Underwater Transformation About Face Underwater Transformation About Face
私を海に連れてって

Take Me To The Ocean 海に連れてって Trailer

Underwater Healer About Face, Video
October 27, 2023/by
Take Me To The Ocean 海に連れてって Full version coming in 2024! “I heard about you and I want to make a short documentary.” … what!? This amazing journey started all from here. My heart was pounding and I went swimming everyday to calm myself down. This happened so fast but but I still remember everything was slow underwater. When I realized I was in a safe place with an awesome crew, especially with my new ocean sister Jacqueline, I could be myself. Thank you Ilanna for creating beautiful art, connecting all of us, Leo and everyone for giving me a space to share my story. Take Me To The Ocean 海に連れてって trailer out now! ショートドキュメンタリーを作りたいというリクエストが来た時はとても緊張と興奮で毎日のように水泳に行き、気を惑わせてました。あっという間に撮影でしたが、特に水の中での撮影は全ての時間が止まったようなスローモーションだったのを今でも覚えています。３０秒のトレーラーが出ました！フルバージョンは来年のフィルムフェスティバルに出る（かも？）みたいです。トレーラーご覧ください！ Director: Ilanna Barkusky Starring: Erena Shimoda Director of Photography: Leo Maco, Underwater Cinematographer: Jacqueline Lehr, Editor: Nico Frank Trailer Editor: Whitney Weir 1 st AC: Kelsey Rivera Production Sound Mixer: Chris Camacho Grip: Evan Molyneaux Sound Design & Mix: Calvin Pia Colorist: Elodie Ichter Also featuring Sara Stinson Rescue Diver: Will Mariano Boat Captain: Phil Sammet Poster: Tori #takemetotheocean #海に連れてって #underwatertransformation #underwaterphotography #underwatercinematography #underwatertherapy...
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San Francisco Underwater Rugby Team

uw portrait
December 13, 2018/by
San Francisco Underwater Rugby Team Underwater Rugby was started in 1961, with a member of the German Underwater Club (DUC) in Cologne, Ludwig von Bersuda, came up with the idea of an underwater ball game. I've never seen this wild 3D sport with salt water filled ball, tossing and grabbing underwater! I met one of the female captains, Jacqui on the day of the photo shoot and she explained to me briefly what it's all about. Two teams each with six players (plus six substitutes), try to score a goal by sending the ball into the opponents’ goal. Players are allowed to touch (pull, push = wrestling!) the person with a ball but as soon as the person leases it, everybody has to let the person go. It happens so fast underwater. It's incredible to see their movements, team works and stamina!! Erena: How did you get involved in this sport? Jacqui: I started back in 2008, in Sydney, Australia. A colleague asked if I wanted to go to a Beginner's Night for some crazy sport he'd heard of after work. I almost said no! But I didn't have other plans that Wednesday so I went along. Twenty people showed up, and I don't think they were quite prepared for it, so it was all a bit chaotic. As soon as we started playing and passing the ball around underwater, I was totally hooked. I've played every since. E: How do you feel physically and emotionally when you are underwater compare to being on land? J: Being underwater can...
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A tattoo magazine, Inked!!

art show, Underwater Healer About Face
October 10, 2018/by
"Meet the woman who has pioneered a transformative therapy practice and empowers people with underwater portraits as they struggle through their physical and mental turmoil." – Inked I'm happy to announce that my work was published on Inked, a tattoo magazine November issue!! It was an emotional reminder to share my story. I also talked a little bit about my inks in the article :) It means a lot if you guys read it. Please go grab your copy...
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Talks at Cayman Island Cancer Society’s Annual Event!

Travel, Underwater Healer About Face
September 27, 2018/by
After the first trip to Grand Cayman scuba trip in April, I went back to the island two months later to give a talk! I think it was 92F in April so... it's cooler in June... Cayman Island Cancer Society invited me to their annual dinner event in June. I had an opportunity to share my project in front of 250 people and I was thrilled to talk in front of survivors. When I arrived, the operation manager, Jennifer picked me up from the airport. After I dropped my stuff off, we went to meet Dr. Perre who is representing the sponsor for the event. Then we all went to the radio station, Radio Cayman to talk! It's starting soon!!! Introduction from the host... Jennifer starting to mention what's going on for the dinner event... Dr. Perre answering questions about cancer... I also spoke (couldn't take my own photo!) and shared my project! Thank you so much for the opportunity! Then went to have dinner by observation tower... Beautiful mosaic art in the stairway. You feel like you are underwater ~ Then it started raining... Chickens and iguanas are everywhere... The next day is the big day! I practiced a lot for this speech!! They had a army theme... We are ready! One of the cancer survivors I've worked with! Dr. Perre giving me advice!! Let's go! People are coming in!! My talk! You can watch the talk from this link! Next day, I did a photo shoot all day at this pool! The owner had these puppies... Adorable... Lymphoma cancer survivor, Ava. Please see her beautiful images from...
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Grand Cayman Scuba Trip Report

