. During that time, I met many people through events and "Illness Disability Radio (Tentative)," and I displayed 555 photos at the London exhibition.

I photographed various people, some using wheelchairs or canes, with different professions. When I lined up the photos, even though they were taken with the same angle and pose, they all looked different.

I felt this represented a microcosm of the world, and it reaffirmed that "it's okay for everyone to be different."

Seeing people from various nationalities express "Amazing" when viewing the photos made me realize the global reach of the content. I felt that continuing to share these stories would eventually bear fruit.

2. What is "Illness Disability Radio (Tentative)" on YouTube?

Akaishi: What kind of program is "Illness Disability Radio"?

Mr. Ishizuka: We invite guests with various illnesses and disabilities and ask them in-depth questions about their conditions, with YUJI and me hosting the show.

I feel saved when I realize I'm "not alone," so I hope this program can support someone and make a difference, even if it's just one person.

Akaishi: What sparked your interest in the field of disabilities?

Mr. Ishizuka: It started when I met a boy with a heart condition.

After that, I began visiting facilities with children with disabilities. I love kids, and they were all adorable, but I found myself hesitant to take photos.

I felt a strong sense of discomfort about that. However, when I asked the parents if I could take photos, they were delighted.

I realized there was a demand for photographers in this area, and my previous negative perceptions changed. I wanted to share more.

Akaishi: Is that what led to "Illness Disability Radio (Tentative)"?

Mr. Ishizuka: Yes, it is.

I once saw a TV show where a popular comedian talked with hospitalized children on a radio program within the hospital. It moved me every time, and I dreamed of creating such a program someday.

YUJI, who I work with, was the drummer of a band I admired. I really enjoy talking with YUJI, and I thought we could create a program together, so I consulted with him, and that's how it started.

3. Why Become a Photographer?

Akaishi: Have