A Month to Enjoy French Culture in Yokohama: 'Yokohama France Month 2026' to Feature Exhibitions, Films, Workshops, and Talks Across the City, Celebrating 200 Years of Photography

Yokohama France Month 2026 Main Visual © Michel Temman

In 2026, we mark the 200th anniversary of photography, originating roughly two centuries ago when Joseph Nicéphore Niépce successfully conducted the world's first photographic experiment near Lyon, France. Yokohama France Month 2026 will present a diverse program of photography, film, lectures, and workshops, highlighting the connection with Yokohama's sister city, Lyon, and the history of 'Yokohama photography' that spread from the port city to the world at the end of the 19th century.

'Yokohama France Month' is an interdisciplinary French cultural festival held annually since 2005 in collaboration with the City of Yokohama and the Yokohama Arts Foundation. It welcomes many visitors each year as an event that can be widely enjoyed by adults and children, general attendees, and experts alike.

This year, under the theme '200 Years of Photography', events will be held at iconic waterfront locations such as Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse No. 1, Zou-no-hana Terrace, and Yokohama Cinemarine, as well as at various venues throughout the city. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse No. 1 will introduce precious 'Yokohama photography' from the Meiji era alongside modern depictions of Yokohama captured by six contemporary French photographers. Zou-no-hana Terrace will host an exhibition linking photographic expression with marine and environmental issues, featuring artists associated with the scientific exploration vessel Tara.

Highlights of this Event

Commemorating 200 Years of Photography: Focusing on the History Connecting France and Yokohama Yokohama France Month 2026 introduces the cultural connection between France and Yokohama through photography, themed around the '200 Years of Photography'.

Showcasing Meiji-era 'Yokohama Photography' and the Perspectives of Contemporary French Photographers Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse No. 1 will present valuable Meiji-era 'Yokohama photography' and scenes of modern Yokohama captured by contemporary French photographers.

A Diverse Program Including Exhibitions, Films, Lectures, and Workshops In addition to photo exhibitions, a wide range of programs will be held for all generations, including special French film screenings, lectures, workshops for children, and Micro-Folie workshops.

A Month of Experiencing French Culture on the Stage of Yokohama City Related events will be held across the city, centered around Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse No. 1, Zou-no-hana Terrace, and Yokohama Cinemarine.

Main Exhibitions

Yokohama France Month 2026 Main Exhibition ①

'Time Capsule: Freezing Time in Ice' ©︎Laure Winants and 'Light and Shadow: Les Rayons et les Ombres' ©︎ Aurore de La Morinerie

[Oceanic Footprints] Empreintes océaniques:

Photo Exhibition 'Time Capsule: Freezing Time in Ice' / Laure Winants

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Print Exhibition 'Light and Shadow: Les Rayons et les Ombres' / Aurore de La Morinerie

Dates: Friday, June 12 – Thursday, June 25

Co-organizer/Venue: Zou-no-hana Terrace

[Free Admission / No Reservation Required]

This exhibition features photographs and prints by two artists who participated in an artist-in-residency program aboard the scientific research vessel Tara during its oceanographic survey voyages.

Laure Winants, a researcher and visual artist based in Belgium and France, conveys climate change and environmental awareness through an immersive installation of large fabric works based on her explorations in the Arctic. She explores the mystery of ice's blue color through optical devices and natural optical phenomena, prompting a dialogue between photography, science, and the environment.

The concurrent exhibition 'Light and Shadow: Les Rayons et les Ombres' showcases works by Aurore de La Morinerie using monotype printmaking, watercolors, and ink. Themed around a journey to the Mediterranean, it depicts seascapes and diverse elements.

Yokohama France Month 2026 Main Exhibition ②

Didier Marty-Dessus / Adeline Rasseux

Photo Exhibition 'France and Yokohama Connected by Photography'

Dates: Thursday, June 25 – Sunday, July 12

Co-organizer/Venue: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse No. 1, 2F Space

Photography was born 200 years ago through the invention of French inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. This exhibition introduces precious hand-colored 'Yokohama photography' depicting Japan after its opening to the world, alongside scenes of Yokohama through the eyes of contemporary French photographers.

©︎ Edokki

Part 1: 'Yokohama Photography: Meiji Japan in Color' Claude Estèbe / Xavier Durand

© Thibaut Chataigner ; © Sébastien Lebègue ; © Mathilde Le Masson ; © Romain Rivalan ; © Michel Temman ; © Jim Vieille

Part 2: 'Modern Yokohama Captured by French Photographers'

Thibaut Chataigner / Sébastien Lebègue / Mathilde Le Masson / Romain Rivalan / Michel Temman / Jim Vieille

Other Main Events

[Photo Exhibition Related Events]

Workshops for children and adults to experience photographic techniques (Jim Vieille and others)

[Talks / Panel Discussions]

Lecture '100 Years of Photography, 100 Years of Paris: Thinking from the Era of Man Ray' (Chisato Kimizu, Ferris University)

Saturday, July 4, 14:30–16:00, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse No. 1, 2F Space

[Wine Seminar]

'Wines of Burgundy and Lyon Inspired by the Birthplace of Photography' Friday, July 10, 18:00–, Restaurant Le Bouquet Garni

[Workshops for Children]

French Digital Museum 'Micro-Folie' Workshop: Enjoying Art and Dialogue

Saturday, June 20, Zou-no-hana Terrace

① For lower grades (1st–3rd grade): 14:00–15:30 ② For upper grades (4th–5th grade): 16:00–17:30

*Programs are scheduled for 1 hour and 30 minutes including viewing and creation. Advance registration required.

[Special Feature on French Cinema]

'The Left Bank of the Nouvelle Vague: From Photography to Film' Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 12, Yokohama Cinemarine

Related Events: Events will also be held at art museums, restaurants, and cinemas throughout the city.

*Please contact each venue for inquiries about related events.

Date

Event Name

Venue / Inquiries

4/19–6/14

Special Exhibition 'Heisei Era Yokohama Port Passenger Ship Collection'

Yokohama Port Museum (045-221-0280)

6/4–8/31

Summer French Course

French Restaurant 'Azur' InterContinental Yokohama Grand (045-223-2267)

6/6–7/12

Special Exhibition 'Bungo Stray Dogs 10th Anniversary Exhibition: A Luxurious Encounter with Literary Masters'

Kanagawa Museum of Modern Literature (045-622-6666)

6/9–8/16

Special Exhibition 'Caricatures Brought Back from Paris by Jiro Osaragi'

Osaragi Jiro Memorial Museum (045-622-5002)

6/12–7/12

French Dinner Course [Menu Saison] Prix Fixe Course

Rose Hotel Yokohama 1F Brasserie Milly La Forêt (045-681-2916)

6/13, 14

Le Mans 24 Ho