Richard Koboyashi: farmer with Cabbages

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The photograph titled Richard Koboyashi: farmer with Cabbages, by world-renowned photographer Ansel Adams, depicts a Japanese farmer holding two cabbages (Adams 1). The creative response below is a result of a keen interaction with the photograph.

Creative Response

The year was 1943; two years after the Japanese invasion on the Pearl Harbor. Richard Koboyashi, one of the hundreds of Japanese evacuated from the Pacific Coast had already adjusted to life in the relocation center and had established himself as a cabbage farmer in the area. From a small parcel of land, he managed to grow several thousands of cabbage heads for sale to fellow residents in the camp. Over time, word of his exploits had spread across neighboring towns, attracting the attention of celebrity photographer Ansel Adams.

Adams tracked Koboyashi to his farm and after introducing himself, he indicated that he would like to have the farmer pose for his new series of photographs. “I am going to call the series, Resurgence,” Adams said. Because Adams had not brought his cameras with him on this introductory visit, they agreed to hold the photo-taking session the following day.

As Adams drove away, a crowd of children gathered around Koboyashi seeking to find out what the strange white man with a big truck wanted. Koboyashi informed them that he was a good man and that very many people in the country knew him. “He was told that I am very good at planting cabbages and he wants to make me famous,” said Koboyashi. “How will he make you famous?” asked a young girl in the group.

“He will take photographs of me and show them to people around the world. Who knows, maybe he will get them in the newspaper,” answered Koboyashi. “I hope to be very good in farming, so that I can have my picture in a newspaper like your Mr. Koboyashi,” said the young girl. Koboyashi smiled at the innocence in the children’s eyes and then dismissed them, saying that he had to prepare for the big day. “When you are big enough, I will show you how to till the land-and how to grow the best cabbages in the world,” said Koboyashi. The children walked away in a pack, with some intermittently looking back to admire Koboyashi.

Things were happening very fast for Koboyashi. Just a few years ago, he was a struggler, trying to find acceptance in a country where people from his race were regarded as enemies. Now, here he was, about to become a celebrated Japanese farmer. He was already picturing himself in a newspaper, with a professionally-written article telling his story. The thought was just too consuming and to keep time going, Koboyashi decided to the select the clothes he will ware for the photo-shoot.

Because he spent most of his time in the farm, he had not had time to buy new clothes but he was sure that if he rummaged through the pile that lay in a heap in one corner of his bedroom, he would come up with a decent combination. After careful selection, he settled on a blue pin-striped suit and a grey pair of leather shoes. He also toyed with the idea of wearing a tie, but later dropped it and opted for a plain white shirt.

Adams drove into Koboyashi’s compound the next day at 10am to be received by a crowd of people, all of whom had already gotten wind of his mission. As he unpacked his camera and lighting equipment, Koboyashi emerged from the house grinning from ear to ear. His sharp suit almost made Adams fail to notice him as he moved forward to shake his hand. Appearing perplexed, Adams informed him that he had expected something different. “I honestly did not think I would find you in a suit,” said Adams.

Adams already had the picture he wanted in mind but he did not want to hurt Koboyashi’s feelings by telling him that the suit was not necessary. So, he decided to play along-at least for the first few shots. So, he assembled his equipment-a plain backdrop, two multi-focal lamps and his camera (on a tripod stand).

The man of the moment was then ushered into focus and told to pose. Adams already knew that he would not use the first photos and instead of wasting his film, he just let the flash go for every “boss-like” pose that Koboyashi came up with.

After five shots, and noticing that his battery was running low, Adams took Koboyashi to the side and told him that they needed to get a different set of shots. “Can you dress up the way you do when you go to the farm?” asked Adams. Koboyashi looked at him surprised, wondering why Adams wanted him in his usual farmer’s clothes. “People need to see that you are a real farmer. We do not want them to start questioning whether you actually plough land or you are just another model,” explained Adams.

Koboyashi saw sense in Adams’ reasoning and proceeded to jump out of his suit and replaced it with a worn out khaki trouser, a blue shirt and a black oversized jacket made of canvas. To complete the look, he placed a hat on his head and stepped out of the house. “How do I look?” He asked jokingly. “Perfect. Like a real farm should look,” answered Adams. “Now if you don’t mind, please step onto the set,” said Adams.

Koboyashi stepped into the camera’s focus, just in front of the backdrop and stood there with his hands hanging on the sides. Adams, speaking from behind the camera asked him if he was comfortable.

This was because there was as plastic smile on his face. “It feels weird having my hands hanging on the side, through this big jacket,” said Koboyashi. “I think I should hold something,” he went on. “Good idea!” exclaimed Adams. “Wait here,” said Koboyashi as he rushed in the direction of his farm. In a minute, he had returned with two huge heads of cabbage in his hands and assumed position in front of the camera.

Clearly in his element, he held the cabbages on either side and smiled. Adams only took one shot and he was convinced that it was the one that would get the world talking. He packed his equipment, thanked Koboyashi and hopped onto his car and drove away. Two weeks later, the post-man delivered a package to Koboyashi’s house, which the Japanese man hurriedly opened. Inside was one big photograph-of him holding two cabbages on his side.

Works Cited

Adams, Ansel. “Richard Koboyashi: farmer with Cabbages” 1943. Web.

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Richard Koboyashi: farmer with Cabbages

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