Japan Through a Leica

Reprint Edition, 2006. 112 pages.

Book measures 10 x 10.5 inches in cardboard slipcase. A reprint edition published in the series Masterpieces of Japanese Photography. Includes a 12 page pamphlet with Japanese and English translation of writings on this classic book by Kotaro Iizawa and Ryuichi Kaneko. Published in a limited edition of 400 copies. A Fine copy in Fine dust jacket. Slipcase is Near Fine. 

“This book is a collection of works published on the occasion of the Photographic Exhibition to Inform Japan, which was held at Ginza Mitsukoshi in 1937 and later toured overseas. It is Kimura Ihee’s fourth book, the original of which was published in 1938. The Sino-Japanese War broke out in 1937, and the government, fearing diplomatic isolation, organized the exhibition through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the aim of ‘resolving misunderstandings among Western countries and helping them understand Japan's affinity.’ Since the exhibition was primarily for external publicity, the text was in English only. The design was by Hara Hiroshi. This was the first cover design for him, who would later establish a solid reputation in editorial design. The layout begins with school education and children, and continues with agriculture and industry, women, urban life, sports and entertainment, and encompasses Japan’s traditions and modernity, its development from modern to contemporary times, and above all, its beauty and comfort, making this a book that beautifully condenses the charm of Japan. This reprint edition was supervised by photography historians Ryuichi Kaneko and Kotaro Iizawa, and includes an explanatory booklet by both men.”