Every summer, the forests of Japan are filled with a magical spectacle—thousands of fireflies known as himebotaru illuminate the night sky with a gentle glow reminiscent of candles or stars. Photographer Kazuaki Koseki has spent the past eight years capturing the beauty of these enchanting insects in Japan’s Yamagata prefecture, where they are an endemic species. This annual ritual has become a summer tradition for Koseki, who ventures into the Yamagata woods armed with his camera and uses a long exposure technique to create stunning images of the fireflies swarming amidst the lush foliage.
Koseki’s work exudes a sense of tenderness, reflecting the fleeting nature of the himebotaru phenomenon, which lasts only a few days each summer. This limited timeframe compels Koseki to act quickly and thoughtfully to capture the ephemeral beauty of the fireflies while also highlighting the magic of the landscape, particularly in the face of threats like deforestation, climate change, and natural disasters.
The culmination of Koseki’s efforts is the Summer Faeries series, a collection of photographs that will be exhibited at the 2025 Tiradentes Photography Festival in Brazil and the 2025 Photo London Fair in May. My Modern Met had the privilege of interviewing Koseki about his work, shedding light on the himebotaru phenomenon and his creative process. Let’s delve into our exclusive conversation with this talented photographer.
### A Photographer’s Journey: Chasing Fireflies in the Dark Forest
Reflecting on his inspiration for photographing fireflies, Koseki shares a vivid account of his first encounter with himebotaru. Eight years ago, he stumbled upon a map detailing the forests of Yamagata and embarked on a nocturnal adventure to find these elusive creatures. Walking alone in the dark forest, Koseki was initially gripped by fear, but his trepidation soon gave way to wonder as he witnessed the mesmerizing sight of countless fireflies twinkling in the darkness. This ethereal experience left an indelible mark on Koseki, sparking a creative journey that continues to evolve through his exploration of nature, ecology, and the intricate ecosystems where fireflies thrive.
Koseki’s deep connection to nature is further underscored by his personal experiences, including the profound impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The devastation wrought by this disaster heightened his awareness of the fragility of life and the raw power of nature, driving him to channel these emotions into his artistic endeavors. Through his art, Koseki seeks to capture the essence of the natural world and convey the profound beauty that coexists with its inherent vulnerability.
### Illuminating Nature’s Secrets: A Photographer’s Artistic Evolution
Over the past eight years, Koseki’s approach to photographing fireflies has evolved, marked by a meticulous process that involves long exposure techniques and careful composition. By immersing himself in the forest before sunset and envisioning its transformation in the dark, Koseki captures the intricate interplay of light and shadow that defines the nocturnal landscape. His images, characterized by the graceful trails of firefly light against a backdrop of moonlit foliage, invite viewers to contemplate the mystical beauty of the natural world.
As Koseki’s creative process has matured, he has honed his ability to anticipate the flight patterns of fireflies and capture their ethereal movements in a shorter span of time. By embracing the diversity and unpredictability of these insects’ light trails, Koseki’s photographs offer a glimpse into the enchanting realm of himebotaru, where nature’s delicate dance unfolds with breathtaking grace.
### Preserving Nature’s Treasures: Navigating the Challenges of Climate Change
In the face of ongoing climate change and environmental threats, the himebotaru phenomenon faces an uncertain future. Koseki highlights the impact of deforestation, climate change, and natural disasters on the habitats of fireflies, underscoring the delicate balance between human development and ecological preservation. The fireflies’ resilience in the face of these challenges serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of nature, even in the midst of adversity.
As temperatures rise and snowfall diminishes in Yamagata, the fireflies’ behavior is subtly influenced by these environmental shifts, reflecting their remarkable ability to adapt to changing conditions. Koseki’s work not only captures the beauty of himebotaru but also serves as a testament to the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world, urging us to cherish and protect these fragile ecosystems for generations to come.
In conclusion, Kazuaki Koseki’s captivating photographs of Japan’s summer fireflies offer a glimpse into a world of ethereal beauty and fleeting magic. Through his artistic vision and deep connection to nature, Koseki invites us to pause and marvel at the delicate dance of light and shadow that defines the himebotaru phenomenon. As we navigate the challenges of climate change and environmental conservation, Koseki’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the profound bond between humanity and the natural world, beckoning us to cherish and preserve these irreplaceable treasures for future generations.
