$147.16
- 16 pages
- 515 x 810 mm
- Edition of 100 copies
- Apr 2025
As part of my lifelong artistic practice, I have self-published “Yuumei(Between this World and the Next)” as a large-format photobook in poster size.
This work is based on the photobook I developed during a workshop hosted by Magnum Photos last year, where I participated with the generous nomination of the Kiyosato Museum of Photographic Arts. The experience of creating the book under the guidance of photographer Rafal Milach and book designer Ania Nalecka-Milach was both inspiring and deeply educational.
The book begins quietly, without a cover—an intentional decision inspired by Rafal’s words: “You are delicate and sensitive, so let’s make a book without skin.” This idea became a central concept in the final design.
The pages are printed on thin, semi-translucent paper that allows images to softly bleed through, evoking a sense of flickering in the light. This texture symbolizes the core theme of Yuumei—the space in-between this world and the next, between reality and the surreal.
Ania also suggested an irregular thread-binding style: “Make it rhythmic, but leave intentional pauses.” The resulting binding—like an arrhythmic heartbeat—has become one of my favorite aspects of the book.
Although the book is printed in a large format typical for photographic works, it holds the tactile presence and quiet impact of an art book—neither just a print collection nor a conventional photobook.
Print: Fujiwara Printing Ltd. (@fujiwara_printing)
Printing Director: Hideaki Hanaoka
Print Production Management: Keita Matsufusa