The "YOKAINOSHIMA: Charles Fréger" exhibition will be held at Ginza Maison Hermès from February 19th to May 15th. The exhibition will showcase his latest work, "YOKAINOSIMA," which explores 58 locations across the Japanese archipelago and introduces the masked gods and demons unique to Japan that emerge from fields, mountains, forests, and seashores. The exhibition also features over 100 photographs, including "WILDER MANN," which captures the "wild men" who appear in traditional festival rituals across Europe. The exhibition was designed by young architect Junpei Matsushima. Charles Fréger, who visited Japan for the exhibition, said, "Through photography, I was able to spend a rich time with the people I photographed from all over Japan. By photographing the masks and costumes they typically wear at festivals in a different context, I believe I was able to express the vitality of people living within a community."

The exhibition also features a ramp that allows visitors to view the works while climbing, to which Fréger commented, "It evokes the physical experience I have when taking photographs. Meeting the people who live there, encountering the landscape. It's as if I'm reliving that experience in this gallery."

Charles Fréger is a French photographer who has photographed ethnic and traditional costumes, customs, rituals, and festival costumes from around the world in series, capturing the diverse human activities hidden in the land through anthropological and ethnographic portraits. He also pursues portrait photography, examining the impact that belonging to a social group has on athletes, students, soldiers, and others.
【Event Information】
"YOKAINOSHIMA" Charles Fréger Exhibition"
Venue: Ginza Maison Hermès Forum
Address: 8th floor, 5-4-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Dates: February 19th - May 15th
Hours: Monday - Saturday 11:00 - 20:00, Sunday 11:00 - 19:00 (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Admission is free