Celebrating the Beauty of Cherry Blossoms: Takeshi Fukazawa's Photography Exhibit

In the heart of Tokyo and Osaka, a captivating photography exhibition titled "Cherry Blossoms" featuring the talented Takeshi Fukazawa will take place at THE GALLERY, part of Nikon Imaging Japan. This special showcase will run from March 3 to March 16, 2026 in Tokyo, and later move to Osaka from March 26 to April 8, 2026. As spring approaches, this exhibition offers a splendid opportunity to appreciate the iconic and enchanting cherry blossoms that symbolize the beauty of Japan.

Takeshi Fukazawa, a renowned photographer born in 1974 in Saitama Prefecture, aims to capture the essence and diversity of cherry blossoms across Japan. Since the debut of Nikon's D70 camera in 2004, Fukazawa has been dedicated to photographing natural landscapes, traveling from the northern tip of Hokkaido to the southern reaches of Yakushima. His recent endeavors include delving into the unique ecosystems of the Amami Islands and the Ryukyu archipelago, under the theme of nature fostered by the Kuroshio Current.

In Fukazawa's own words, "Every year, cherry blossoms bloom without fail. I have journeyed throughout Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, admiring these lovely flowers. The cherry blossoms rooted in their locale are breathtaking and harmoniously blend into the surrounding landscape. Whether it’s the Ezo Yamazakura blooming on Hokkaido's grassy fields or the Okuchoujizakura in the snow-melting landscapes of Tohoku, the wild cherry blossoms convey a sense of resilience."

The exhibition showcases not only the wild species native to Japan but also cultivated varieties, which are said to have emerged from interbreeding wild types over the years. While there are around ten species of wild cherry trees in Japan, their cultivated counterparts are believed to number in the hundreds, each with unique histories and characteristics. Fukazawa highlights remarkable varieties, such as the Kiku-zaki (chrysanthemum-shaped) cherry with hundreds of petals, the fragrant Nio-zakura, and the rare green-flowered Utkon and Goikou. The more one learns about these blossoms, the more their allure deepens.

In addition to showcasing breathtaking photographs, Fukazawa is a lecturer for Nikon College and a member of the Photographic Society of Japan. His extensive works include publications such as "Okinawa: Yaeyama Islands", "Amami and Ryukyu", and "The Cherry Blossom Journey in Japan", each reflecting his deep appreciation for nature and photography.

THE GALLERY, which opened in both Tokyo and Osaka in 2017, is dedicated to promoting and enhancing photographic culture through high-quality exhibitions by renowned photographers who utilize Nikon equipment. The venue not only hosts exhibits from prominent photographers but also includes exhibitions from Nikon Club members and various photographic organizations. The gallery opens its doors at 10:30 AM and remains open until 6:30 PM, except on Sundays when it is closed, with shortened hours on the final day of exhibitions.

Join us at THE GALLERY for a memorable visual journey celebrating the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms and the exceptional work of Takeshi Fukazawa. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or someone seeking to appreciate the seasonal splendour of nature, this exhibit promises an enriching experience.