Aperture describes this new photographic monograph as an attempt to 'tend to critical gaps' in the histiography of photography. Featuring 25 portfolios by pioneering Japanese women photographers from the middle of the century onwards, the book has been accompanied by a travelling exhibition. It’s also received a good deal of acclaim for the broad but absent worlds it chronicles within this superficially narrow focus.
Hara Mikiko, Untitled, 1996
With contributions from a number of curators, critics, academics and photographers from around the world, including Pauline Vermare, Lesley A Martin, Takeuchi Mariko, Carrie Cushman, Kelly Midori McCormick, Marc Feustel and Russet Lederman, the book prefaces its portfolio section with essays and writings on the historic and social framework these photographers were operating.
Kon Michiko, Inada + Boshi (Yellowtail and hat), 1986
As Pauline Vermare notes in her introductory essay, 'this volume only includes a fraction of the work created by Japanese women photographers from the birth of the medium to the present day. It is intended as an inaugural repository of photographs and stories that have largely been absent from the annals of photography's history, the history of Japanese photography and the histiography of the visual representation of Japan.' This is a triple absence, one that the book does well to mitigate, especially when predetermined gender roles and structures are finally being challenged.
Narahashi Asako, Kawaguchiko, 2003 (from the series half awake and half asleep in the water)
Portfolios includes work by Hara Mikiko, Ishikawa Mao, Ishiuchi Miyako, Katayama Mari, Kawauchi Rinko, Komatsu Hiroko, Kon Michiko, Nagashima Yurie, Narahashi Asako, Ninagawa Mika, Nishimura Tamiko, Noguchi Rika, Nomura Sakiko, Okabe Momo, Okanoue Toshiko, Onodera Yuki, Sawada Tomoko, Shiga Lieko, Sugiura Kunié, Tawada Yuki, Tokiwa Toyoko, Ushioda Tokuko, Watanabe Hitomi, Yamazawa Eiko, and Yanagi Miwa.
Yanagi Miwa, Elevator Girl House 1F, 1997 (from the series Elevator Girl)
The book contains a multitude of worlds and stories, with work that tackles history, disability, family, sexuality and identity, through surrealism, reportage, collage, landscape and still life. An illustrated bibliography frames some of the more significant photo books and monographs published during the period, providing essential and fascinating context.
Nishimura Tamiko, Mitaka, Tokyo, 1978 (from the series Zoku (My Journey II))
I’m So Happy You Are Here: Japanese Women Photographers from the 1950s to Now, Aperture, £60.00, Aperture.org, Amazon.co.uk
-
With an ode to Italy, Homme Plissé Issey Miyake brings its brand of fashion magic to Florence’s Pitti UomoMarking the start of a new nomadic way of showing for the Japanese label, Homme Plissé Issey Miyake held its S/S 2026 show at Florence’s Villa Medicea della Petraia as part of Pitti Uomo last night (18 June) with a collection inspired by the colours and textures of Italy
-
Ever heard of a wellness-inclusive resort? Book this Vietnamese retreatEvery stay at Namia River Retreat includes traditional therapies, daily wellness rituals, and riverside cultural immersions
-
Mystic, feminine and erotic: the power of Penny Slinger’s bodies as landscapeArtist Penny Slinger continues her exploration of the sacred, surreal feminine in a Santa Monica exhibition, ‘Meeting at the Horizon’
-
The gayest love story ever told: Jeremy Atherton Lin's memoir is a tribute to homeIn 'Deep House: The Gayest Love Story Ever Told', Jeremy Atherton Lin mixes memoir with a historical deep-dive into marriage equlaity
-
Out of office: the Wallpaper* editors’ picks of the weekIt was a jam-packed week for the Wallpaper* staff, entailing furniture, tech and music launches and lots of good food – from afternoon tea to omakase
-
The glory years of the Cannes Film Festival are captured in a new photo book‘Cannes’ by Derek Ridgers looks back on the photographer's time at the Cannes Film Festival between 1984 and 1996
-
Taschen’s sexy record covers are hitting all the right notesTaschen has been through 50 years of album art for its latest tome, ‘Sexy Record Covers’
-
Inside Kyotographie, Japan’s world-renowned photography festivalKyotographie 2025 embraces the theme ‘Humanity’ in Kyoto – Amah-Rose Abram reports with the highlights, from major and emerging photographers
-
‘Dressed to Impress’ captures the vivid world of everyday fashion in the 1950s and 1960sA new photography book from The Anonymous Project showcases its subjects when they’re dressed for best, posing for events and celebrations unknown
-
Daniel Arsham’s new monograph collates the works of the auto-obsessed American artist‘Arsham Motorsport’ is two volumes of inspiration, process and work, charting artist Daniel Arsham’s oeuvre inspired by the icons and forms of the automotive industry
-
Era-defining photographer David Bailey guides us through the 1980s in a new tome not short of shoulder pads and lycraFrom Yves Saint Laurent to Princess Diana, London photographer David Bailey dives into his 1980s archive in a new book by Taschen
