Knowledge changes the world. May photography be the catalyst.

The Rio de Janeiro Paralympics will be held from September 7th to 18th. We spoke with photographer Takao Ochi, who has been capturing powerful images of Paralympic sports since the Sydney Paralympics in 2000, about the appeal and his thoughts on the sport, as well as his photo book 'Venus of the Severed'.

The notion that "they're amazing 'despite' their disability" was shattered

I first saw para-sports (disability sports) in October 2000, the day before the Sydney Paralympics began. While observing wheelchair basketball practice and photographing the competition starting the next day, the image I had arbitrarily held of para-sports was shattered.

As a student at the time, I'd been repeatedly told by my seminar professor—a former newspaper photographer—"The Olympics have the power to change people." So I felt I had to see it with my own eyes. I took a year off school and went to Sydney. Just before returning home, I got my first call from a newspaper asking me to cover the Paralympics. I was thrilled and accepted immediately.

But having never seen para sports before and having no connection to them, when I actually raised my camera, I even wondered, "Is it okay to take pictures?" Looking back, it was incredibly rude of me to have these preconceived notions—that they were people struggling to push themselves, or even pitiful people. What shattered that image through my viewfinder was wheelchair basketball. The intensity, the power, the sheer brilliance of the technique. As a sport, it was simply "amazing!" My own negative preconceptions gradually changed as I learned more. It was a huge shock for me.

Since then, I've continued photographing parasports as my life's work. Encountering the Paralympics became a major pillar in my life. Learning about the unknown expanded my world. I thought, "Is there such an interesting world?" So, I always keep that shock from Sydney in my heart, hoping my photos might become a catalyst for changing someone's awareness or actions.

Compared to back then, it's now commonplace for newspapers to feature para sports not just in the society section but also in the sports section, and I feel the way they're perceived has changed considerably. Athletes are increasingly sharing their thoughts and performances, transforming media and public opinion. The focus is shifting from "they're amazing because they have disabilities" to recognizing the appeal of the sports and athletes themselves, acknowledging their greatness purely as athletes. I want to support this movement through my photography and the para-sports information site I run, "Kanpara Press" ( www.kanpara.com/ ).

High jumper Tetsu Suzuki (June 2016, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture)

Photo: Takao Ochi / Kampara Press

Presenting an Aspirational Figure: 'Venus with Amputations'

In recent years, I've been focusing on a new project centered on women with prosthetic legs. In 2014, I published the photo book 'Venus with Prosthetic Legs' and have also held several fashion shows featuring them as models. The catalyst was back pain. In 2011, I suffered a back injury at work and was hospitalized long-term. With the possibility of having to give up photography, I spent my abundant free time thinking about life after discharge. Once my back healed, I decided to return to my roots. I wanted to keep creating experiences like the one in Sydney, where discovering the unknown made "the world change." That's when I thought of Mr. Fumio Usui, a prosthetist who creates many prosthetic limbs for Paralympians.

Initially, I considered photographing athletes using Mr. Usui's prosthetics and consulted him about it. However, Mr. Usui remarked, "Actually, there are nearly 90,000 to 100,000 general prosthesis users nationwide. Many don't actively go out due to their own or their family's preferences. That's a shame." As we exchanged ideas, we settled on a direction: not only to change the awareness of the general public, but also to show people with prostheses or disabilities role models they could admire. We would photograph people proudly displaying their prostheses.

The first subjects were six women introduced by Mr. Usui—all stylishly rocking their prosthetic legs and excelling in their respective fields. Some prioritize the fashion aspect of their prosthetics, while others focus on functionality. We wanted to convey these differences too, so we meticulously focused on bringing out their individuality, taking time to listen to how they wanted to be photographed. They chose their own outfits and poses. During the shoot, they joked, "Just think of me as a photo booth!" (laughs).

Prosthetic leg models striking poses at the "Venus Amputation Show" (February 2015, Pacifico Yokohama)

Photography: Takao Ochi / Kampara Press

Bringing Each Individual's Unique Story to More People

The photo book received a tremendous response. We were delighted to hear from prosthetic users and people with disabilities that it helped them feel more positive. However, the other goal—changing the awareness of the general public—still had a long way to go. We needed a project that would reach more eyes, one where the photos could spread online. So, taking inspiration from a fashion show Mr. Usui had previously held at the Japan Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics, we planned a fashion show featuring the women of 'Venus Amputation' as models. The first show was held in December 2014 at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, timed to coincide with Disability Awareness Week. For the second show, we wondered if there was a place where more "camera enthusiasts" gathered. After consulting with an acquaintance, we were able to hold it in February 2015 at the Hasselblad-sponsored stage during CP+ (Camera & Photo Expo), Asia's largest camera trade show. With the support of many people, the posters sold overseas, and Reuters conducted an in-depth feature, creating significant ripple effects.

Since then, we've been invited to events like a town revitalization show in Nakanoto Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, incorporating the local textile industry. Drawn by the rich expressiveness and vibrant energy of the women who are the stars of this project, and with the support of many people, I want to keep developing this project further and further.

Whether through parasports or 'Venus of the Amputations,' I want to convey each person's charm and individuality. Preconceptions often arise precisely because of unfamiliarity. I want to help change that, even just a little. Nothing would make me happier than if this became a catalyst for the next action. I will keep photographing, hoping my images and activities can be of use.