Yopparai Tengoku A photography project by Kenji Kawamoto

Yopparai Tengoku (Drunkards’ Heaven) – In Japan, some hard working business men and women are known for drinking as hard as they work. Going on until they reach their absolute limit.

“My photographs are a record of the people who have reached this limit and exhausted their strength after the daily grind. Each one has a different story, but everyone lives at a frantic pace. People drink with friends as a reward for the hard day’s work and to get ready for the next, just like ancient warriors would – A lot of people struggle through such hard working situations.

I took these pictures with a true feeling of respect for the people depicted. I don’t believe the state my subjects are in is shabby in any way. I can feel they have experienced hardships and extreme fatigue to end up this way.” — Kenji Kawamoto

– Discover more of Kenji’s work here.

Open for entries

black and white street photo of woman walking by Mania De Praeter
© Mania De Praeter
2025 Black & White AWARD

Win $2700 Cash Awards & International Exposure

In January, we invite photographers working across all styles and categories, to share moving and inspiring images that display the diverse beauty of black & white!

  • Win $2700 in Cash Prizes
  • International Exhibition
  • +830k Instagram Feature
  • Free Online Portfolio
Submit Photos
Closing Soon
Deadline: 31 January 2025

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