Sae Kani is a freelance photographer based in Indonesia. Sae has moved her base from the UK which was her base for a decade, to Yogyakarta, Indonesia in 2004.

Sae was born in Tokyo, Japan and has lived and worked in Africa, Asia and Europe. Sae graduated from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London with an MSc in Environment and Development Studies specialising in South East Asia. Previously, Sae worked as a researcher in the field of development and environment in South East Asia. She speaks three Asian languages as well as English.

Before starting her career as a photojournalist Sae gained a post-Graduate Diploma in Photojournalism at the London College of Printing (LCP). Her previous projects have included documenting East Timor’s independence process and covering the impact of the October 2002 bombings in Bali. Her work on East Timor is now part of Amnesty International Germany’s permanent collection.

In the UK, Sae has also worked with various local and community based projects with a particular focus on ethnic minority groups. Sae’s unique background has enabled her to access and work closely with religiously and ethnically diverse groups and individuals on a range of culturally sensitive issues. Sae is currently working in South East Asia covering various issues of environment, development and human rights.