Book of the Week: A Pick by Yumi Goto

Tsugaru by Kojima Ichiro.
Izu Photo Museum and NOHARA, 2014.

This week's Book of the Week pick comes from Yumi Goto who has selected Tsugaru by Kojima Ichiro published by Izu Photo Museum and NOHARA.

"The late Kojima Ichiro's Tsugaru was reprinted in 2014. This is my all-time favorite photobook. Taking on the role of a storyteller, he collaborated with the poet Kyozo Takagi and the writer Yojiro Ishizaka on the book. They both come from the same region as Kojima. These elements together eloquently help to convey Kojima's visual story and photographic record of his birthplace. The photobook is a traditional recording medium in photography with its own set of limitations in its ability to illustrate a story. Back in Kojima's time, this multi-layered range of expressions would really be challenging the boundaries of the medium. At his exhibition at the Izu photo museum, there was a quote of his that said, 'I really wish I only live for 'Photography' and dedicate all my heart to it.' It is rather more to be a person whose very soul is about photography rather than just producing the work, and Kojima's own nature is based on photography. He's truly an inspiration. His work has been so little known, and it is hoped that this book will help to highlight the great Kojima Ichiro in Japanese photographic history. He must not be forgotten and should be appreciated by a greater audience. This reprinted edition has an English translation."—Yumi Goto

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Tsugaru by Kojima Ichiro. Izu Photo Museum and NOHARA, 2014.

Yumi Goto is an independent photography curator, editor, researcher consultant and publisher who focuses on the development of cultural exchanges that transcend borders. She collaborates with local and international artists who live and work in areas affected by conflict, natural disasters, current social problems, human rights abuses and women’s issues. She often works with human rights advocates, international and local NGOs, humanitarian organizations and as well as being involved as a nominator and juror for the international photographic organizations, festivals and events. She is now based in Tokyo and also a co-founder and curator for the Reminders Photography Stronghold.
http://reminders-project.org

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Book of the Week: A Pick by Yumi Goto