Akane Hatai, Vehivavy: Women of Madagascar (PEOPLE 2025)

During a one-day visit to a small village in La Mananara, Madagascar, I immersed myself in the daily life and culture of the Malagasy community, meeting people whose smiles lit even the simplest moment. Captured in black and white, I focused on the women I met, whose faces conveyed strength, resilience, and joy, as well as the community spirit that shapes everyday life - a reminder that true strength shines brightest in connection and shared experiences.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.