Edited by Keizo Kitajima, Nicholas Haymes, Lina Kutsovskaya.
Gravitating toward nocturnal spaces and marginalized communities, Kitajima uses the night as both subject and metaphor for identity, desire and transformation
Japanese photographer Keizo Kitajima's (born 1954) two series, Photographs of Okinawa (1975–79) and Tokyo 1979, share a deep continuity in spirit and approach, revealing the foundations of his raw, immersive photographic language. Both series emerge from Kitajima's direct participation in the worlds he depicts—whether amid the humid streets and bars of post-reversion Okinawa or the restless nightlife of Tokyo's underground. Shot in stark black and white with harsh flash, the images expose moments of vulnerability and intensity within Japan's shifting social landscape. Although each series was originally self-published separately, Kitajima later announced that their intentions and conclusions are the same. This publication collides the two series together in oversize format, with images as raw and fresh as when first photographed some 50 years ago.
STATUS: Forthcoming | 6/30/2026
This title is not yet published in the U.S. To pre-order or receive notice when the book is available, please email orders @ artbook.com
FORMAT: Pbk, 11.75 x 14.25 in. / 248 pgs / 214 b&w. LIST PRICE: U.S. $90.00 LIST PRICE: CANADA $138 GBP £75.00 ISBN: 9781947346123 PUBLISHER: Little Big Man Books AVAILABLE: 6/30/2026 DISTRIBUTION: D.A.P. RETAILER DISC: TRADE PUBLISHING STATUS: Forthcoming AVAILABILITY: Awaiting stock TERRITORY: NA LA UK EUR AU/NZ AFR ME
Published by Little Big Man Books. Edited by Keizo Kitajima, Nicholas Haymes, Lina Kutsovskaya.
Gravitating toward nocturnal spaces and marginalized communities, Kitajima uses the night as both subject and metaphor for identity, desire and transformation
Japanese photographer Keizo Kitajima's (born 1954) two series, Photographs of Okinawa (1975–79) and Tokyo 1979, share a deep continuity in spirit and approach, revealing the foundations of his raw, immersive photographic language. Both series emerge from Kitajima's direct participation in the worlds he depicts—whether amid the humid streets and bars of post-reversion Okinawa or the restless nightlife of Tokyo's underground. Shot in stark black and white with harsh flash, the images expose moments of vulnerability and intensity within Japan's shifting social landscape. Although each series was originally self-published separately, Kitajima later announced that their intentions and conclusions are the same. This publication collides the two series together in oversize format, with images as raw and fresh as when first photographed some 50 years ago.
