What defines Japanese photography? Is there a distinctive Japanese photographic aesthetic? In Photography and Japan, Karen Fraser argues that the diversity of styles, subjects and functions of Japanese photography precludes easy categorization along nationalized aesthetic lines. Rather, the development of photography within Japan is best understood by examining its close relationship with the country's dramatic cultural and social history. This book traces 150 years of photography, a period in which Japan has experienced some of the most significant events in modern times.

Author Biography

Karen M. Fraser is Assistant Professor at Santa Clara University in California.