Spanning the 1950s all the way to the present day, the newest exhibition at The Photographers Gallery aims to showcase the perspectives from which Japan is seen, and how the country is seen by others around the world. 

Included in the exhibition are themes of gender and identity, pop culture, nature, fashion and music, motherhood and everyday life. 

Through 27 different photographers, the exhibition brings together both those who are already internationally recognised and those who are lesser-known. The resulting show aims to redress a balance of history which has often been told through a male-dominated lens with a singular viewpoint. 

Close-up colour photograph of a person’s eye on a blue background.
KAWAUCHI Rinko Untitled, 2004; from the series the eyes, the ears. Courtesy the artist and Aperture

Pioneering photographers from the post-war period sit alongside those who are still working today. Unusually for The Photographers’ Gallery, the exhibition spans the whole building, with more than 200 photographs, videos, installations and rare photobooks on display. 

Colour photograph of the back of a woman standing against a wall. An arm can be seen around her waist.
HARA Mikiko Untitled, 1996 Courtesy Osiris, Tokyo, and Aperture

There’s so much work on display, it provides a vivid yet intimate portrait of Japan, telling us so much about how women artists have defied conventions to capture social change and redefine photography across multiple generations. It’s a stunning collection of work, and with so much to see across the multiple floors of the gallery, you could easily spend a few hours here to take it all in.

Black and white photograph of a woman with afro hair posing for the camera.
ISHIKAWA Mao Kin, Koza (present-day Okinawa City), Okinawa Prefecture, 1975–77; from the series Akabanaa (Red flower) © ISHIKAWA Mao, courtesy of POETIC SCAPE, Tokyo

An array of different genres are also represented, so it’s likely that there will be something to suit every taste here – it’s certainly an interesting thought experiment to try and spot the commonalities and differences between the works.

Colour photograph of a woman lying on her side on a beach. Spread out around her are a number of fake limbs.
KATAYAMA Mari bystander #014, 2016 Courtesy the artist and Aperture

Artists included in the exhibition are Mikiko Jara, Miyako Ishiuchi, Rinko Kawauchi, Tamiko Nishimura, Tomoko Sawada, Yuki Tawada, Eiko Yamazawa and many more. 

Colour photograph of the artist, partially naked and pregnant sitting down with a cigarette in her mouth whilst raising her middle finger to the camera.
NAGASHIMA Yurie Full-figured, yet not full-term, 2001 Courtesy the artist, Maho Kubota Gallery, Tokyo, and Aperture

The exhibition has been curated by Lesley A. Martin, Takeuchi Mariko and Pauline Vermare, and is organised in connection with the publication I’m So Happy You Are Here: Japanese Women Photographers 1950s to Now, which was published by Aperture in 2024.

Colour photograph of red, yellow and blue coloured fishes.
NINAGAWA Mika Untitled, 2003; from the series Liquid Dreams. Courtesy Tomio Koyama Gallery, Tokyo, and Aperture

This summer is an exciting time for those with an interest in Japanese photography – you can also see some great work on display at Japan House as part of the Kyotographie festival until October. 

Black and white photograph of two women walking along a pavement.
NISHIMURA Tamiko Mitaka, Tokyo, 1978; from the series (My Journey II ). Courtesy Zen Foto Gallery, Tokyo, and Aperture

Japanese Women Photographers: From 1950s to Now starts on the 24 June and runs until 27 September at The Photographers Gallery, London. Entry costs £12. Visit the gallery website for full opening times, tickets and concession rates.

Black and white portrait of a man smoking a cigarette.
Colour photograph of two people leaning over to kiss each other.
OKABE Momo Untitled, 2020; from the series Ilmatar. Courtesy the artist and Aperture
Colour photograph of the top of a yellow bottle against a green background.
YAMAZAWA Eiko What I Am Doing No. 77, 1986 Courtesy Third Gallery Aya, Osaka, and Aperture
Colour photograph of several women wearing a red blazer-skirt uniform and brown hats sitting along a moving walkway.
YANAGI Miwa Elevator Girl House 1F, 1997; from the series Elevator Girl Courtesy the artist and Aperture

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