#Japan #Tokyo #Nozomi Suzuki #Tojo Photo Institute #Looking Through Glass

Exploration of Nozomi Suzuki's 'Looking Through Glass' Exhibition

From September 4 to November 8, 2026, Tojo Photo Institute in Tokyo will host an extraordinary exhibition titled "Looking Through Glass" by photographer Nozomi Suzuki. This exhibition invites visitors to delve into the realms of vision, memory, and the materials that allow us to perceive the world around us.

At the heart of this exhibition is the exploration of various optical instruments, such as mirrors, windows, and lenses. These artifacts act as mediators between the act of seeing and being seen, shaping our understandings of our relationships with the world. Nozomi Suzuki’s work investigates how the experience of 'seeing' has evolved, particularly from the 19th century onward. By applying light-sensitive substances to various types of glass used in telescopes, glasses, and windows, Suzuki captures images that reveal the histories and memories embedded within our gaze.

The Tojo Photo Institute, where this exhibition will take place, has a rich history spanning over a century. It has captured countless portraits, memorializing significant moments in individuals’ lives. This storied space is a testament to Japan's portrait culture, housing the unrecognized memories of countless individuals and families over time.

Japan’s photography sector has transitioned dramatically, evolving from a time when few could afford to be photographed to a current state where anyone can easily save visual memories digitally. Thus, this exhibition stands at a poignant intersection of history and personal memories—inviting guests to reflect on the influence of Western optics since the late Edo period and its significant impact on visual culture post-World War II.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Title: Looking Through Glass - ガラス越しの眼差し
• - Artist: Nozomi Suzuki
• - Exhibition Dates: September 4, 2026 - November 8, 2026
• - Opening Hours: 12:00 – 18:00 | Open: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays | Closed: Monday to Thursday (open on holidays)
• - Admission: Free
• - Venue: Tojo Photo Institute, 1-6-12 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0083 | Instagram: @tojo_kaikan_photo_lab

In addition to the main exhibition, two workshops will be held. The first, titled "Looking Toward the Night Sky," will occur on October 23, 2026, at 18:30, and will involve participants using telescopes to observe the stars along with commentary from the artist. The collaboration for this event is with Vixen Co., Ltd., and registration will soon open through Peatix here.

The second planned workshop, scheduled for mid-September 2026 (exact date to be announced), will allow participants to experience darkroom work led by the artist, offering insights into the behind-the-scenes aspects of photography.

Nozomi Suzuki was born in 1983 in Saitama Prefecture. She graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts in 2015 and is currently involved in doctoral studies focusing on the principles of photography and memory. Maxwell's exhibitions include notable solo and group shows, and her work has been acquired by prestigious institutions, including the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum.

Suzuki’s exploration of the intersection between physical tools and the act of seeing has important implications for how we understand personal and collective histories through visual arts.

About Tojo Photo Institute

Established in 1912, Tojo Photo Institute has been a vital part of Japan’s photographic history, witnessing the evolution of portrait photography. It continues to operate, safeguarded by a century of tradition and artistry in photography, including portrait studios and beauty salons.

This exhibition serves as a reminder of the importance of visual culture and how legacy, memory, and perception converge through the lens of history. Visitors are encouraged to engage deeply with the themes presented and to reflect on their own experiences of vision and memory informed by this unique exhibition.