Mao Ishikawa (1953, Ōgimi. Lives in Tomigusuku) is a photographer and activist recognized for documenting communities in Okinawa and critically addressing the US military presence in the region. Her work focuses on portraying bar girls, artists, soldiers, and other members of marginalized communities, offering an intimate and direct perspective on these social realities. She is noted for her immersive approach to photography, living or working closely with her subjects to capture the essence of their environments and experiences. Her work has been exhibited at institutions such as the Yokohama Museum of Art, Queensland Art Gallery, and MoMA PS1 (New York), among others in London and cities across Japan. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Photographic Society of Japan.

This participation is supported by the National Center for Art Research.