Author

Kazuyo Kotaka
Sweet Little GirlBorn in Kamaishi, Northern Japan, Kazuyo Kotaka began studying piano at the age of four. After graduating with honours from the University of Music in Showa, she moved to Italy to continue her studies at the Conservatory in Alessandria. Since 2005, she has won numerous prizes and performed worldwide.

I filmed Kazuyo during a practice and rehearsal session at her piano. The video that emerged from this session, Sweet Little Girl, received the Excellence Award at the Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2025.

Photo and video: Lorenzo Morandi

KK
I want to be fierce, not come across as a sweet little girl. My hands must speak alongside me; my movements shouldn't resemble those of a sweet little girl.

nikon-photocontest.com