Famous Photographer Makoto Ishizuka Coming to Visit

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

Mr. Ishizuka is an active photographer who has held solo exhibitions in New York and Paris.

Additionally, he works as the director for King Kong's YouTube channel "Weekly King Kong" and runs his own YouTube channel "Byouki Shougai 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 was verified 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, sharing his excitement with others, he describes himself as having a rather introverted personality.

However, he loves people even more. He finds happiness in helping those in need and seeing their joy.

Overall, Mr. Ishizuka describes himself as a people person who genuinely loves others.

Let's delve into Mr. Ishizuka's diverse career from here.

1-1. A Person with a Diverse Career

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

Akaishi: You have 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 easily." What kind of society do you envision specifically?

Mr. Ishizuka: I aim for a peaceful society, and I believe diversity is crucial to achieving that.

I am working towards a society where all people, regardless of race, faith, gender, or disability, can accept each other's differences.

Akaishi: Was there a turning point in your activities?

Mr. Ishizuka: Since I'm involved in various things, I feel like everything is a turning point, but joining "Weekly King Kong" was significant.

Through that, I started creating videos for Mr. Nishino's events, which led to many connections and my current activities.

1-2. Past Achievements and Activities

[Career]
2013: Became the director of the YouTube program "Weekly King Kong"
2018: Launched his own online salon
2019: Held his first solo photo exhibition in New York
2020: Published the coloring book "Poupelle of Chimney Town"
Focuses on advertising, events, and portrait photography
May 2021: Launched the YouTube program "Byouki Shougai Radio (Tentative)" / Serves as producer and host
November 2022: Held photo exhibitions in Paris and London
Raised over 8.8 million yen through three crowdfunding campaigns, all exceeding their 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: You recently held successful solo exhibitions in Paris and London. Why did you choose these locations?

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

In Japan, photographers are often asked about their achievements, so I chose these locations to create a strong, impactful business card.

Akaishi: Did holding exhibitions in Paris and London bring any new insights or changes in perspective?

Mr. Ishizuka: It was my first exhibition in three years since New York, and during that time, I met many people through events and "Byouki Shougai Radio (Tentative)." I displayed 555 photos at the London exhibition.

Some people used wheelchairs or canes, and they came from various professions. Even though I took the same angle and pose for each photo, they all looked different when displayed together.

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

Seeing people from various nationalities express their amazement, I realized the content resonates globally. I felt that by continuing to share, the value will grow.

2. What is "Byouki Shougai Radio (Tentative)" on YouTube?

Akaishi: What kind of program is "Byouki Shougai Radio"?

Mr. Ishizuka: We invite guests with various illnesses and disabilities and delve into their experiences with me and YUJI.

I feel saved when I realize I'm not alone, so I hope this program can support someone, 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.

That led me to visit facilities for children with disabilities. I love kids, and they were all adorable, but I hesitated 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 thrilled.

I realized there was a demand for photographers in this area, and my previous negative image changed, making me want to share more.

Akaishi: That led to "Byouki Shougai Radio (Tentative)," right?

Mr. Ishizuka: Yes.

I saw a TV show where a popular comedian talked with hospitalized children on a radio program, and it moved me every time. I wanted to create a program like that someday.

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

3. Why Become a Photographer?

Akaishi: Did you always want to become a photographer?

Mr. Ishizuka: Not at all.

I became a photographer