In October 2025, Spiral Garden in Aoyama, Tokyo, will host an exhibition entitled "Leica 100 Years: A Century Witnessing the World" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Leica's first mass-produced 35mm camera, the Leica I. The exhibition will run from October 18th to 26th.
*Image is for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Leica
A revolutionary compact camera opened up new horizons in photography
Introduced at the Leipzig Spring Fair in Germany in 1925, the Leica I was a compact, highly portable 35mm camera that stood out from the large-format cameras of the time. It instantly transformed photography culture. This camera, which made it possible to capture every moment, revolutionized the way photojournalism and street photography were undertaken, and laid the foundation for the evolution of photography both as an art form and as a record of events.
Courtesy of Leica
This exhibition will look back on 100 years of Leica's innovation and will be held in Tokyo as the final event of the commemorative celebrations held around the world, "100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century (1925–2025)."
Courtesy of Leica
The Perspectives of Photographers Who Have "Witnessed the World" with Leica
To reaffirm the deep connection between Leica and the culture of photography, the exhibition will introduce famous cameras and stories from the past 100 years, as well as exhibit works by world-renowned photographers. Of particular note will be the exhibition of photographs by Leica Hall of Fame Award recipients. The sharp yet poetic gaze of photographers who have captured the world through Leica will lead viewers to a moment in time.
© Steve McCurry Peschawar, Pakistan 2002/Courtesy of Leica
©Eliott Erwitt Dog with a Rose, NYC, 1993/Courtesy of Leica
Camera as a Culture Built by the Leica Brand
With a history spanning more than 150 years, Leica Camera AG is known worldwide as a premium brand that embodies German craftsmanship in camera and lens manufacturing. In recent years, the company has entered the mobile imaging field for smartphones, continuing to innovate. The company is also actively committed to promoting and passing on the culture of photography, operating approximately 30 Leica Galleries around the world. It also sponsors the Leica Academy, an educational institution, and the Leica Hall of Fame Award and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA), which honor the achievements of photographers.
Leica has been building a century-long legacy, and its passion for photography is evident in this rare opportunity. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience its story.
Courtesy of Leica
About Leica Camera AG
Leica Camera AG is a global premium manufacturer and distributor of cameras, lenses, and sports optics, boasting a history spanning more than 150 years. In recent years, as part of its growth strategy, the company has expanded its business domains, entering the mobile imaging (smartphone) field. The company also manufactures high-quality eyeglass lenses and watches, and has entered the home cinema market with its own projectors. Headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany, the company operates a second factory in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal. Leica Camera AG has a global sales network with its own sales companies and over 120 Leica stores worldwide. The company currently employs approximately 2,400 people and reported sales of €554 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Leica is synonymous with the highest standards of quality, German craftsmanship, and industrial design combined with innovative technology. As part of its activities leveraging the power of its brand, the company is committed to promoting photographic culture through the establishment of approximately 30 Leica Galleries around the world, the Leica Academy, and the hosting of international awards such as the Leica Hall of Fame Award and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA).
*Image is for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of LeicaA revolutionary compact camera opened up new horizons in photography
Introduced at the Leipzig Spring Fair in Germany in 1925, the Leica I was a compact, highly portable 35mm camera that stood out from the large-format cameras of the time. It instantly transformed photography culture. This camera, which made it possible to capture every moment, revolutionized the way photojournalism and street photography were undertaken, and laid the foundation for the evolution of photography both as an art form and as a record of events.
Courtesy of LeicaThis exhibition will look back on 100 years of Leica's innovation and will be held in Tokyo as the final event of the commemorative celebrations held around the world, "100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century (1925–2025)."
Courtesy of LeicaThe Perspectives of Photographers Who Have "Witnessed the World" with Leica
To reaffirm the deep connection between Leica and the culture of photography, the exhibition will introduce famous cameras and stories from the past 100 years, as well as exhibit works by world-renowned photographers. Of particular note will be the exhibition of photographs by Leica Hall of Fame Award recipients. The sharp yet poetic gaze of photographers who have captured the world through Leica will lead viewers to a moment in time.
© Steve McCurry Peschawar, Pakistan 2002/Courtesy of Leica©Eliott Erwitt Dog with a Rose, NYC, 1993/Courtesy of LeicaCamera as a Culture Built by the Leica Brand
With a history spanning more than 150 years, Leica Camera AG is known worldwide as a premium brand that embodies German craftsmanship in camera and lens manufacturing. In recent years, the company has entered the mobile imaging field for smartphones, continuing to innovate. The company is also actively committed to promoting and passing on the culture of photography, operating approximately 30 Leica Galleries around the world. It also sponsors the Leica Academy, an educational institution, and the Leica Hall of Fame Award and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA), which honor the achievements of photographers.
Leica has been building a century-long legacy, and its passion for photography is evident in this rare opportunity. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience its story.
Courtesy of LeicaExhibition Overview
Title: 100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century (1925–2025)
Dates: Saturday, October 18, 2025 – Sunday, October 26, 2025
Venue: Spiral Garden (Spiral 1F), 5-6-23 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (scheduled)
Admission: Free, advance reservations required. *Dates and times are subject to change.
Title: 100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century (1925–2025)
Dates: Saturday, October 18, 2025 – Sunday, October 26, 2025
Venue: Spiral Garden (Spiral 1F), 5-6-23 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (scheduled)
Admission: Free, advance reservations required. *Dates and times are subject to change.
About Leica Camera AG
Leica Camera AG is a global premium manufacturer and distributor of cameras, lenses, and sports optics, boasting a history spanning more than 150 years. In recent years, as part of its growth strategy, the company has expanded its business domains, entering the mobile imaging (smartphone) field. The company also manufactures high-quality eyeglass lenses and watches, and has entered the home cinema market with its own projectors. Headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany, the company operates a second factory in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal. Leica Camera AG has a global sales network with its own sales companies and over 120 Leica stores worldwide. The company currently employs approximately 2,400 people and reported sales of €554 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Leica is synonymous with the highest standards of quality, German craftsmanship, and industrial design combined with innovative technology. As part of its activities leveraging the power of its brand, the company is committed to promoting photographic culture through the establishment of approximately 30 Leica Galleries around the world, the Leica Academy, and the hosting of international awards such as the Leica Hall of Fame Award and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA).
