Naoki is a photographer born in 1950 in Nara prefecture. He studied in the US, originally aspired to become a painter, later shifting to photography because of his affinity for working with people. After flourishing as a photographer in the fashion mecca of Milan and London, he returned to Japan in 1987. He established a commercial agency in Tokyo, the first of its kind in Japan, called Face to Face, for the management of models, photographers, and hair- and make-up artists. In 1995, he published a photography book titled “Ordinal”, accompanied by exhibits in Tokyo and Paris. In 2004, his photography book “Real Faces” was published by Shufunotomo Co. Ltd. As one of the few top fashion photographers in Japan, he has done works for countless fashion magazines and in advertisements. He has been involved in launching many magazines. He is also known for his talent for discovering models, producing shoots and directing hair and make-up. In recent years, he has held workshops for the training of models and photographers. Naoki held the photo exhibit “Summer Diary” in Sifinos at the Logos Gallery in Shibuya Parco in 2008, and the exhibit “Shibuya Kawaii Style” at the Blitz Gallery (Art Photo Site Tokyo) in 2009. His ongoing theme is to portray 21st century Japanese girls, as someone whos’ shot fashion internationally, and seen many models to grow up over many years.
A talk with Naoki
What’s the final aim you have achieved with “Mood – 9 Girls”?
Naoki : To show absolute beauty.
How would it have been different if you had done the same project at the beginning of your career in Japan ?
N : Most important thing is to pursue originality that have never changed since I started photography and will not change even if the subject of my work may have changed over the years.
What are the suggestions he can give to a young photographer interested to work in the Japanese photography industry ?
N : Just keep on taking photos.
Eliseo Barbàra
京都グラフィー 国際写真フェスティバル
Kyotographie International Photography Festival
From April 13 to May 6, 2013
CHANEL NEXUS HALL presents Naoki
Nijo Castle Ninomaru Palace Kitchen
541 Nijo-jo-cho, Horikawa-nishiiru
Nijo-dori, Nagagyo-ku
Kyoto, 603-8146
Japan
