Ihei Kimura (1901–1974) was a prominent Japanese photographer renowned for his humanist approach to street and documentary photography. He began his career in the 1920s, opening a studio in Nippori, Tokyo, before becoming a central figure in the development of 'New Photography' (Shinkō shashin) in Japan during the 1930s. Kimura was known for his mastery of the Leica camera and his ability to capture candid moments of everyday life, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to rural villages in Akita Prefecture. During World War II, he worked as a photographer for various publishers, including Tōhō-sha. In 1950, he was elected chairman of the Japan Professional Photographers Society (JPS). His work has been exhibited internationally, notably at the Rencontres d'Arles in 2004 and included in Edward Steichen's 'The Family of Man' exhibition at MoMA in 1955. He is remembered as a visual storyteller who shaped Japan's photographic identity.[1,2]
Select Pictures by Ihei Kimura1954 · Asahi Shinbunsha · book · JapaneseA book of generous format (30×21 cm) that presents 132 photographs representing all facets of Kimura's work.
Japan through a Leica1938 · Sanseido · book · EnglishISBN 4-336-04488-0One hundred photographs of Japan.
Impression of Europe1956 · Asahi Shinbunsha · book · JapaneseKimura Ihee gaiyū shashinshū: Dai nikai.
At a Shipyard1958 · Heibonsha · book · EnglishZōsenjo no inshō.
The Shōwa period of Ihei Kimura1990 · Chikuma · book · JapaneseISBN 4-480-05139-2Tanuma Takeyoshi, ed.
Exhibitions
2004Ihei Kimura: The Man with the CameraNational Museum of Modern Art, Tokyosolo
1994Ihei Kimura and AkitaAkita Senshu Museum of Art, Akitasolo
Awards
Kimura Ihei AwardEstablished in his honor for new photographers
