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

Unveiling 'CHASING GRACE'

In a remarkable tribute to automotive beauty, Canon Marketing Japan is set to release a new photobook titled "CHASING GRACE" by renowned photographer Minoru Kobayashi. Slated for launch on December 19, 2025, this photographic collection marks the 18th installment of the "PHOTOGRAPHERS’ ETERNAL COLLECTION" series, showcasing Kobayashi's six decades-long pursuit of elegance and grace in automobiles.

The Essence of the Photobook

"CHASING GRACE" offers a curated selection of 68 stunning images captured by Kobayashi, presenting not just the strength and speed of cars but also the history, culture, and design intricacies of these mechanical masterpieces. The book beautifully encapsulates the charm of both classic and modern road cars, featuring stunning moments illuminated by the perfect interplay of light and setting. Each turn of the page is an invitation into the richness of automotive history, transporting viewers back to the golden eras of these cars.

In creating this photobook, Canon employed the DreamLabo 5000, a state-of-the-art professional photo printer, ensuring exceptional color reproduction and detail that brings each image to life. From the nuances of shadow to vibrant hues, the printing quality guarantees that Kobayashi's artistic vision is captured flawlessly.

Product Details

• - Book Title: PHOTOGRAPHERS’ ETERNAL COLLECTION Vol.18: Minoru Kobayashi CHASING GRACE
• - Format: 240mm square, 80 pages, featuring a hardcover with a decorative box
• - Special Feature: An original print signed by the photographer included
• - Price: ¥29,150 (inclusive of tax and shipping, pre-order only)
• - Release Date: December 19, 2025
• - Availability: Limited to 500 copies via the Canon Online Store
• - Order Link: Canon Online Store

Online Talk Event Featuring the Artist

To celebrate the release of "CHASING GRACE", an online talk event will be held featuring Minoru Kobayashi and the book's designer, Kan Mimura. They will share stories related to the captured works and discuss the experiences surrounding their creation. Tune in on January 15, 2026, for this exclusive event.

• - Viewing Link: YouTube Event Playlist

Exhibition of 'CHASING GRACE' Photography

Additionally, a photography exhibition entitled "CHASING GRACE" will be hosted at Canon Gallery S, starting December 19, 2025, until February 3, 2026. Attendees can look forward to a gallery talk, and a limited number of books will be available for sale onsite.

• - Exhibition Dates: December 19, 2025 – February 3, 2026
• - Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• - Closed Days: Sundays, Public Holidays, and Year-End/New Year Break (December 27, 2025 - January 4, 2026)
• - Location: Canon Gallery S, 1st floor Canon S Tower, 2-16-6 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Access: About an 8-minute walk from JR Shinagawa Station's Konan Exit, and about a 10-minute walk from Keikyu Shinagawa Station
• - Admission: Free
• - Event Details: Exhibition Information

Artist Insight

For Minoru Kobayashi, whose photographic journey began in 1978, the pursuit of automotive beauty has been a lifelong endeavor. Traveling across racetracks and streets, he captures the essence of road cars from various landscapes. "Cars are beautiful things," he states, emphasizing his tireless quest for grace and splendor. This collection chronicles his journey, inviting viewers to reminisce and connect with the story behind each captured car—an experience that evokes a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for automotive artistry.

"CHASING GRACE" is not only a collection of photographs; it’s an ode to the emotion and memories instilled by these machines. Kobayashi hopes that the images inspire viewers, sparking reflections on their personal connections to cars.

About the Author: Minoru Kobayashi

Minoru Kobayashi was born in 1955 in Kanagawa Prefecture. After graduating from Nihon University’s College of Art with a major in photography, he joined the photography department of a car magazine, "CAR GRAPHIC," for eight years before becoming independent. As an automotive photographer for almost 47 years, he continues to capture the essence of both domestic and foreign vehicles, covering car test drives and capturing the spirit of motorsports, including his role as an official photographer for SUPER FORMULA and SUPER GT. He has also served as a judge for a motorsports photography contest for 30 years and holds leadership positions in several photography associations.

About 'PHOTOGRAPHERS’ ETERNAL COLLECTION'

The "PHOTOGRAPHERS’ ETERNAL COLLECTION" series reinterprets and designs works by renowned photographers. It aims to preserve those fleeting, beautiful moments captured by artists, allowing their magic to be enjoyed anytime, while ensuring they endure through time.

This exciting new photobook is a testament to the intersection of art and automotive design, with Kobayashi's lens offering a transcendent view into the world of cars. Whether you're a car enthusiast or an admirer of fine art, "CHASING GRACE" promises to be a cherished addition to any collection.