#Japan #Tokyo #Women Artists #Bunkamura #Japanese Photography

The Miraculous Gaze: The Adventures of Japanese Female Photographers

The international art scene has increasingly recognized the unique contributions of Japanese photography, but for years, the spotlight has often shone on male photographers. In a groundbreaking move, the upcoming exhibition, titled "The Miraculous Gaze: The Adventures of Japanese Female Photographers," aims to explore and recontextualize this narrative by placing female photographers at the forefront.

Scheduled to launch in summer 2026 at the Hikarie Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo, this major event will coincide with the publication of a significant book, "I’m So Happy You Are Here," which will delve deeper into the contributions of around 30 female photographers from the 1950s to the present day. This book, available in both English and French, will have 440 pages filled with insights and visual essays. Following its debut at the Arles International Photo Festival in France, the exhibition will embark on a worldwide tour, receiving high praise along the way.

This exhibition is not confined solely to traditional photography; it will showcase a diverse array of artistic expressions, including installations, collages, and video works. With a total of approximately 200 pieces on display, attendees can expect an in-depth exploration of various themes depicted in the artworks, such as memory, body, daily life, and gender. This significant focus on unique Japanese print culture further enhances the narrative, underscoring how it has developed uniquely compared to the global context.

As audiences engage with these creative pieces, they will find themselves drawn into an exploration of the multiplicity inherent in photographic expression. From well-known names to emerging talents, the artists featured in this exhibition include Rinko Kawauchi, Mari Katayama, Mika Ninagawa, and many others. Each artist’s work promises to spark dialogue and reflection among visitors of diverse backgrounds, especially those with a keen interest in photography.

The participating artists, listed in alphabetical order, comprise:

• - Ishiuchi Miyako
• - Ishikawa Makoto
• - Imai Yoshie
• - Iwane Ai
• - Shiota Tokuko
• - Okamoto Yoshiko
• - Okabe Momo
• - Onodera Yuki
• - Katayama Mari
• - Kawauchi Rinko
• - Komatsu Hiroko
• - Imamichi Yoko
• - Sawada Tomoko
• - Shiga Rieko
• - Sugiura Kunie
• - Tawada Yuki
• - Tokiwa Toyoko
• - Nagashima Yurie
• - Narahashi Asako
• - Nishimura Tamiko
• - Ninagawa Mika
• - Noguchi Rika
• - Nomura Sakiko
• - Hara Mikiko
• - Fujioka Aya
• - Yanagi Miwa
• - Yamazawa Eiko
• - Yoneda Tomoko
• - Watanabe Hitomi

Exhibition Details

• - Title: The Miraculous Gaze: The Adventures of Japanese Female Photographers
• - Venue: Hikarie Hall, 9F Shibuya Hikarie, Tokyo
• - Dates: July 4, 2026 – August 26, 2026 (Closed days TBA)
• - Organized by: Bunkamura
• - Curators: Mariko Takeuchi, Pauline Vermaere, Leslie A. Martin
• - Produced by: Aperture
• - Collaborating: Contact
• - Official Website: Bunkamura

Details regarding ticketing and further information will be announced on the website as they become available. Due to a long-term closure of Bunkamura, exhibitions are currently being held at Hikarie Hall and other venues.