Shin Tomura - Nostalgic China [True First Edition] - 1980

NOSTALGIC CHINA - SHIN TOMURA, TRUE ORIGINAL EDITION, 1980, SELF PUBLISHED, ONE OF THE 500 COPIES EVER RELEASED, VERY SCARCE AND MAJESTIC PHOTOBOOK, VERY GOOD

A very scarce, exclusive and exceptional Japanese Photobook! Described as "unique and marvelously beautiful" by Martin Parr and Gerry Badger (The photobook: A History)!

First and only original self-published edition in 1980 by Shin Tomura himself in 500 private copies! A major publication in the history of Japanese photography, a book that alone made Shin Tomura famous, and sparked the meteoric success of this rare and unique book by the photographer.

"Nostalgic China" is a self-taught and bold self-published photographic album by Tomura himself, depicting in images the events in Shandong Province, China during the 1930s and 1940s, and constitutes a precious document of the anti-Japanese movement that occurred in the context of worsening Sino-Japanese relations after the Manchurian incident!

A particularly photogenic and absolutely iconic Japanese photography book in the history of Japanese photography, in its very first and only original 1980 edition self-published by the photographer, published in only 500 copies worldwide from the start!

Published in Japanese, hardcover with a beige cloth cover chosen by the photographer, 140 sublime pages, black-and-white silver-gelatin duotone photographs taken by Tomura during his lifetime in the early 20th century, a collection photography book par excellence!

Edition perfectly complete and overall well preserved, very good condition for a book published more than 46 years ago! A magnificent work, essential to Shin Tomura’s photographic oeuvre. Published precisely on November 7, 1980 by the photographer himself. The book is now iconic and increasingly sought after over the years, a magnificent copy from a private collection in Tokyo, Japan.

Some descriptive elements:

"Shin Tomura, Nostalgic China. Very scarce and exceptional Japanese Photobook. 132 pages. Released in 1980 as a limited, cloth-bound, self-published hardcover edition consisting of private 500 copies. This item is almost never found outside Japan's country border due to its extremely limited print run, immediate success, and scarcity. Its Japanese title is 「懐しき中国」. Shin Tomura lived and worked in China from 1930 to 1941, teaching at Qingdao Academy and assisting laborers in Shandong Province. Tomura photographed everyday life during a turbulent historical era. He lost many of his negatives during air raids, but the 1980 book preserves a selection of his surviving images. "Nostalgic China" is a captivating photo book by Japanese photographer Shin Tomura, offering a rare glimpse into everyday life in China during the late 1930s. Tomura lived in China from 1930 to 1941, working as a teacher at Qingdao Academy and later contributing to the welfare of Shandong Province laborers. His passion for photography allowed him to document the era, despite losing many of his films during air raids. This book compiles surviving images taken between 1937 and 1941, capturing the essence of a tumultuous period in Sino-Japanese relations.
The photographs in this collection are not only a testament to Tomura's skill but also serve as an invaluable historical record. Taken amidst the tensions of the Manchurian Incident and the anti-Japanese movement, these images reflect a deep respect for Chinese culture and a desire for peace and friendship. Tomura's self-published work, limited to 500 private copies, resonates with contemporary audiences, reminding us of the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation between nations.
"Nostalgic China" is more than just a photo book; it is a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and spirit of the Chinese people during a challenging time. The images evoke a sense of nostalgia and admiration, inviting readers to reflect on the shared history and enduring bonds between Japan and China. This collection is a must-have for anyone interested in historical photography and the cultural dynamics of early 20th-century China. A very scarce and unique photobook for collectors. More than 46 years after its publication, this exceptional photo book is almost never traded anymore. A perfect item for collectors. Complete item. In very good condition. Shipping worldwide"

Exceptional copy, original 1980 edition in the sole series ever printed for this self-published book now iconic in the History of Photography, a major work by the famous Japanese photographer Shin Tomura, one of the rare 500 copies designed by the photographer, very well preserved in very good condition!

Condition: Very good!

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