Japanese imaging companies, such as Canon, Fujifilm, and Sony, are widely recognized globally. However, Japan's connection to photography extends far beyond these contemporary brands, tracing its origins to the mid-19th century, a period when photography itself was in its nascent stages. This rich history is now being celebrated in a new exhibition.
The Fujifilm Square Photo History Museum in Tokyo is currently presenting an exhibition titled "How Japan Became a Photography Powerhouse: The Beginnings." This collection features approximately 30 rare items, including historical photographs, photographic equipment, and books, all sourced from the Fujifilm Photo Collection. This significant collection was initially compiled to commemorate the Fujifilm Group's 80th anniversary in 2014. It encompasses works from 101 of Japan's most distinguished photographers, spanning from the late Edo and Meiji periods to the present day. Additionally, the exhibition highlights a vast array of reference materials that were crucial to the pioneers who diligently developed domestically produced photographic film since Fujifilm's establishment in 1934.
Photography first arrived in Japan roughly 190 years ago, less than a decade after the daguerreotype was introduced in France, presumably via a Dutch vessel in Nagasaki. Initially, Western photographic techniques were largely unknown in Japan, but the Tokugawa shogunate and other interested domains enlisted scholars, such as Kawamoto Kōmin, to conduct research and experiments. The early 1860s marked a pivotal moment with the advent of the wet collodion process, which made photography more practical and somewhat more accessible. As Japan opened its borders, foreign photographers brought invaluable technical expertise, leading to a flourishing Japanese photography culture from the late 1860s onward, establishing the groundwork for its future as a photography leader. The current Fujifilm exhibition showcases photographs from the 1870s to the 1890s, alongside vintage photographic gear and literature from the late Edo and Meiji eras.
Despite significant advancements in technology and changes in our environment, the fundamental value of photography remains constant. It serves as an irreplaceable medium that captures a spectrum of human emotions and experiences, from joy to sorrow, inspiration, and love. Photographs allow us to revisit cherished memories and scenes from the past, enabling us to relive moments from childhood, school days, or family gatherings, and transporting us back in time. Fujifilm reaffirms its steadfast dedication to sustaining and advancing photographic culture, ensuring that this powerful art form continues to enrich our lives. The exhibition runs until September 17th, offering a unique opportunity to explore Japan's profound photographic legacy.