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“Staggering images”
The Guardian
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“this Japan House show moved me to tears”
The Spectator
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“an exhibition that feels both timely and enduring.”
Aesthetica
Encounter two of Japan’s most exciting photographers – Kawada Kikuji and Iwane Ai – in a rare opportunity to see their thought-provoking works in the UK. Kyotographie (awarded five stars by The Guardian) is the first time both artists have been presented together, with their works displayed in large, immersive projections and prints that make visitors feel part of the images themselves.
Kawada, one of Japan’s most celebrated photographers, has spent eight decades redefining the possibilities of the medium. The exhibition features Chizu (The Map), his landmark photobook examining the scars of the postwar period. Visitors can also experience The Last Cosmology, his series capturing celestial phenomena, alongside new works the 93-year-old regularly posts on social media.
In her first major UK show, Iwane presents Kipuka, her award-winning exploration of the lives of Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. She also shares works from A New River, a haunting series of night-time cherry blossoms photographed in Japan’s northeastern Tо̄hoku region during the COVID-19 crisis, populated with characters from Japanese folk traditions.
Both photographers have featured in the international photography festival Kyotographie, held every year across Kyoto. This exhibition – the first ever photography show at Japan House London – is organized in partnership with Kyotographie International Photography Festival.
This exhibition is supported by Epson UK Ltd.
Photography from Kyotographie: Kawada Kikuji x Iwane Ai
Photography from Kyotographie: Kawada Kikuji x Iwane Ai: a gallery of 5 items.
An interview with Kawada Kikuji:
An interview with Kawada Kikuji:: a gallery of 1 item.
An interview with Iwane AI:
An interview with Iwane AI:: a gallery of 1 item.
Booking tickets
Entry to our Gallery for this exhibition is free and booking guarantees you entry at busy times.
Before making your booking, you might like to note the following:
- The slot on your ticket indicates your chosen arrival time. Please arrive within this slot, as we may not be able to guarantee immediate entry for guests who arrive late.
- Japan House London closes at 20:00 Monday to Saturday and 18:00 on Sunday. Please take this into account when booking your arrival time.
- Our booking system is based on guests spending approximately 40 minutes in the Gallery. There may be occasions when guests are asked to wait outside the Gallery for a short while in order to maintain the appropriate number of visitors inside.
- If you’re part of a large group of 15 or more, please book tickets or contact us (with a ‘Ticketing & Booking’ enquiry type) in advance.
- Guests will also be able to access the Ground Floor, including the Shop, the Stand and our other cultural installations (tickets are not required here).
- If you have any problems booking your ticket, please contact us with your preferred date and time.
Your privacy is important to us. We will use your information to process and manage your booking. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information on how Japan House London processes your personal information.
AKIRA Restaurant offer
All those who book for the exhibition are entitled to 20% off the bill when dining at AKIRA (on the 1st Floor of Japan House London) at lunch time or dinner, Tuesday to Friday. Please see your booking confirmation email for more details.
This offer is valid for one-time use only until 30 October 2026.
Important Information for Visitors
- This exhibition includes areas of low lighting and limited space, as well as fast-moving slide show projections
- Some photographs on display refer to war, disasters (including earthquakes), self-harm and death
- 本展示作品の一部には、東日本大震災・原発事故の被災地の光景が含まれています。ご鑑賞の際はご注意ください。
- Some images contain nudity
- Large bags must be left in our cloakroom
- Dogs are not permitted inside (other than assistance dogs)
The Shop collection
Discover the Kyotographie: Kawada Kikuji x Iwane Ai exhibition collection at the Shop.
The collection brings together exhibition posters and postcards, books exploring Japanese photography, including Traces by Ishiuchi Miyako and Record by Moriyama Daidō, as well as tools for organising and compiling photographs, such as Traveler’s Company photo files and mt washi tape.