At Leica Gallery Kyoto
The talk show of Mr.Marco Bischof, Son of Werner Bischof and Ms.Junko Ogawa, former director of Magnum Japan took place at Leica Gallery Kyoto in Jan 17th, 2026. Fortunately I could join the talk show. It was really great opportunity for me.
Werner Bischof
Werner Bischof (1916 – 1954) has been well-known as photo journalist of the earlier member in Magnum. In 1951, he visited Japan, marking a significant, long-term documentation of the country during the post-war occupation period. His visit was driven by both international assignment of LIFE magazine and Magnum and personal, artistic curiosity. During the visit program, Japan’s Leica legend, Ihei Kimura, continuously support his work in Japan. These two great photographers estimated quite close relationship. Ikei Kimura felt deeply sad, when he heard the information that Werner pass away during his travel in South America due to traffic accident.
Above photo, he took Silk drying. It was taken on the way to Imperial Country House in Kyoto by Taxi. So I guess it was taken along Katsuragawa river.
My personal memory in Swiss
In 2011, I purchased Leica M3. It was my 1st Leica camera. At first shot in Ginza and Kanda, Tokyo. Then I went to Zurich for the business, bringing M3. Enjoyed photo shooting in Zurich at the weekend. Then I understood that Werner Bischof is the great photographer in Swiss thank to the explanation by Camera shop owner in Zurich city. After I went back to Japan, I came across the description about Werner Bischof by Ihei Kimura in his biography, who is legendary Leica Photographer in Japan before and after World War II. I fully understood Werner seriously loved Japan’s nature, culture and people, keeping close relationship with Ihei Kimura. Especially his photographs taken in my living place, Kyoto, during occupied Japan period are definitely impressive and nice.
Talk show by his son
Since I’m fun of the photograph by Werner Bischof, it was quite big surprise. His son, Mr.Marco Bischof come to my living place, Kyoto, for the talk show at Leica Gallery Kyoto. It was great opportunity to hear about the thought about Japan and photo journalism by his father. I recognized again his father really love Japan, keeping the relationship with people in Japan. Then it is sure that his photos took at battle fields in Europe and Asia apeal to any people’s mind that any initiation of war must be prevented in any places in the world.
Autograph
I have photobook of Werner Bischof. It was quite rare chance in my life. I asked Marco-san if he agree to put signature on my photobook or not. He kindly accepted. I asked his sign on the page that we can meet his parents. Sure that it is my precious property.
Photo Exhibition information
Title: Kyoto by Bischof
Place : Leica Gallery Kyoto (Leica Store Kyoto 2F)
Date: January 17, 2026 to April 19, 2026
