TAKAO, Niikura. [Safety -Zone 1961-1991].

(Tokyo): Bijutsu Shuppan-Sha, 1991.  First edition.  Hardcover.  26.4cm by 19cm.  225cm.  Foreword by Kiyoshi Otsuji.  A substantial thirty-year retrospective of Niikura’s photographic work, bringing together images made between 1961 and 1991. The volume is arranged in discrete sections corresponding to major bodies of Niikura’s work, including: At Karuizawa; Shōnan — Seaside Memory; People Seen in Yokohama; Boxing-Gym; New York 1973; and Shōwa Safety Era. The sequencing forms a chronological and thematic arc tracing Niikura’s development from early documentary scenes of provincial Japan through to urban portraiture, street observation and international work. A “Shooting Memo” follows the plate section, providing technical and contextual notes on individual series.  A very good copy in dust jacket with obi.  Tear and stain to obi at spine otherwise a very nice copy of this work that offers a significant contribution to post-war Japanese documentary and “konpora” photography.