Underwater Transformation Project | Erena Shimoda TEDx Talk [VIDEO]

Featuring Erena Shimoda

In this TEDxMarunouchi talk, underwater photographer Erena Shimoda shares how scuba diving and swimming changed her life, guiding her through a personal healing journey after experiencing deep loss and trauma. She introduces the Underwater Transformation Project, a long-term portrait series that supports cancer survivors, trauma survivors, veterans, people with disabilities, and individuals living with PTSD or physical challenges. Through the quiet, weightless environment of water, participants are invited to release fear, reconnect with their bodies, and rediscover their beauty, strength, and freedom. The talk explores how total immersion can become a powerful reminder of who we truly are.  

Scroll down to learn more about Erena's Underwater Transformation Project and get a behind-the-scenes look at her first underwater photoshoot in Japan with cancer survivor Koichiro.

This video is in Japanese, visit YouTube.com or use the YouTube App to utilize closed captions translated to your spoken language (where available).

 

Underwater Transformation Project

I launched the Underwater Transformation Project in 2013, inspired by my volunteer work with the American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program. The program supported people undergoing cancer treatment as they experienced changes in their appearance, teaching techniques for wearing wigs and headscarves and applying makeup to help restore confidence and a sense of self.

A few years later, my project evolved beyond cancer survivors. As I reflected on my own experience of surviving a traumatic car accident and losing my father, I realized that I, too, was a survivor. Through scuba diving and underwater photography, I had discovered the transformative power of total immersion in my own life. I began to wonder how many other survivors might benefit from experiencing the freedom, weightlessness, and surrender I had found underwater.

Shooting underwater in Tokyo, Japan with male breast cancer survivor Koichiro.

Over the years, I expanded the project to welcome people who have experienced trauma, PTSD, domestic violence, disabilities, and other life-changing challenges.

More than a decade after beginning this journey, I celebrated an extraordinary milestone: photographing over 100 courageous survivors and sharing their powerful stories. But 100 is not the end. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of folding 1,000 origami cranes as a symbol of hope and healing, I made a promise to myself: I will continue this project for the rest of my life, with the goal of photographing 1,000 survivors.

Each portrait is one more story of courage. One more transformation. One more crane toward 1,000.

 

My First Underwater Photoshoot in Japan

While in Japan I photographed a male breast cancer survivor, Koichiro. He wants to raise awareness that breast cancer also happens to men.

Organizing a photoshoot in a different country was challenging, especially since my transportation was limited to trains during rush hour! I had to be creative to make my gear compact so I wouldn't have to drag my Pelican case between hundreds of people and get yelled at.

Erena riding public transit in Tokyo with her underwater photography gear.

My Big Dream

My dream is to find researchers interested in studying the psychological and physiological benefits of total immersion and underwater somatic transformation.

If you're interested in supporting this research, please reach out.

 

My Underwater Photography Gear

• Sony a7S III
• Sony F/4 PZ 16-35
• 200DL Underwater Housing for Sony a7S III # 71476
• DS160 and DS161 Strobes
• Vacuum Pump with Gauge (this is a game changer!)
  

 

Additional Viewing

The Power of Total Immersion | Erena Shimoda Talk at Google [VIDEO]

Women's History Month | Underwater Women We Love

Underwater Transformation Project Fundraiser

REBORN // Underwater Documentary Film on Endometriosis [VIDEO]

The Beauty of Being Deaf: An Underwater Short Film About Disability Representation

 

 

Erena Shimoda is an underwater portrait photographer based in San Francisco. She was born in Tokyo, Japan, is certified as a scuba dive master, and uses her background in New Media and Fine Art to create unique compositions in different media. Erena pioneered her underwater transformative photography program after surviving a traumatic car accident in which she lost her father and severely injured her body and now uses her program and total immersion to help other survivors heal. Read more...