manabu koga underwater photography — © Manabu Koga│Model Shimarisu Mashima

In a world where creativity often treads familiar ground, Japanese photographer and visual designer Manabu Koga has chosen to dive deep—quite literally. Best known for his mesmerizing UNDERWATER GIRLS series, Koga has built a niche at the intersection of aquatic art and mecha-inspired design.

Koga’s underwater journey began as an experimental detour while shooting music videos and VJ visuals. His pivotal moment came in 2012 during the production of Mika Ninagawa’s film "Helter Skelter," where he captured actress Erika Sawajiri in stunning underwater sequences. The experience sparked a passion for still photography beneath the surface, leading Koga to dive into a new creative chapter.

Koga has taken his underwater artistry beyond the expected, orchestrating submerged photoshoots that defy gravity. “The models I work with regularly are like a team,” Koga explains, emphasizing the close collaboration that fuels his projects. Guest models are often guided by this core group, ensuring that even newcomers can embody the ethereal vibe he envisions.

His recent works have taken an imaginative leap, melding his lifelong love of mecha and character design with the fluid dynamics of underwater photography. With a history of crafting package designs for Kaiyodo’s model kits, Koga brings a distinct visual lexicon to his art. His models, sometimes draped in futuristic scuba suits or photoshopped to be wrapped in mechatronic tentacles, become both human and machine.

Yet, Koga's art does not stop at underwater worlds. His digital manipulations often blend reality with fantasy, such as in his piece featuring a submerged model floating above a bustling Shibuya intersection.

Manabu Koga continues to float between worlds, not just underwater but in the creative spaces between art forms and genres.