Exploring the Pristine Nature of Minami Hakkoda Through Noboru Iwaki's Photobook

Discovering Minami Hakkoda: A Photobook by Noboru Iwaki

Canon Marketing Japan will release a stunning new photobook titled "Minami Hakkoda" by renowned photographer Noboru Iwaki on February 6, 2026. This latest addition to the "PHOTOGRAPHERS’ ETERNAL COLLECTION" series (Volume 19) invites readers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this pristine area, a treasure trove of untouched landscapes in Japan.

The Essence of Noboru Iwaki's Photography

Noboru Iwaki is celebrated for his dedication to capturing the essence of untamed nature. Minami Hakkoda is not only home to the world's only remaining primeval beech forest, but it is also Iwaki's birthplace. The photobook features a handpicked collection of images taken from paths less traveled, revealing the hidden beauty of Minami Hakkoda, a true paradise teeming with life.

The region is characterized by its sprawling beech forests, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Minami Hakkoda has rightfully earned the title of a "water paradise." In a time when the natural world faces unprecedented threats, the unspoiled images in this book serve as a powerful reminder of the respect and value we must place on our environment.

The photobook employs Canon's DreamLabo 5000 for printing and binding, ensuring that the wide color reproduction, fine detail, and intricate tonal gradations create a vivid experience of Iwaki's work.

Book Details

- Title: PHOTOGRAPHERS’ ETERNAL COLLECTION Vol.19 - Noboru Iwaki Minami Hakkoda
- Format: 240mm square, 80 pages, raster printed in a decorative box
- Special Feature: Comes with an original print signed by the photographer (240mm square)
- Price: ¥29,150 (tax included, shipping included) - Limited pre-order
- Release Date: February 6, 2026
- Availability: Canon Online Shop (limited to 500 copies)
- URL: Canon Online Shop

Live Online Talk Event

In celebration of the release, Iwaki will host a live talk event on February 20, 2026, alongside designer Kan Mimura. The duo will discuss the experiences behind the photographs featured in the book. Do not miss this opportunity to hear insights directly from the artist and designer.

- Streaming Date: February 20, 2026
- Viewing URL: The event will be added to the YouTube Playlist

Photography Exhibition at Canon S Gallery

Additionally, an exhibition titled "Minami Hakkoda" featuring Iwaki's photographs will take place at Canon's S Tower gallery starting on February 6, 2026. Visitors can experience the beauty of Minami Hakkoda up close, and selected prints will also be available for purchase at the venue.

- Exhibition Dates: February 6 - March 23, 2026
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Closed On: Sundays and holidays
- Location: Canon Gallery S, 1st Floor, Canon S Tower, 2-16-6 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Entry Fee: Free
- Exhibition Detail URL: Canon Gallery

Message from the Photographer

Noboru Iwaki reflects on the significance of Minami Hakkoda, highlighting its multitude of marshes, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, all nurtured by the impressive water retention capacity of its beech tree forests. He describes the region as a true paradise, emphasizing the connection between these landscapes and the freedom of all living beings.

In an era where climate change threatens our ecological balance, Iwaki hopes that by sharing his love for nature through photography, he can encourage others to appreciate and protect the natural world. He believes that great photography cannot exist without the sun's blessings and the powers of nature. His commitment to respectful and loving representation of the environment stands as a testament to the urgent need for awareness and action to address the current climate crisis.

About the Photographer

Noboru Iwaki, born in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, has been an influential commercial photographer since 1979, working in studios in Roppongi and Ebisu. He has contributed to various calendars and has published notable works such as "Wandering in the Forest of Minami Hakkoda." In 2012, he moved to Yakeyama in Towada City, where he continues to base his photography.

PHOTOGRAPHERS’ ETERNAL COLLECTION Overview

The "PHOTOGRAPHERS’ ETERNAL COLLECTION" features a curated selection of artworks by prominent photographers, designed to be cherished and admired at hand’s reach. This carefully produced, made-to-order photobook series ensures that the beautiful moments and striking visuals captured thru the lens enduringly resonate with the reader.

- Project by: Canon Marketing Japan
- Design: Kan Mimura (Art Director and Book Designer)
- Editing and Production: Mosh Books Co., Ltd.
- Binding: HIBITOKI Co., Ltd.