Shiho Fukada
Best feature photography on an international theme published in any medium
AWARD DATE: 2018
AWARD NAME: The Feature Photography Award 2018
AWARD RECIPIENT: Shiho Fukada
AWARD RECIPIENT AFFILIATION: Bloomberg Businessweek, with support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting
AWARD HONORED WORK: “For Many of Japan’s Elderly Women, Prison is a Haven”
AWARD SPONSOR: Sponsor: Cyma Rubin—Business of Entertainment
Shiho Fukada’s quiet, intimate glimpse into the lives of elderly female Japanese prisoners is both striking and surprising. It presents a sweet, empathetic portrait of a group of women who had to be photographed under challenging circumstances to protect their identities. These photos are a humanizing point of entry into any number of broader conversations: about aging, about loneliness, about society’s role in caring for its elderly and the challenges we will increasingly face with growing elder populations. We don’t know these women, but through Shiho’s photos we understand them and their uncertain future.
F(89) stands on the exercise grounds at Fukushima Prison for women in Fukushima prefecture, Japan, November 10, 2017. She is serving her second prison sentence for stealing a pack of strawberry, cold medicine, and a pair of glasses at a supermarket. She was imprisoned for the first time at 84. Photo: Shiho Fukada
Senior inmates use walkers in Iwakuni Prison for women in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan, July 5, 2017. Photo: Shiho Fukada
Senior inmates take an exercise class at the Iwakuni Prison for women in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan, July 6, 2017. The program is intended for inmates 65 years and older to maintain their health. Photo: Shiho Fukada
A (67) sits in the room she shares with other inmates at the Iwakuni Prison for women in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan, July 6, 2017. She is serving her first prison sentence for stealing a pair of trousers from a shopping arcade. She is a life-long housewife with a husband, two adult sons, and three grandchildren. She started shoplifting when she was in her mid-50s and kept at it over 20 times before being caught. Photo: Shiho Fukada
K (73) plays with a ball at indoor exercise area for isolated inmates at the Iwakuni Prison for women in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan, July 5, 2017. She is serving time for stealing a bottle of coca cola and juice at a supermarket. She is serving her third sentence in prison. Due to the increasing number of petty thefts among senior women, Iwakuni prison provides a few rehabilitation programs especially targeted to this demographic. The prison offers occupational therapy to inmates with behavioral problems including seniors with dementia. Photo: Shiho Fukada
N (79) stands in the factory at Fukushima Prison for women in Fukushima prefecture, Japan, November 10, 2017. She is serving her third prison sentence for stealing a paper fan at a shopping mall. Photo: Shiho Fukada
S (78) makes her way through Fukushima Prison for women in Fukushima prefecture, Japan, November 10, 2017. She is serving her third prison sentence for stealing two bottles of energy drinks and a canned coffee at a convenience store. Widowed with a daughter in her early 30s, she worked as a nurse for 34 years. She was 68 years old when she shoplifted a mango for the first time. Photo: Shiho Fukada
C (79) sits at a factory in Fukushima Prison for women in Fukushima prefecture, Japan, November 24, 2017. She is serving her third prison sentence for stealing a pack of corn seeds. Photo: Shiho Fukada
Citation for Excellence recipients: Kadir van Lohuizen and Yuri Kozyrev
Affiliation: The Washington Post, with support from Fondation Carmignac
Honored Work: “Arctic: New Frontier”