Ihei Kimura (b Tokyo, 12 Dec 1901; d Tokyo, 31 May 1974).
Began his career in Taiwan in 1920 where he trained as a photographer. Returning to Japan in 1924 he established a photographic studio in the Nippori district of Tokyo. From 1930 he worked for several years in the advertising section of a soap and cosmetics company, where he continued to develop his style. In 1933, he joined fellow photographer and formed the group Nippon Kōbō ("Japan workshop"), which emphasized "realism" in photography using 35mm cameras; this group quickly disintegrated so Kimura formed an alternative group, Chūō Kōbō ("central workshop") with a whole new batch of photographers. During the World War 2 he worked in Manchuria and also contributed to propaganda magazines supporting Japan’s war effort. Once the war had ended Kimura was able to once again photograph the everyday scenes that he became famous for. He travelled extensively around the world, most notably to Paris where he completed an acclaimed series of photos.
Began his career in Taiwan in 1920 where he trained as a photographer. Returning to Japan in 1924 he established a photographic studio in the Nippori district of Tokyo. From 1930 he worked for several years in the advertising section of a soap and cosmetics company, where he continued to develop his style. In 1933, he joined fellow photographer and formed the group Nippon Kōbō ("Japan workshop"), which emphasized "realism" in photography using 35mm cameras; this group quickly disintegrated so Kimura formed an alternative group, Chūō Kōbō ("central workshop") with a whole new batch of photographers. During the World War 2 he worked in Manchuria and also contributed to propaganda magazines supporting Japan’s war effort. Once the war had ended Kimura was able to once again photograph the everyday scenes that he became famous for. He travelled extensively around the world, most notably to Paris where he completed an acclaimed series of photos.
Kimura's photos provide a great insight into the everyday lives of Japanese people. They never look posed and present a realistic portayal of Japanese society. Personally Iam a huge fan of Kimura's work. His photos have a depth of feeling which greatly appeals to me. As a historical reference his work is extremely valuable. Of particular note is his series of photos taken in Akita which showcase both his talent and range.
NIce choice.
ReplyDeleteCan you put the source (and hotlink it) where you got the photos under the photos themselves?