Hi I'm Mai Ashikawa

Proud mother of two beautiful girls. Originally born in Japan, my life took a delightful turn when I moved to the sunny beach town of Sydney. Those 18 years became a cherished chapter in my life, as the city became my beloved home.

Seeking a fresh start, I made a bold decision to move to Melbourne just before the onset of the Covid pandemic. Little did I know that the cold weather and strict lockdown measures would weigh heavily on my spirit. Seasonal depression engulfed me, and tears became a frequent companion.

But within the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. My two daughters, my precious blessings, adapted with grace and ease that amazed me. They found solace in technology to stay connected with their friends and transformed our home into a haven of creativity. Witnessing their resilience and zest for life inspired me to seek joy in the simplest of things, to savor those fleeting moments that often slip by unnoticed.

It was during this transformative period that I turned to photography, a passion that had always been dear to my heart. Just as I had done during my days in Sydney, I began capturing these precious moments, encapsulating the love, happiness, and joy that surrounded us.

And so, my dear ones, this marked the birth of my KODO photo journey. Through my lens, I strive to preserve the beauty of those overlooked moments and weave them into a tapestry of memories. It is a way for me to celebrate the love, connections, and resilience that define our lives.

May my photography be a source of inspiration and a reminder to find joy in the little things, for within them lie the true treasures of life.