Photographer Naoko Kumagai's straightforward photographs capture the heart. An exhibition commemorating the publication of her first full-scale collection, "Red River" (published by TISSUE PAPERS), is running at Book Obscura in Kichijoji until December 4th.

"This is my life, but it's also someone else's."

The collection "Red River" is a record of the six years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, in which she regularly photographed her mother, who lives far away, and reflected on the things that truly connect us as we are born and disappear, meet and part. This is the first fully-fledged collection from photographer Naoko Kumagai, who has worked on portraits of numerous artists and actors, to create a completely personal collection. "I began visiting Kesennuma after the Tohoku earthquake in 2011. In November of that year, my mother, who lived alone far away, suffered a subarachnoid stroke, developed dementia, and began living in a nursing home. As I broke down in tears every day, it was my mother in Kesennuma who kindly told me, 'Live your life.' Her words seeped into me, as if my own mother were speaking to me, and a new emotion was born within me: 'We are born and we die; this is an equal gift given to everyone. We cannot change the past, and we certainly do not know what the future holds. So, I want to live this life to the fullest.' This photo book, 'Red River,' captures all of those feelings from the past six years. I hope you will take your time to enjoy it, preferably in the morning light." (Comment by Naoko Kumagai) The exhibition is filled with Kumagai's desire to see the landscapes that lie ahead, the landscapes that we ourselves choose and connect despite being tossed about by the torrent of cause and effect. An opening reception will be held on November 26th, followed by a talk event on December 2nd with photographer Keiko Nomura, whom Kumagai admires and whose work Kumagai describes as "exuding a strong scent of life," to discuss themes that underlie both artists' expressions, such as "life and death, and being a woman." Advance reservations for the talk event must be made by email (applications: bookobscura@indoorbooks.jp, contact: Kurosaki). To apply, please write "Kumagaya Talk Event," specifying the names, number of participants, and contact information. Participation fees are payable on the day.