Kauhsiung, which was called "Takao" in Japanese language, is located in the southern Taiwan, and is the second largest city of Taiwan, next to Taihoku.

He relied on his close friend from Ishigaki Island and moved there at the age of 19.

He decided to make photography his career, and worked for Ishibashi Photographic Shop, which was owned by a person from Saga prefecture. He worked in the shop as an apprentice for three years with four other colleagues: one from Korea, two from the Japanese Main Islands, and a Taiwanese.

Author: Was your boss Japanese?

Ishigaki: Yes, he was from Saga prefecture. At that time, there were numerous Japanese migrants who owned a variety of businesses, such as a photographic shop or restaurants. My boss was originally from Saga prefecture, and it was called Ishibashi Photographic shop. I was relieved to find a job there. I agreed to work as apprentice for three years. Without such agreement, they did not teach me skills and techniques. 

Author: What was your most challenging experience during the apprenticeship. Did you have any difficulties during that time?

Ishigaki: Not really. I did not have a particular difficulty. It was just challenging to learn techniques, though. But, I had already decided to live on it. Thus, I became patient and endured the difficult situation. Then three years passed. Finishing the three years' apprenticeship, I have finally mastered to become a professional photographer. Then, I moved to Tokyo.