On The Street 2 is the second edition in photographer Yuta Fuchikami’s growing collection of Tokyo street portraits. A member of the artist run space Totem Pole Photo Gallery in Shinjuku, his methods are simple- he shoots with a well worn Pentax 67 medium format camera with the standard 105mm lens and Kodak black and white film. The negatives he then prints in a traditional darkroom.
His subjects- people he encounters on the streets of Tokyo- offer a glimpse of vulnerability which Fuchikami meets with a grace which many might not normally receive. The skill with which this young photographer is able to direct his subjects with is impressive. The pictures are respectfully shot, often beautifully composed, and naturally lit. I have a feeling that each person pictured would feel proud of what they see. You can see further examples of his work on his website: fuchikamiyuta.com
The quality of On The Street has likely earned Fuchikami a seat at the table of Tokyo’s great street portraitists- his work is in conversation with that by photographers such Issei Suda, Hiroh Kikai, and Shinya Arimoto. Those interested in solid street portraits in the vein of Arimoto will no doubt be pleased with this book.
Fuchikami’s 32 page book, published by Stairs Press, is priced at 2000 yen a copy and is available to order online here.