Photographer Akiko Tsunoda's long-standing Santa Claus-themed photo exhibition will be held simultaneously at two venues, GALLEY MUVEIL in Aoyama, Tokyo, and Book Obscura in Kichijoji, Tokyo, from December 7th to 25th.


This year marks Akiko Tsunoda's sixth year of photographing Santa Clauses around the world, a life's work. At Gallery Muveil in Aoyama, an exhibition titled "THE SANTA PARADISE - Japan's Santa Claus' 20th Summer" will be held, showcasing photographs of Paradise Yamamoto, an official Santa Claus of the Greenland International Santa Claus Association, who was appointed the first officially certified Santa Claus in Asia this summer, accompanied by Akiko Tsunoda, on his journey to the 60th World Santa Claus Congress, along with a congratulatory message.


Meanwhile, at Book Obscura in Kichijoji, an exhibition titled "JULTOMTEN ~ Swedish Santas" was held. Akiko Tsunoda wanted to learn more about the work of individual Santas, who we've often met in groups up until now. She exhibited photographs from her visit to the home of a Santa Claus officially recognized by the Swedish Santa Claus Association in the winter of 2016. The title, "JULTOMTEN," is the Swedish word for Santa Claus, with "Yule" meaning Christmas and "Tomte" meaning fairy. We'll introduce you to the lovely Yule Tomte, a cat with a striking tricorn hat who lives in Gärívare, a town rich in nature located about 100km north of the Arctic Circle in Lapland, northern Sweden.

In addition, from 6pm on December 16th, Book Obscura will be hosting a talk event where Akiko Tsunoda will unravel the story of Santa, a character she has been pursuing for some time. She will share behind-the-scenes stories about Santa and stories from his travels over hot cocoa or coffee. Reservations are required for the talk event. To make a reservation, please email (bookobscura@indoorbooks.jp) under the title "Akiko Tsunoda Talk Event" and include the names, number of participants, and contact information.