Thank You, Kanji

Members of the Towson University community show appreciation for beloved photographer Kanji Takeno

By Kyle Hobstetter on January 1, 2020

Since arriving in 1996, Towson University’s director of Photographic Services Kanji Takeno has been a fixture on TU’s campus.

For the past 23 years, Kanji’s smile has been synonymous with the TU experience, as students have seen the flash of his camera from the first time they step on campus, until they cross the graduation stage at SECU Arena.

At the end of this fall’s commencement ceremonies, Kanji hung up his camera and retired from Towson University.

As someone who has become such a huge part of Towson University’s culture, it wasn’t unusual to see students to yell out at Kanji to take their picture when he’s walking around campus. It’s also common for students to just yell out to Kanji because they just want to say hello.

He also has a special gallery dedicated to his work, with hundreds of photos on display on the third floor of West Village Commons.

And Towson University has become a huge part of Kanji, as for the past two decades he’s been able to live two dreams — both as a photographer as well as a teacher (he is a lecturer in Japanese for the Foreign Languages Department).

“Here at TU I thought I could share my belief that working hard is important and education will make it possible for anyone to make their dreams come true,” Kanji says of his time at TU. “The last 23 years and a few months of my life with Towson have been a great adventure and career. My dreams came true thanks to you all at Towson University.”

With Kanji taking his last “official” photos on campus (he will still teach Japanese, and come back for special occasions), members of the Towson University community wanted to share what he’s meant to them and the university.

Kim Schatzel

Towson University President

Kanji was one of the first people I met on campus when he took my photo for the OneCard, and now it’s my official photo. He has such an effect on you. When he was first taking my picture, he let me know how much I was going to like it here, and he was right.

I often say Kanji is my partner in crime for two very special days — move-in day and Homecoming. We spend almost the entire day together on Move-in day. And having him show up with you, the students just light up. We are going to miss that. Kanji, thank you for all you have given to me as a colleague and to all of us at TU.

Rick Pallansch

Towson University’s Assistant Vice President of Creative Services

I love Kanji. I don’t mean that in any trite way — I have worked with him for 23 years, and he has truly become my “brother from another mother.” We spent many years as colleagues and collaborators. I ultimately ended up as his supervisor, and I worried that would change things. But if anything, my appreciation for him has only grown because now I see more aspects of how he handles his position.

The degree to which he cares about Towson University and its students just floors me. Towson University will have excellent photography after he is gone, but we will never have another Kanji.

Patrick Smith ’09

TU Alumnus and Getty Images Staff Photographer

I first met Kanji at Towson University when my interests of photography and Japanese culture collided. As a young, budding photographer working at The Towerlight, my hobbies aligned perfectly with him as we often crossed paths visually documenting the same events. I quickly learned he was one of the most positive, uplifting and supporting people I'd ever met - and like most students - it was the perfect time in my life for a mentor like him.

In a world where everyone wants to be a photographer, Kanji was always there, for every photographer I knew. His never give up mentality is exactly what everyone needs. To this day, I think back of the lessons he instilled in me as I now cover the world's largest sporting events. As he retires, and I head to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, now working for the world's largest photography agency, it will be a celebratory reminder of what he helped me achieve as I continue to make him and Towson University proud.

Lexi Thompson

Photo Imaging Major, Kanji’s former student assistant

The biggest piece of advice Kanji has given me is to be confident in myself. Before working for him, I was worried to take chances in my work and waited for opportunities to come to me. He has helped me realize that if I want something, I need to be the one to chase it.

He has opened many doors for me as a photographer and has encouraged me every step of the way. Watching him make people smile genuinely with joy on his shoots has inspired me to emulate Kanji’s energy and enthusiasm while working.

Kanji has made my time at Towson what it is. Him and my position under him as a photographer has been the backbone of my college experience.

Lauren Castellana

ASSISTANT Director of Photographic Services

Kanji means a great deal to Towson University. He is not only a popular figure; his photographs are a part of the history of this institution. He has been on this campus over 20 years and documenting it almost every day. In 100 years, we will be able to look back and get a true sense of what life was like here.

It has been an absolute pleasure working with Kanji over the past four years. The energy and passion that he brings to the job every single day is truly inspiring. His love for TU and the entire campus community shines through each and every photograph that he takes.

I have learned a lot over the past few years and it has been an honor to work alongside him. With over 40 years of photography experience, Kanji has taught me anything from high production lighting setups to small every day tricks of the trade. He is a master of his craft and has always been supportive of teaching and learning new photography techniques

David Jahangiri ‘20

Exercise science major, Kanji’s former student assistant

I always joke around and call Sensei “Oto San”, which translates to father in Japanese. But while I say it as a joke, it has meaning as well. He is not only my Sensei (teacher), but he is a mentor, a friend, and a coworker.

I spend a lot of time with him, working, eating, and just hanging out sometimes. He has taught me the basis of the Japanese language, how to use and set up camera equipment, and lessons about life. He truly means a lot to me, in many different ways, so it’s difficult to categorize it all into one.

John Miliauskas

Towson University Director of Athletic Bands

Kanji and the (Towson University Marching) band had quite a affinity for one another, both from the band members and Kanji. In 2009 when the band went to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Kanji and his family went along with us and took these amazing photos of the band in New York City.

The greatest example of Kanji’s warmth is how the students respond to him. When he shows up members of the band start chanting his name. Kanji has the warmest smile on his face all the time. I think warm is the best way to describe Kanji. Thinking about Towson University these past two decades, it truly has transformed. Kanji presence, his pictures and his energy has been a big part of that change. He’s the one that brought the people, and that growth to life.