What this is
A talk and film screening program centered on Daido Moriyama, one of Japan's most celebrated and internationally recognized street photographers, known for his gritty, high-contrast black-and-white images of urban Japan. The event features a conversation between Satoru Machiguchi and Yusuke Nakanishi, offering critical and personal perspectives on Moriyama's work and legacy. Hosted at UPLINK Kyoto, an independent cinema and cultural venue with a strong reputation for thoughtful art programming, the evening combines film with live discussion to contextualize Moriyama's profound influence on contemporary photography. This is a rare opportunity to engage seriously with one of the defining visual artists of postwar Japan in an intimate, curated setting.
Who should go
Photography enthusiasts, art students, and anyone with a genuine interest in Japanese visual culture or postwar avant-garde aesthetics will find this program deeply rewarding. The combination of film and discussion creates a contemplative, intellectually engaged atmosphere — expect a small, knowledgeable crowd rather than a casual drop-in audience. It suits those who appreciate independent cinema spaces and are comfortable with a program conducted primarily in Japanese. Arrive early, as UPLINK Kyoto programs of this specialized nature typically sell out quickly and seating is limited.
Good to know
Tickets for UPLINK Kyoto events are typically available through the UPLINK website or at the venue box office — foreign credit cards are generally accepted online, but it is worth confirming at the time of booking. UPLINK Kyoto is a compact, intimate screening venue inside the Kyoto BAL shopping building, with limited seating that makes advance reservation essential for popular programs. The venue has a relaxed, arts-community atmosphere; there is no strict dress code, but the crowd tends toward the culturally engaged and quietly serious. As the talk will almost certainly be conducted in Japanese, non-Japanese speakers should treat the film screening portion as the primary draw and come prepared with background knowledge of Moriyama's photography. Cash is a safe fallback for any on-site purchases such as merchandise or printed materials.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.