#Japan #Tokyo #Photography #Fujifilm #Historical Exhibition

Fujifilm Square Photography Exhibition: "Photo Transmission | The Beginning of Great Photography Nation Japan"

From July 1 to September 17, 2026, the Fujifilm Square Photography Museum is hosting a special exhibition titled "Photo Transmission | The Beginning of Great Photography Nation Japan." The exhibition offers a chance to delve into the early history of photography in Japan, showcasing around 30 selected pieces, including artworks from the Fujifilm Photo Collection, historical photographic equipment, and rare books from the late Edo and Meiji periods.

Highlights of the Exhibition

One of the main attractions of this exhibition is its focus on the Fujifilm Photo Collection, which includes significant milestones in the evolution of Japanese photography. From the pioneering daguerreotypes to early photographic techniques, visitors will learn about the arduous journey of how photography found its way to Japan, amidst the challenges posed by the socio-economic circumstances of the time.

Photography was introduced to Japan approximately 190 years ago. The daguerreotype, recognized as the world's first practical photography technique, was introduced from France in 1839 and imported to Nagasaki in 1848 by a Dutch ship. Early Japanese scholars, including the noted Rangaku (Dutch Studies) scholar Kawamoto Yukimi (1810-1871), conducted experiments and research on this newfound technology, which was foreign to Japan at the time.

By the early 1860s, Japanese practitioners began using wet plate photography—a progression from the daguerreotype technique—thanks to knowledge gained from foreign photographers who visited Japan. This era saw the emergence of professional photographers who laid the groundwork for Japan’s flourishing photography culture, leading to its establishment as a great photography nation.

Exhibition Overview

The Fujifilm Square Photography Museum is pleased to present this exhibition that portrays the rich history of early photography in Japan. Among the noteworthy items on display are Japan's oldest existing camera, the camera obscura, and a nineteenth-century daguerreotype camera. Additionally, visitors can marvel at historic artifacts such as Ueno Hikoma's work, "Nagasaki, Nakashima River" (c. 1872), and influential literature in photography, including the seminal works by Ueno Hikoma and Yanagawa Shunzo.

Additional Information

Exhibition Name: Fujifilm Square Photography Museum Special Exhibition: "Photo Transmission | The Beginning of Great Photography Nation Japan"
Exhibition Dates: July 1, 2026 – September 17, 2026 (No holidays during the exhibition period, open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and until 4:00 PM on the final day)
Admission: Free
The Fujifilm Square Photography Museum aims to provide an accessible cultural experience to the public, facilitated through corporate patronage.

With diligent efforts from past scholars and photographers, this exhibition illuminates the rich tapestry of Japan's photographic heritage. We invite everyone to come and enjoy the extraordinary history that has shaped Japan into a unique photography nation.

For more details on the exhibition and the museum, visit Fujifilm Square. The event promises an engaging experience for both photography enthusiasts and the general public alike, showcasing a unique collection that narrates the historical evolution of photographic culture in Japan.