The subject matter of Kamaitachi revolves around a series of enigmatic, high-contrast black-and-white photographs that explore themes of myth, identity, and the supernatural. Eikoh Hosoe’s visual approach is both stark and poetic, employing surreal compositions to evoke the elusive presence of the kamaitachi, a legendary creature in Japanese folklore.

The mood throughout the collection is unsettling yet meditative, with a focus on human figures interacting with natural landscapes in ways that blur the boundaries between reality and myth. The photographs emphasize texture, shadow, and form, revealing a tension between fragility and menace.

Published in 2009, this 112-page collection is a significant entry in Hosoe’s oeuvre, showcasing his interest in theatricality and the body as a site for symbolic exploration.