#Japan #Tokyo #Canon Gallery #Kobayashi Minoru #CHASING GRACE

Capturing Grace: The Art of Kobayashi Minoru in Photography

From December 19, 2025, to February 3, 2026, Kobayashi Minoru presents his stunning photography exhibition titled 'CHASING GRACE' at the CANON GALLERY S in Tokyo. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the intricate relationship between humans and automobiles, particularly in the thrilling world of motorsports.

Exhibition Overview

The exhibition will run from December 19, 2025, to February 3, 2026, with opening hours from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The gallery will remain closed on Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year holiday from December 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Located in the CANON S Tower in the Minato district, the gallery is easily accessible, just an eight-minute walk from JR Shinagawa Station’s Konan exit, and ten minutes from Keikyu Shinagawa Station. Admission is free, making this a perfect opportunity for automotive enthusiasts and art lovers alike.

Exhibition Content

'CHASING GRACE' is not just an exhibition; it's a journey through time that encapsulates the beauty and passion of motorsports. Over 47 years, Kobayashi has adeptly captured the aesthetics of cars, going beyond surface appearances to showcase the intentions and fervor behind each scene.

Visitors will experience a collection of powerful photojournalism that documents the intense battles between people and their vehicles in motorsport. The exhibition will display an array of road cars, capturing their evolving designs and the ambiance of each era, presented chronologically. It's an invitation to witness the dramatic tales that unfold on the racetrack and the captivating essence of automotive culture.

Special Talk Event

A highlight of the exhibition is a special talk event scheduled for January 17, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at CANON HALL S, located on the third floor of the CANON S Tower. The event will feature Kobayashi Minoru alongside renowned music producer Masataka Matsutoya. Together, they will explore their long-standing friendship through discussions centered on the intersections of cars, photography, and music.

• - Registration for this event will open in mid-November via the Canon Gallery website (canon.jp/gallery).
• - The seating capacity is limited to 200 attendees and is on a first-come-first-served basis.
• - Participation is free, although changes in date and venue may occur due to unforeseen circumstances.

A Message from the Photographer

Kobayashi reflects on his life intertwined with cars, from childhood dreams of speed and beauty to the exhilaration felt behind the wheel. He aspires to convey these emotions through photography, a passion he began while working as a photographer for 'CAR GRAPHIC' magazine. Through his lens, he communicates a deeper narrative; photography is about capturing not just beauty but the spirit and passion concealed within.

As he captures road cars, Kobayashi considers the culture and history of their production countries, focusing on the intent of designers and engineers. Together with his lens, he follows the triumphs and tribulations of teams and drivers on the racetrack, particularly fascinated by the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. His commitment to documenting the drama and the camaraderie between man and machine during these grueling competitions keeps him captivated year after year.

Throughout his almost five-decade career, Kobayashi’s philosophy remains clear: to seize the spirit and passion of the automotive world without pretense. He hopes that through his work, audiences can feel the heartbeat of those involved in racing and the sense of time flowing through those moments, igniting their own memories and love for cars.

About the Photographer

Kobayashi Minoru was born in 1955 in Kanagawa Prefecture. After graduating from the Nihon University College of Art's Photographic Department, he worked for eight years as a staff photographer for the automotive magazine 'CAR GRAPHIC.' He then embarked on a freelance career, shooting for manufacturer catalogs, automotive publications, and mainstream magazines. His involvement in motorsports has him attending nearly 20 races worldwide each year, covering the Le Mans 24 Hours almost annually since 1989. Today, he serves as the official photographer for SUPER FORMULA and SUPER GT, and has chaired the judging panel for the motorsport photo contest for the magazine 'CAPA' for thirty years. As the president of the Japan Racing Photographers Association (JRPA), a member of the Japan Photographers Society (JPS), and a part-time lecturer at the Nihon University College of Art, Kobayashi continues to inspire those around him.

For general inquiries, please contact Canon Gallery S at 0570-07-9264. More details can be found on the Canon Gallery website: canon.jp/gallery.