“While I was preparing for my study abroad in Japan, I found a book titled ‘Journalism Ivies,’ which listed all the accredited journalism programs in the U.S. Marshall stood out with a good reputation in the campus newspaper, and the lowest tuition,” Iwabu explained.
A graduate from Nihon University with a B.A. in International Relations, Iwabu spent most of his time in graduate school on the Marshall campus working for the Parthenon, the school newspaper, as a staff photographer. He recalls the size of the campus as ideally suited to his dual pursuits.
“The campus size was perfect for me to do both studying and socializing,” Iwabu said.
That balance, he says, encouraged both academic growth and lifelong friendships. Inside the School of Journalism, Iwabu found an environment full of positivity.
“Everyone was proud of the program so the atmosphere was tremendously positive,” Iwabu noted.
Under Dean Dr. Harold Shaver’s inclusive leadership, “he had such an open view to the diversity and that was an immense hel,” and guided by Professor Rebecca Johnson’s memorable counsel, “you take photos with your heart, not your camera,” Iwabu deepened his commitment to photojournalism. He also credits Jane Knight, the school’s secretary, who “was a source of encouragement and she actually helped me to land my first job.”
After graduating in 1994 with an M.A. in Journalism, Iwabu began a series of newsroom internships and staff positions that took him from West Virginia to Utah, New York, South Carolina and North Carolina.
“I worked for The Herald-Dispatch as an intern for several months,” Iwabu said. “After another internship in Utah, I landed on a staff photographer position in Niagara Falls, New York. I continued my newspaper photographer career in Columbia, South Carolina, and finally in Raleigh, North Carolina.”
Iwabu was twice named South Carolina Newspaper Photographer of the Year. He’s a winner of more than 50 photography awards, including the Society of Newspaper Design’s Silver Award and the Asian American Journalists Association’s National Award in Photography. In 2013, after 22 years in the United States, he returned to Japan and joined NHK before taking on his current role as a photo editor at Bloomberg, a position he has held for the past decade.
Though his career spans continents and major media outlets, Iwabu’s memories of Marshall remain vivid. He still upholds the same standards he first practiced in Huntington.
“Dedication to the craft, and for me, it is photojournalism,” Iwabu said. “I found it when I was studying at Marshall. I remember driving up to a print shop, miles away from campus, in the wee hours to check the quality of photos on the Parthenon. I would like to think that I still have that attitude.”
Reflecting on his time in Huntington, Iwabu highlights the bonds formed among international students.
“International students had a close-knit community,” Iwabu said. “The comradery I experienced was priceless. I ended up marrying with another student from Japan and we are still together.”
As he mentors the next generation of photographers, Iwabu underscores the qualities that define success in the field.
“You need to be a visual person, and someone who is interested in storytelling. And persistence will help, because it is a very competitive field. ”
For more on Takaaki Iwabu’s work and achievements, visit:
