Published by Phaidon Press in 2001 as part of its acclaimed “55” series, this volume offers a concise and powerful retrospective of Shomei Tomatsu, one of the most influential figures in postwar Japanese photography. Written by photo historian Ian Jeffrey, the book features 55 chronologically arranged photographs that trace Tomatsu’s unique blend of symbolism and realism. From his raw documentation of the atomic bomb’s aftermath in Nagasaki to his critical lens on the Americanization of Japanese culture through series like “Chewing Gum and Chocolate,” the book provides a vital entry point into Tomatsu’s exploration of Japan’s evolving identity. Each image is paired with insightful commentary, contextualizing his work within the broader historical and artistic landscape of the 20th century.
