Koichiro – Male Breast Cancer Survivor

«« Please drag the arrows to see before & after underwater transformation »»

野口晃一郎（のぐち・こういちろう）　51歳（1974.12.19）
清流・長良川と金華山という自然に恵まれ、1300年の歴史を誇る「鵜飼」と戦国武将ゆかりのある「岐阜城」のある岐阜市で育ちました。

Koichiro Noguchi, 51 years old (Born December 19, 1974)
I grew up in Gifu City, a place blessed with natural beauty, including the pristine Nagara River and Mount Kinka. It is a city rich in heritage, boasting the 1,300-year-old tradition of Ukai (cormorant fishing) and Gifu Castle, which has deep ties to the samurai warlords of the Sengoku period.

The history of your cancer and how are you recovering? これまでの経緯

42歳の時に男性では珍しい乳がんが見つかりました。当時、ライターとして、乳がんの新聞記事の特集を担当していました。妻が左胸乳頭の異変に気付き、取材していた医師に相談し。検査したおかげで、奇跡的に早期発見となりました。手術では、リンパ節を郭清。現在、治療10年目（最終年）。今のところ、再発、転移なし。

At age 42, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which is rare for men. At the time, I happened to be working as a writer in charge of a special newspaper feature on breast cancer. My wife noticed an abnormality in my left nipple, and because I was able to consult with a doctor I was interviewing, it was miraculously detected at an early stage. During surgery, they performed a lymph node dissection. I am currently in my 10th and final year of treatment, and so far, there has been no recurrence or metastasis.

What inspired you and why did you want to be involved in the underwater transformation project? きっかけ

アメリカで男性乳がんの啓発を先導している“仲間”が撮影に参加し、そのつながりで機会をいただきました。日本でも男性乳がんの啓発に役立てると思ったこと、エレナさんが日本に帰国されるタイミングで、撮影のチャンスに恵まれました。

A fellow advocate who leads male breast cancer awareness in the States participated in a shoot, which is how I got connected. I thought this would be a wonderful way to help raise awareness for male breast cancer back in Japan, and the timing lined up perfectly for a photoshoot while Erena was visiting.

What were your goals for the photo shoot? 撮影のゴール

水中での自己表現を通じて、どんな状況にあっても、自分らしく生きることのすばらしさを感じられるのではないか、また、がんに対して不安に感じている人がいたら、励みになるのではないかと考えていました。自然体の自分を引き出してくださり、その目標は達成されたと思います。

I believed that through underwater transformation, people could truly feel the beauty of being themselves no matter what circumstances they face, and that it could offer encouragement to those feeling anxious about cancer. By bringing out my natural self, I feel that this goal was absolutely achieved.

How was the experience with an underwater portrait session? 水中撮影の体験

水中では、地上の動きとは良くも悪くも違い、自由に動かせたり、逆に自由に動かせなかったりしましたが、水に身をゆだねることにより、解放感がありました。一方で、浮いてしまったり、沈みすぎたり、バランスを取るのが難しい時もありました。

In the water, the way you move is completely different from being on land—for better or worse. While there were times I could move with total freedom, there were also moments where I felt completely restricted. However, by simply surrendering myself to the water, I felt a deep sense of liberation. At the same time, it could be challenging to find my balance, as I found myself floating up or sinking too deep.

How was your mood after you finished? 撮影後の心境

心（気持ち）も頭も開いた感じがして気持ち良かったです。その後、気持ちも身体も軽くなり、前向きな気持ちになれました。

It felt wonderful, as if both my mind and heart opened up. Afterward, my mind and body felt lighter, and I felt much more positive.

What does WATER mean to you? 「水」の存在

体の一部であり、なくてはならない存在。生命の源。

A part of my body, and an essential presence. The source of life.

Do you think this experience could help people who are recovering and healing from cancer? 回復と癒やし

人の助けになると強く思います。気持ちが解き放たれ、まだ見ぬ自分に逢えるような気がします。何もかも許して、感謝して、愛することができれば、何も怖くないと思います。

I strongly believe this can help people. It frees your mind and makes you feel like you’re meeting a side of yourself you’ve never known before. If you can forgive everything, feel grateful, and love, I believe there is nothing to fear.

Would you go back to the water to do a photo shoot again? 再挑戦

もしチャンスがあるとすれば、命の恩人でもある妻と、奇跡的にわが家の家族になった娘（特別養子縁組）との家族ショット。

If there’s a chance, I’d love to do a family photoshoot with my wife—who is my lifesaver—and our daughter, who miraculously became a part of our family through adoption.

How did you sleep the night of the photo shoot? その夜の睡眠

ぐっすり眠れました。

I slept soundly.

How was Erena working with you? エレナとのワークフロー

呼吸や動作のペースを合わせてくれて、安心して信頼して臨むことができました。

She matched my breathing and movements, which allowed me to trust her completely and feel completely at ease during the shoot.

What’s your dream? これからの夢

男性も乳がんになり得ることを知ってもらい、仮に罹患したとしても、元気に自分らしく生きていけることを伝えていきたいです。
もし男性の方で乳癌の事が気になる人がいればこのリンクを送ってください。「メンズBC」という男性乳がん患者交流会があります！主宰は認定NPO法人キャンサーネットジャパンです。https://www.cancernet.jp/station/tokyo/mensbc

I want to raise awareness that breast cancer can also affect men. I also want to convey that even with a diagnosis, it is possible to live well and stay true to who you are. If you know any men who are concerned about breast cancer, please share this link with them. There is a support group for male breast cancer patients called ‘Mens BC,’ hosted by the certified NPO CancerNet Japan!

Special message from his wife, Miho.

Watching him during the photoshoot was truly special. At the beginning, he seemed very focused and determined to do everything correctly. He’s the kind of person who often holds things in and carries a lot on his shoulders. He can be a little uptight at times because he is always trying so hard.

As the session went on, I noticed him gradually relax. He started smiling more, laughing, and genuinely enjoying the experience. It felt as though little by little, he was letting go and becoming more comfortable with himself and the water.