Masahisa Fukase - Homo Ludens

Masahisa Fukase
Homo Ludens

Posted by Akaaka, 2025
Size: 28 x 22.5
Hardcover
Language: English, Japanese
With the book currently on its way from Japan, it will likely be available in stores in early May.

"Homo Ludens," Masahisa Fukase's first photo book, finally resurrected after half a century!

This anthology of photographs, taken over a decade and edited by Shoji Yamagishi, editor-in-chief of Camera Mainichi, is a collection that marks the origin of Fukase's work and is filled with images and essence that would shape Fukase's later creations. It is structured into six sections, each vividly capturing the interaction between photography and life.

"To" (Slaughter) features footage of Yoko Wanibe, whom Fukase accompanied to a slaughterhouse, juxtaposing the dismemberment of cattle with Yoko posing in a black cape. "Kotobuki" (Congratulations) straightforwardly depicts his life with Yoko shortly after their marriage, like a private-story novel. "Gi" (Frolic) depicts the Shinjuku underground scene Fukase went to after leaving the house he shared with Yoko, as well as the lifestyle of young people living in groups. "Mei" (Memento), one of his earliest works, revisits the pregnancy of his former partner, Yukiyo Kawakami, with whom he lived for eight years. "Haha" (Mother) and "Fu" (Music) capture scenes of Yoko and her mother.

Through these sections, "Homo Ludens" conveys the mutual interaction of all living beings and the contradictory but interconnected phenomena of life and death, encounter and separation.
Fukase's lens is focused on himself and those close to him. The images explore the essence of life as a form of play, with raw and unwavering honesty. This debut photobook is a powerful testament to Fukase's vision.

This newly reprinted edition includes all the photographs and text from the original version and has been designed with an emphasis on the relationship between the images and the surrounding negative space. This approach represents a timeless response to Fukase's vision.
"Homo Ludens" remains an important work, and this new edition offers a fresh perspective not only on Fukase's work, but also on the act of seeing itself and on our own existence.