Young Men, Niida, Akita City (1952)
In Japan, the highest honor for an emerging photographer is the Ihei Kimura Award. Established in 1975, it celebrates outstanding photographic achievements and is named after the man who helped redefine Japanese photography — Ihei Kimura.
Born in 1901, Kimura was fascinated by cameras from a young age. A pivotal moment came in 1929 when he saw the captain of the Graf Zeppelin with a Leica around his neck — inspiring Kimura to buy his own. That Leica became a lifelong companion and a key to his revolutionary style.
In 1930, Kimura began his professional career in the advertising department of a soap company. A year later, his photos caused a stir at a Tokyo exhibition, cementing his belief in realism and earning him wide acclaim. He later became president of the Japan Photographers Association and, in 1954, the first Japanese photographer to document Europe.
Near Yushima Tenjin, Tokyo (1953)
Kimura’s choice of the small, discreet Leica in an era dominated by bulky cameras allowed him to capture spontaneous, intimate moments. His candid, elegant style earned him the nickname “the Japanese Cartier-Bresson” — and even led to a rare portrait of Cartier-Bresson himself.
He excelled in portraiture, too. Whether photographing celebrities like Hideko Takamine or ordinary people, he had a gift for revealing inner truths. Takamine once recalled how he would casually chat over tea and finish a shoot before she noticed. His trademark style included soft focus, shallow depth of field, and quiet elegance.
Despite advances in camera technology, Kimura remained loyal to Leica. At the launch of the Nikon F, he reportedly laughed: “As long as I have my Leica, that’s enough for me.”
Mother and child, Uchiotomo, Omagari (1959)
Near the end of his life, Kimura reflected on what makes a great photographer:
“You have to step into ordinary people’s lives, understand their way of living, and somehow communicate human truth… That decisive moment — if you see it and then press the shutter, it’s already too late… Instinct isn’t just instinct — it’s the product of technique and accumulated experience.”
His philosophy contrasts with today’s fast-paced world of social media, where photography often chases instant impact. Kimura’s message is clear: slow down, immerse yourself, and build readiness through years of experience.
The essence of photography, he believed, lies not in likes or trends but in story, emotion, and humanity. True depth comes not from shortcuts or copying others, but from persistent practice and understanding the world you photograph.
Kimura’s legacy is a call to patience, presence, and respect for your subjects. Only by doing the work — over time — can instinct become second nature and allow you to capture moments that last.
