Kazumasa Ogawa

He was a representative Japanese photographer and publisher of the Meiji era. Not only did he contribute to the improvement of photography techniques, he was also well versed in printing technology and made a major contribution to the development of photography culture in Japan, including the introduction of photoengraving and collotype printing.

Kazuma Ogawa Biography

• Born on September 29, 1860 in Saitama Prefecture.
• In 1875, he studied photography in Yokohama.
• In 1880, he traveled to the United States and learned printing techniques in Boston.
• In 1884, he returned to Japan and opened a photography studio.
• In 1889, he introduced collotype printing technology and published "Photographic Collection of Japan."
• He died on September 6, 1929 (aged 68).

Representative works

• Photographs of Japan (1889)
• "Album of Beauties" (1890s)
• Album of Tokyo Landscapes (1890s)
• Collection of Historical Photographs of Japan (1910)

Ogawa's photographs are characterized by beautiful composition, skillful use of light and shadow, and a delicate sensitivity to capture the expressions and atmosphere of his subjects. He photographed a wide range of genres, including landscapes, people, and still lifes, and left a record of traditional Japanese culture and customs.

In particular, the "Photographic Collection of Japan," printed using collotype printing, is highly regarded as a valuable resource that vividly conveys the scenery and culture of Japan at that time. Also, the "Photographic Album of Beautiful Women" contains works that capture the beauty of women in the Meiji period.

In addition to his work as a photographer, Ogawa also devoted himself to the dissemination of photographic techniques, publishing photography magazines and establishing photography schools, among other endeavors, and contributing to the development of Japan's photography scene.