The History of Japanese Photography

by Anne Tucker, Ryuichi Kaneko, Dana Friis-Hansen

Over the past 150 years, Japanese photographers have created an impressive body of work that ranges from dignified imperial photographs to sweeping urban panoramas, from early ethereal landscapes to modern urban mysteries. Despite the richness, significance, and variety of this work, however, it has largely been neglected in Western histories of photography. This gorgeous and groundbreaking book--the first comprehensive account of Japanese photography from its inception in the mid-nineteenth century to the present day--reveals to English-speaking audiences the importance and beauty of this art form. Written by a team of distinguished Japanese and Western scholars, this book establishes that photography began to play a vital role in Japanese culture soon after its introduction to Japan in the 1850s. Illustrated essays discuss the medium's evolution and aesthetic shifts in relation to the nation's historical and cultural developments; the interaction of Japanese photographers with Western photographers; the link between photography and other Japanese art forms; and photography as a record and catalyst of change. Handsomely designed and generously illustrated with beautiful duotone and color images, the book emphasizes not only the unique features of Japanese photography but also the ways it has influenced and been influenced by the country's culture and society.

Genres: Photography, Art, Nonfiction, Japanese Literature, Japan, History

432 pages, Hardcover

First published February 8, 2003

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to art books, I'm leery of the essays because the suppositions proposed are often unverified. I'm interested in what the artist or photographer has to say, not so much the musings and intellectual dissections of critics and scholars. That said, the essays in The History of Japanese Photography are definitely worth reading as they focus more on historical context.

The book is arranged chronologically from the first appearance of photographs in Japan in the mid 1800's through 2000. There is a fairly in depth chronology at the back of the book. Also at the back: short biographies of most of the photographers mentioned/featured, descriptions of the major camera clubs and photo magazines. I would've liked to have seen more of this information interwoven with the rest of the book. As it is, it's 80 or so pages at the back all printed with footnote-sized type. (Yes, I'm feeling my age. Darn kids, get off my lawn!)

There are, of course, loads of photos in the book. It's cool to see the evolution of styles and what different people do with their photography. My favorite photos are from the most recent section of works. With luck, I'll be able to find some of the photographers' books I wrote down. (It's cited quite well.) I'm a new fan of Hatakeyama Naoya and Sugimoto Hiroshi.

Not a book for everyone, but if you're interested in photography, history, or Japan, I recommend it.