Daido Moriyama’s first four photobooks to be published in English for the first time
- Text by Isaac Muk
- Photography by Daido Moriyama
Quartet — A new anthology collates Japan, A Photo Theater, A Hunter, Farewell Photography and Light and Shadow, alongside journal entries and memoranda.
Daido Moriyama’s first four photobooks are set to be published in English for the first time.
The anthology, Daido Moriyama: Quartet, features Japan,A Photo Theater; A Hunter; Farewell Photography and Light and Shadow, and will be published by Thames & Hudson on August 28.
Published between 1968 and 1982, Moriyama explored the grittier sides of Japan’s post-war economic boom, often referred to as the ‘Japanese economic miracle’, as it opened up to outside influence and globalisation.
With the legendary photographer’s signature are, bure, boke style (grainy, blurry, out-of-focus), created with cheap compact cameras, Moriyama scoured the backstreets of Shinjuku and Osaka, capturing the urban grit that often escaped the initial eye and reimagining the possibilities of photography.
On top of the original work, Daido Moriyama: Quartet will feature diary entries, memoranda and journals, which give insight into Moriyama’s creative process.
Across the late ’60s and ’70s, Moriyama became one of Japan’s most recognised and notable photographers, and a leader of its avant-garde art scene. He remained prolific in the aftermath, publishing over 150 photobooks to date.
There will also be analysis from curator Mark Holborn, who edited the book and penned an introduction.
Daido Moriyama: Quartet, edited by Mark Holborn, will be published by Thames & Hudson on August 28. Pre-order it here.
Isaac Muk is Huck’s digital editor. Follow him on Bluesky.
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