Ephemere

Independent Photobook Publishing House

Publisher: Anne Murayama
Found: August 2023
Operations: Tokyo, Japan

ISBN: 978-4-911506


Our Fleeting World

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.


What We Do

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.


What We Do

  • 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.

    Browse / Buy our Publications

    Publish with Ephemere

  • 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.

    Read our online Journal

  • 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.

    Submit to our Open Calls

  • 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.

    Join our Workshops

  • 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.

    Browse our past Exhibitions


Contributors

  • Curator, Publisher

  • Editor

    Khanjan Purohit

  • Writers

    Anil Purohit
    Geng Hui Tan
    Giovannella Pirina
    Guzal Koshbahteeva
    Jiye Kim
    José Herrera
    Kevin Baylon
    Martina Cantore
    Niklas Viola
    Sophie Gray

  • Designers

    April Seo
    Chandler Lemmon
    Elena Bertocchi
    Federico Zavatta
    Juan Luis Salazar

  • Gallery Team

    Jonah Shimizu
    Aira Shimizu

  • 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

  • Social Media

    Tiange Xiang

  • Translators

    Eijiro Hamada
    Hiro Arcode

  • Collaborations

    Angkor Photo Workshops
    Aperture Brought Me Here
    Contrast/Design
    Docu Magazine
    Noice Magazine


Events and Fairs

  • 2024

    Kuala Lumpur Art Book Fair
    Taipei Art Book Fair
    Singapore International Photography Festival
    Indonesia Photo Fair
    Planet of Zines Tokyo

  • 2023

    Tokyo Art Book Fair
    Zine Farm Tokyo (Kichijoji)


Testimonials