Travel
May 28, 2018/by
Grand Cayman trip was for my birthday in April. I decided to treat myself with 8 days of scuba diving in a beautiful blue water! When I jump in the water, I instantly forget all the worries and negative thoughts. It takes few days sometimes but the ocean is allowing me to let go. I get anxious when I wait on the surface! I look down to peek what's down there and  hear the ocean. Usually, I'll see somebody already in the bottom!! Can't wait descend! My dive buddy, Bing is ready to go! We descend together... We stick together... Follow the bubbles... We go deep in the ocean... You'll be in the middle of the deep blue sea... You see beautiful corals... So much colors More corals with my buddy, Bing!    Coral farts too... Marine animals... I found a lazy fish here... Nurse shark with a fish hook :( She followed us for long time. May be she needed help...   Kittiwake Shipwreck! I always feel sad coming up to the surface... I love the underwater world. This is something you won't experience on land and I can't wait to go back down there again. Thank you so much Reef Divers from Cobalt Coast...
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Grand Cayman Trip Report 2018

Travel, uw portrait
May 17, 2018/by
YES! Adios America! My travel buddies. #titosodanoice DAY 1 Arrived in Grand Cayman after 12 hours. Immigration officers were so kind at the airport. One of them were so happy to find out I'm Japanese because she is watching Japanese Animation to learn Japanese. She practiced a little with me while other people were waiting in line stressed... I washed my face and jumped in the pool right away! Pool is not heated but it's not necessary. It was warmer than 90F!! Iguanas are every where on the island... The resort has a scuba dive shop and the dock is right outside! I can't wait for tomorrow morning! Reef Divers in Grand Cayman First sunset. ...and I can have my dinner, Wahoo fish with this beautiful background! DAY 2! Morning dives begins at 7:45am. I woke up every morning at 5am to set up my camera so I have enough time to chill before we took off. Beautiful morning from the boat... I felt SO good! It was awesome to be back in the water for sure. After diving, I had an appointment with Jim Catlin, an underwater photographer to master a new skill, split shot!! 2 hours flew by so quick! I tested out my new knowledge few days later. Photos coming soon. I still need to practice more! After that, I had a different appointment with Jennifer Weber, an operation manager at Cayman Islands Cancer Society. We are collaborating an underwater transformative photo project with 4 children and 1 adult who survived from Cancer. I'm meeting them at the resort in...
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NiNi – Cerebral Palsy

about, Uncategorized, Underwater Healer About Face, uw portrait
May 6, 2018/by
I met NiNi, one of the cerebral palsy clients from Pomeroy Recreation and Rehabilitation Center. Nini is 38 years old and was born in Rangoon, Burma. She has Cerebral Palsy. It caused during her birth. The doctor couldn't get to the hospital in time, NiNi was suffocating and her body was blue when she came out. In Burma, the doctor didn't take good responsibility back then, no operation, no oxygen equipment and the doctor left the room as soon as he heard NiNi cried. The doctor didn't show up for 3 days after the birth and didn't know that Nini was unconscious for 5 days. When she was one year old, they learned that she had Cerebral Palsy because she couldn't stand, walk and talk. She could stand better when she was 7, but she falls a lot untill this age. The family moved to America in 1989. NiNi joined movement therapy class before she started her school in America. Also they learned that swimming is very good for her balance. Her waist is very weak so walking in the water is the best exercise for her balance. She has been swimming since 1991 and she loves it so much. She wanted to be involved in the Underwater Transformative Photography Project because she likes to challenge and learn new things. Nini waits until the pool clears. She couldn't wait to jump in the water! Mother and daughter :) "I was  so excited in the beginning and it was a little scary. Water felt...
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Los Angeles 2017

Travel, Underwater Healer About Face
July 28, 2017/by
Let's go to Los Angeles!! It's been awhile- WooHoo- I love traveling! First stop, Wolf Mountain Sanctuary! One of my bucket list to see beautiful wolves! Hmm...The sign needs to upgrade... It was SO hot out (more than 100F). Wolf said, "Human time..(sigh) my early shift begins with these two...(sigh)" "HEY, heeey human, where are my carrots!!??" I brought carrots (organic!) for them but I was not allowed to feed them at that time :( "HEY human, got it, got it! I'll pose...where are my carrots?" The guide repeatedly told us they are not dogs. But you know....I want one!!! His big face didn't fit for selfie- "Carrots?" There was one more human friendly wolf. She is 15 years old, an oldest wolf at the sanctuary. "Oh hey, human:)" She was a friendly grandma. Just like this! I was so happy to meet 11 wolves. They were rescued from hunting in Alaska and from abusive owners. We found a cafe 247 for lunch. Home made Chiiiips! As soon as I got to the Airbnb, I had to jump in the water to rejuvenate! Next stop, Natural History Museum! Next stop, Anime Expo!!!! Check out the VIZ Media Blog! SO MANY people! I heard it was twice much bigger than last year! At the Food Wars panel, the creator, Yūto Tsukuda had to challenge some American snacks: Spicy Cheetos! It was a huge surprise for me when they played a manga trailer I worked on!!! I got super emotional seeing and hearing fans' reactions. The creator loved it, that means a lot! Thank you so much!...
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Medical conference 2017

about, art show, Underwater Healer About Face
June 3, 2017/by
It was one of my dreams to be part of medical/health field. My work was displayed at a medical conference!! They look gorgeous!! Thank you for your continuous support! ガン関連のメディカルコンフェレンスで 私の作品とバックストーリーがギャラリーに飾られました！3年連続での サポートありがとうございます?！！ Please read a story of a breast cancer survivor, JoAnn. Please read a story of a stomach cancer survivor, Steve, a breast cancer survivor Kim and a testicular cancer survivor Scott Please read a story of a thyroid cancer survivor Pauline and a brain cancer survivor...
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