Japan's First Female Photojournalist Dies at Age 107

 

Just two weeks before her 108th birthday, Tsuneko Sasamoto, Japan's first female photojournalist and a pioneering photographer, died of natural causes. 

She was born in Tokyo and originally wanted to be a painter, but was discouraged from it by her father. She attended a home economics college, an institute of painting, and a dressmaking school before her career as a photographer began.

She was inspired by a black and white film she saw with a friend and decided to become a photographer. In 1940 she joined the Photographic Association of Japan and officially became Japan's first female photojournalist. Her subjects ranged from the famous, such as General Douglas MacArthur, who oversaw the post-World War II occupation of Japan, to the wives of coal miners and protesting students.  In 2011, she published a book called Hyakusai no Finder or Centenarian's Finder and in 2015, published Inquisitive Girl at 101.

After her 107th birthday, she gave an interview to Art and Design Inspiration, saying a glass of red wine every day and a piece of chocolate every day were some of the keys to her longevity. She also said "It's essentional to remain positive about your life and never give up," as well as "You should never become lazy." She added, "You need to push yourself and stay aware, so you can move forward." 

Let us be inspired by her.