#Japan #Tokyo #Persona #Bando Tamasaburo #Hiroo Kikai

Persona Exhibition: Hiroo Kikai's Masterpieces

The Fujifilm Square Photo History Museum is set to host a remarkable photography exhibition featuring the renowned photographer Hiroo Kikai. From January 5 to March 31, 2026, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a collection that offers a unique glimpse into the past through the lens of Kikai's camera focusing on the celebrated Kabuki actor, Bando Tamasaburo. Admission to the exhibition is free, aiming to reach a wider audience.

Highlights of the Exhibition

1. Unveiling Unpublished Works: For the first time, photographs taken by Kikai in 1976 of a young Bando Tamasaburo will be showcased. These have remained private for several decades until their recent unveiling as Kikai faced health challenges shortly before his passing in 2020.

2. A Journey Through Time: The exhibition will display 25 selected pieces, including rare vintage prints and modern prints derived from surviving negatives that illustrate the evolution of Kikai's iconic series, Persona.

3. Capturing the Essence of Performance: Viewers can appreciate stunning images of Tamasaburo captured using Kikai's remarkable techniques, including rarely seen square-format stage photos taken with medium-format cameras, bringing out the essence of Kabuki theater.

4. Special Camera Display: Additionally, a cherished camera gifted to Kikai by his mentor, philosopher Sadayoshi Fukuda, will be on special display, adding a personal touch to the event.

Exhibition Overview

Hiroo Kikai, famous for his extensive series of portraits titled Persona which captures the spirit of individuals, started his professional photography journey after meeting various people at Asakusa Temple. The exhibition focuses on Kikai's journey in 1976 when he was commissioned by Tamasaburo’s brother to accompany the young actor and document his performances. At that time, Tamasaburo was just 26 years old, already gaining fame in the Kabuki world while exploring Western classics and modern theater.

The presented works, printed in Kikai's darkroom, remained hidden for decades. It wasn't until 40 years later, facing serious health issues, that Kikai revisited these prints, bringing them into the light to share with the public.

This exhibition not only celebrates the incredible talent of Bando Tamasaburo through Kikai’s eyes but also explores the vision that led Kikai to create his renowned Persona series. Attendees will be able to see how Tamasaburo became a luminary in theater, while Kikai evolved as a groundbreaking photographer.

Event Details

• - Exhibition Title: Persona - Bando Tamasaburo by Hiroo Kikai
• - Dates: January 5th (Monday) to March 31st (Tuesday), 2026
• - Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM (Final day's admission until 4 PM; last admission 10 minutes before closing)
• - Venue: Fujifilm Square Photo History Museum, 9-7-3 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo
• - Contact: +81-3-6271-3350 (Weekdays, 10 AM – 6 PM)
• - Website: Fujifilm Square

Note: The exhibition details may change, so visitors are encouraged to check the official website or call for updates before attending.

About Persona

The term 'Persona' derives from Latin, meaning 'mask' and referring to the roles actors played in ancient theater. Kikai began his Persona series in 1973, taking portraits of individuals in Asakusa Temple, unveiling the stories behind the masks they wear in life. The exhibition honors this conceptual framework, revisiting the artistic journey that Kikai embarked on with the original Persona works that captured the essence of human expression and identity.

Featured Personalities

Hiroo Kikai (1945-2020): A prominent figure in photography, known for his deep engagement with the human experience through portraits. His works have transcended mere documentation; they represent a profound exploration of identity and emotion.

Bando Tamasaburo (b. 1957): An acclaimed Kabuki actor and a significant cultural figure in Japan, Tamasaburo has garnered numerous accolades for his contributions to the arts and continues to influence future generations.

Sadayoshi Fukuda (1917-2002): A philosopher who mentored Kikai and inspired him throughout his career, deepening Kikai's understanding of the human condition.

Special Event

As part of the exhibition, there will be a gallery talk on January 18, 2026, at 2 PM, hosted by Takako Kikai and featuring insights into the life and legacy of her father, Hiroo Kikai. Admission is free and no reservation is needed, but seating will not be provided.

The Fujifilm Square Photo History Museum continues to be at the forefront of promoting photography as an art form and maintaining its cultural heritage, allowing visitors to appreciate over 190 years of photographic history.