Hiroshi Hamaya (濱谷 浩) was a Japanese photographer active from 1935 to 1999. In particular, Hamaya was known for his photographs of rural Japan.

Biography

Hamaya was born in Shitaya, Tokyo, on 28 March 1915. Between 1942 and 1945 he contributed to Front, the propaganda photo journal of the Tōhō-sha company.

Recognition

By 1955 one of Hiroshi Hamaya's photographs, a high-angle view of kimono-clad springtime dancers led by his wife, was included by curator Edward Steichen in the world-touring Museum of Modern Art exhibition The Family of Man that was seen by more than 9 million visitors. In 1956, Hamaya published his acclaimed photobook "Snow Country" (Yukiguni) featuring photographs of Japan's frigid northeastern Tōhoku region in winter. In 1960, Hamaya took part in the massive Anpo protests against revision of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, and published a book of his photographs of the protesters titled "A Record of Anger and Sadness" (Ikari to kanashimi no kiroku), reflecting Hamaya's disappointment that the protests failed to stop the treaty. Hamaya was the first Japanese photographer to join Magnum Photos: in 1960, as an associate member. He received the Master of Photography Award from the International Center of Photography (New York) in 1986. Hamaya died on 6 March 1999.

Published collections of Hamaya's works

Publications dedicated to Hamaya's works

Other publications with major contributions by Hamaya