Japanese Women Photographers: From 1950s to Now

This landmark exhibition rewrites the story of Japanese photography through the eyes of women. Japanese Women Photographers spotlights the work of 27 groundbreaking artists, from the 1950s to today, whose perspectives have shaped how Japan sees itself, and how it is seen by the world.

Spanning identity, pop culture, fashion and everyday life, the exhibition celebrates internationally renowned Japanese women photographers, alongside those who have long been overlooked. The result is a powerful rebalancing of a history too often told through a single, male-dominated lens.

From pioneering figures of the post-war era to today's most daring and experimental voices, the exhibition takes over The Photographers' Gallery this summer with more than 200 photographs, videos, installations and rare photobooks. Together, Japanese Women Photographers is a vivid, intimate and expansive portrait of Japan, revealing how women artists have challenged conventions, captured social change and redefined photography across generations.

The featured artists include: HARA Mikiko, HIROMIX, ISHIKAWA Mao, ISHIUCHI Miyako, KATAYAMA Mari, KAWAUCHI Rinko, KOMATSU Hiroko, KON Michiko, NAGASHIMA Yurie, NARAHASHI Asako, NINAGAWA Mika, NISHIMURA Tamiko, NOGUCHI Rika, NOMURA Sakiko, OKABE Momo, OKANOUE Toshiko, ONODERA Yuki, SAWADA Tomoko, SHIGA Lieko, SUGIURA Kunie, TAWADA Yuki, TOKIWA Toyoko, TOMOKO Yoneda, USHIODA Tokuko, WATANABE Hitomi, YAMAZAWA Eiko, YANAGI Miwa.

Artists are listed with their surname first.

Admission: £12 (Concs: £9). Members and Friday evenings after 5pm: free.

24 June – 27 September 2026.

Find out more info or book your tickets on https://thephotographersgallery.org.uk/whats-on/japanese-women-photographers-1950s-now