E V E R Y T H I N G I S
ephemere.
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The term éphémère /eh-feh-mer/ comes from the French, meaning short-lived. It is embodied through mono no aware, a Japanese concept that refers to the pathos of the impermanence of all things, or a sensitivity to ephemera. Akin to the splendor of a dandelion, everything has a beginning and an end. The awareness and acceptance of life’s transient nature inspire people to cherish and fully live in the present moment.
Photography captures moments in time and freezes them for posterity, serving as a reminder that nothing lasts forever. Each moment quickly becomes a mere memory, including people, places, and things contained in them. The very act of taking pictures acknowledges the fragility of memory and that every moment is worth capturing before it’s gone.
At ephemere., we regard photography as more than just a valuable means of visual expression; it is a powerful portal for making significant and even immortalizing fragments of our fleeting world. Here, we reflect on the transience of life, revere the delicate beauty of ephemerality, and revel in its strong impact on our daily lives.
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Tokyo is a mecca of all things photography, and we are over the moon to play a part in advocating visual literacy through meaningful photography. We envision a world that appreciates the wonder of everything ephemeral and aims to make a lasting impact on the art form.
‘Seeing through photography’ is our motto—embracing compelling images, visuals that stir the senses, and narratives that speak to the soul. We support all genres of photography and take pleasure in all photo-based art, with a special focus on providing non-Japanese artists an opportunity to showcase their work in Japan.
ephemere. is dedicated to expanding the world of photography through impactful initiatives. We transform visual stories into cherished Publications, offer enriching Workshops, curate immersive Exhibitions, and provide a dynamic platform for artistic dialogue in our Journal. Our Open Calls invite international and emerging artists to connect with a broader audience, fostering a vibrant and inclusive creative community in Tokyo and beyond.
Publications
ephemere. transforms powerful visual stories into impactful photo books and zines, turning images into cherished objects that evoke deep emotion and meaning. By collaborating closely with artists, we ensure that each publication not only highlights compelling narratives but also receives top-notch presentations through Japan’s renowned printing quality. With international exposure through art fairs and festivals, our Publications foster a vibrant community dedicated to elevating visual storytelling and enriching the global arts scene. We invite passionate photographers to join our growing community and bring their stories to life through beautifully crafted publications.
Workshops
ephemere. views photography as a profound language that deserves to be understood and expanded. Our Workshops offer a unique opportunity for photographers to refine their creative practices through hands-on sessions, personalized guidance, and practical feedback. Participants gain access to a supportive community and expert mentors, enhancing their skills in visual storytelling and photo book making, while fostering collaboration and growth within a thriving artistic environment. We are looking for photographers who would like to share their expertise, knowledge, and talent and become one of our Workshop mentors.
Exhibitions
ephemere. curates immersive exhibitions that showcase a diverse range of photographic perspectives, providing a platform for voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard. Our Exhibitions are designed to engage audiences deeply and foster a greater appreciation for visual storytelling, with a special focus on emerging and international artists. By offering a thoughtfully curated setting and personal attention, we help expand artists’ reach and enrich the artistic community in Tokyo and beyond. We welcome photographers who are keen on showcasing their work.
Journal
ephemere. is a dynamic platform that delves into the stories behind our artistic collaborations, featuring exclusive interviews and highlights from our events and book fairs. Our online Journal amplifies the voices of photographers and writers, including those beyond our immediate scope, who contribute to the rich tapestry of visual storytelling. Through this space, contributors and readers alike can engage with the broader creative community and explore the impact of photography in new and meaningful ways. We are looking for designers who can help us with our publications, writers who can help us interview artists, and creatives who would like to help us build a community.
Open Calls
ephemere. hones visual literacy through group exhibitions and collective publications, inviting a diverse range of artists to showcase their work. Collaborating with experienced Guest Curators and skilled creatives, our Open Calls offer broad exposure and thematic exploration, with an emphasis on accessibility through free entry options. By partnering with individuals and platforms, we aim to enhance the visibility of emerging and established artists, fostering a vibrant and inclusive global photography community. We are looking for collaborators who’d like to work with us in our next Open Calls.
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From our dedicated curator-publisher to our talented guest curators, collaborators, designers, and writers, ephemere. is driven by a global team of passionate photographers and photography enthusiasts.
Their collective dedication and creativity are the heartbeat of our mission to celebrate and advance the art of visual storytelling.
We are also comprised of the talented photographers who work with us, submit their work to our projects, and the supporters who engage with and purchase our publications.
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Curator, Publisher
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Gallery Team
Jonah Shimizu
Aira Shimizu -
Collaborations
Angkor Photo Workshops
Aperture Brought Me Here
Contrast/Design
Docu Magazine
Noice Magazine -
Guest Curators
Aji Susanto Anom
Cécil Baldewyns
Colin Czerwinski
Guido Gazzilli
Jim Herrington
Joe Grant
Marci Lindsay
Satomi Sugiyama
Susana Barberà
Trey Derbes
Wuthipol Ujathammarat -
Designers
April Seo
Chandler Lemmon
Elena Bertocchi
Federico Zavatta
Juan Luis Salazar -
Writers
Anil Purohit
Geng Hui Tan
Giovannella Pirina
Guzal Koshbahteeva
Jiye Kim
José Herrera
Kevin Baylon
Martina Cantore
Niklas Viola
Sophie Gray -
Editor
Khanjan Purohit
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Translators
Eijiro Hamada
Hiro Arcode -
Social Media
Tiange Xiang
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Events
Kuala Lumpur Art Book Fair 2024
Taiwan Art Book Fair 2024
Singapore International Photography Festival 2024
Indonesia Photo Fair 2024
Planet of Zines Tokyo
Tokyo Art Book Fair 2023
Zine Farm Tokyo (Kichijoji)
I S E V E R Y T H I N G