Latest Issue of Ninagawa Mika’s Free Magazine Features Japan’s Representative Paralympic Athletes

07.August.2021 | FASHION

The Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Center will be publishing the 5th issue of GO Journal, a graphic magazine that shakes up the future with Para Sports, on August 24, 2021. Ninagawa Mika is in charge of the creative direction and photography. She has photographed track-and-field star Nakanishi Maya for the front cover. Also appearing on the cover is Yukinobu Ike, a wheelchair rugby player, highlighting their roles as Japanese Representatives for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics

The cover graphic featuring the two players has been released in advance. 

 

GO Journal is a graphic magazine that throws away prejudice against Para-Sports and Para-Athletes, encouraging individuals to strive for a more diverse and inclusive society that recognizes, accepts, and utilizes diversity, regardless of gender, age, or nationality. 

The magazine promotes and pushes Para-Athletes and Para-Sports through art, fashion, and culture, with creative direction by Ninagawa Mika. The magazine is composed mostly of striking visuals and candid interviews with the athletes and is available for free at libraries and events throughout Japan.

 

 

Between July 24 and September 30, there will be an exhibit held on Lower Stable Street at the transport hub known as Kings Cross Station in London. London is also the birthplace of the Paralympics. 

Photographs of 8 athletes will be displayed in 10 light boxes, featuring photos from the upcoming GO Journal issue. 

 

Comment from Creative Director Ninagawa Mika: 

“The Para-Athletes’ strong spirits are the essence of human strength and a source of hope for many people. Their mental strength makes their physical body shine. 

I wanted to capture that brilliance with my lense. I aim to shoot in a way that captures the athletes’ strength and share that moment, shining with strength and beauty, with everybody.”

 

 

Nakanishi Maya (Track and Field) | Japanese Representative for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics

“I used to have a complex about my prosthetic leg, but now I’ve accepted it and turned it into my weapon. It’s difficult to accept your own weakness, but once you do, you can turn it into your strength. That is what I want to those who have no confidence in themselves through GO Journal.

 

Yukinobu Ike (Wheelchair Rugby) | Japanese Representative for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics

 

“I feel like I showed another side of myself during the shoot. Not in that it wasn’t myself, but in the way that humans have many charms that can only been seen from certain angles.

The Paralympics can spark a variety of feelings within the viewer, but I would like people to think that they can give back to themselves, be inspired, and even learn new things about themselves. My hope is for people to be able to watch with that perspective.

 

Make sure to pick up the latest issue of GO Journal, the magazine that respects individuality and promotes diversity to the next generation!

 

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    ■Information

    「Mika NinagawaxHong Kong by Cathay Pacific」

    Campaign Page: http://www.cathaypacific.co.jp/ninagawamika

     

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    ■Information

    Mika Ninagawa official site:http://www.ninamika.com/