Akihiko Okamura

Photographer Akihiko Okamura was born in 1929 in Tokyo. He began training in medicine but dropped out, joining the editorial team at New Weekly in 1961. Assigned to a story in Bangkok, he turned to photography, going on to record international conflicts.

He distinguished himself as a very important war photographer in Vietnam in the 1960s. There, he photographed, among others, the prisoners of war held by the Vietcong after he himself was held by them for 53 days. His work appeared in Life and other major publications at the time.

Constantly striving to tell the story of conflicts and of human rights violations, Okamura’s photojournalism took him to conflict zones from Ethiopia to Biafra, and Northern Ireland. He cited his own “dark memory” of childhood terror in Tokyo under Second World War bombing attacks as the source of his urge to tell the story of conflicts through pictures. Akihiko Okamura settled in Ireland with his family in 1969 and lived there until he passed away in 1985.

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The Memories of Others Photobook

Photobook
The Memories of Others

11 APRIL – 06 JULY 2024

Delve into the captivating world of Akihiko Okamura’s Irish photography with the stunning photobook, The Memories of Others. Edited by Pauline Vermare and published by Atelier EXB and Prestel, this remarkable volume offers a profound exploration of Okamura’s unique perspective on Ireland’s tumultuous history.

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From the colonial era to the Troubles and beyond, Okamura’s lens captures the essence of Ireland’s evolving narrative. Through his intriguing Kodachrome images, he transcends traditional photojournalism, offering a poetic reflection on the complexities of post-colonial repression and social upheaval. The book features over 70 stunning colour images meticulously curated from Okamura’s archive.

Okamura’s photographs reveal a deep empathy for Ireland and its people, reflecting his quest for peace amidst turmoil. With a delicate balance of detachment and intimacy, he uncovers the beauty in everyday moments, from quiet contemplation to defiant resilience. Accompanying the images are insightful texts contributed by renowned historians and experts in Japanese and Irish photography, offering enriching perspectives on Okamura’s work and its historical significance.

Through meticulous research and collaboration, this publication sheds light on the enigmatic photographer’s life and work, offering new insights into his profound impact on both Japanese and Irish history. Explore Ireland’s past and present with The Memories of Others photobook. This captivating volume invites you to rediscover the power of storytelling through Okamura’s lens.

This photobook accompanies the exhibition “Akihiko Okamura – The Memories of Others,” presented at Photo Museum Ireland, Dublin, from April 11 to July 6, 2024.

Published by Prestel, in partnership with Photo Museum Ireland.

ISBN: 978-3-7913-9324-7

Visit www.prestel.com for more information and to order your copy.