Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Haruto Hoshi
Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Photographs: Haruto Hoshi

Publisher: Zen Foto Gallery

120 pages

Pictures: 117

Year: 2024

ISBN: 978-4-910244-38-9

Comments: Hardcover, 20 x 20 cm. Limited edition of 700 copies. Signed copy.

sold

In the early 2000s, Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward underwent several major changes: new, more accessible shopping complexes and entertainment centers were built, and Kabukicho was made less lawless. As a result, the area became friendlier and more attractive to new visitors. But, says Haruto Hoshi in his afterword to "Shinjuku 1999-2008," it also lost some of its unique charm, chaos, and diversity.
In roughly 120 photographs taken around the time of these developments, Hoshi captures a sense of the Shinjuku he now seems to miss. His brilliant black-and-white snapshots (most taken at night) focus on people: hosts in front of their clubs, policemen breaking up a fight, friends drinking beer, a girl in a school uniform taking a cigarette break, someone lighting fireworks. Edited by Michitaka Ota (Sokyusha) and framed by black margins on each page, the photographs suggest a sense of the endless possibilities of a Tokyo night out; you just have to meet the right person. Hoshi, it seems, has been very lucky in this regard. In his photographs, people become characters.

“Nowadays, I don’t often get the chance to visit Shinjuku, but I sometimes wander aimlessly around Kabukicho between errands. As I watch people passing by, I sometimes stop and look at people or situations that catch my eye. But I don’t photograph them anymore. The area is busy and crowded, but the nights when I felt excited just by being there seem long gone. Now I even feel relieved at the distance between Shinjuku and me.

But no matter how much the people, the city and myself have changed, I cannot help but feel that one day I will be strongly drawn to the power of human survival that will probably emanate from somewhere in this area.”
― from Haruto Hoshi’s afterword


Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)

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Haruto Hoshi,Shinjuku 1999–2008 (Signed)