Herbie Yamaguchi

Born in 1950 in Tokyo, Herbie Yamaguchi first became involved in photography when he joined a photography club during his university studies. After graduating with a degree in economics in 1973, he moved to London, where he remained for 10 years. He first tried his hand at theater, where he discovered the London punk rock scene of the 1970s, which inspired him. He photographed the development of alternative cultures, resulting in highly acclaimed images. Indeed, his early photographs of artists from the punk rock scene, such as musician Joe Strummer (The Clash), were immediately acclaimed.

After a brief return to his hometown of Tokyo, he embarked on a long journey through Europe, taking hundreds of photographs of artists and unknown people. Many of his images are in a monochrome style, resulting from snapshots. He is appreciated for his soft and refined style.

Now recognized and celebrated worldwide, Herbie Yamaguchi also writes for several magazines and regularly appears on television and radio shows. He currently teaches at Kyushu Sangyo University and Osaka University of the Arts.