Redefining Photography as 'Research' - IMA MAGAZINE Vol.45 Published
Amana Inc. has published Vol.45 of its art photography magazine, 'IMA MAGAZINE'. This issue redefines photography as a means of 'research/exploration', featuring photographic expressions that cut across diverse fields such as science and history, along with interviews and commemorative projects by renowned artists. It offers insights applicable to corporate creative strategies.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 21:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 13:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 13:14 (12 min after Collected)
Amana Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Takeaki Kaneko), which realizes communication transformation through creativity, has published Vol. 45 (Spring/Summer 2026 issue) of its art photography magazine, 'IMA MAGAZINE'.
## Special Feature 1: "Photographic Practice as Research, Images as Exploration"
This issue's first special feature is "Photographic Practice as Research | Photographic Practice as Research, Images as Exploration". It introduces artists who confront events happening in the world today, transcending different fields such as science, history, nature, society, anthropology, mathematics, and environmental studies, and create works through research and collaboration with researchers.
The practice of viewing photography not merely as a visual expression but as a process of "thought" and "exploration" offers new perspectives and ideas useful not only in the creative domain but also for research and development and content design in companies, educational institutions, and government agencies.
The feature includes works by Alfredo Jaar, Raphael Dallaporta, Taiyo Onorato & Nico Krebs, Laurence Wijnants, and Elsa Leydier, offering unprecedented visual experiences and intellectual discoveries.
## Noteworthy Interviews and Features
The magazine features an interview with Martin Margiela, who transitioned to an artist after building his unique philosophy across the realms of fashion and art. The interview delves into the background of his creative work, drawing attention to his first large-scale exhibition in Japan.
Furthermore, a tribute project for the late Martin Parr, a British master who passed away last year and had a profound influence on the world of photography, reflects on his achievements and impact from multiple perspectives by several contributors.
## Project: "The Abode of Peace" - Looking at Value Residing in Everyday Life
As wars and conflicts erupt around the world, instead of directly depicting their devastation, this project focuses on "peace" in everyday life, paradoxically re-examining its value.
Photographers quietly question the preciousness of peace through their daily activities.
## Highlights of This Issue
- Redefining photography as a "means of research/exploration"
- Visual expression that transcends society, science, and culture
- Includes highly topical interviews and tribute projects
- Offers insights applicable to companies and creative domains
In addition, a new series by Jack Davison is also included, introducing the forefront of ongoing photographic expression.
## About Amana Inc.
Established in 1979 as an advertising photography production company. Subsequently, it expanded its business to become one of Japan's largest production companies, producing and providing visual content such as still images, videos (TVCMs, web videos, etc.), and CG (retouching, 3DCG, apparel CG). Currently, Amana is committed to realizing communication transformation that conveys the value of client companies and moves people, utilizing its abundant creative resources and knowledge cultivated through 10,000 annual projects. Furthermore, by combining Amana's uniquely developed commercial products (solutions), it supports corporate communication measures and DX (Digital Transformation) promotion, undertaking numerous projects that enhance corporate value with clients.
Company Overview
## Amana Inc.
Representative: Takeaki Kaneko, Representative Director and President
Location: 2-2-43 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Established: April 1979
Capital: 100 million yen
Number of employees: (Consolidated) 430 as of January 1, 2025
Business Description: Visual & Communication Business (strategy/planning in communication domain, brand design & activation, internal communication, content marketing, content production & editing, prototyping, movie/graphic production, web production, and other various promotion measure planning)
URL: https://amana.jp/
## Special Feature 1: "Photographic Practice as Research, Images as Exploration"
This issue's first special feature is "Photographic Practice as Research | Photographic Practice as Research, Images as Exploration". It introduces artists who confront events happening in the world today, transcending different fields such as science, history, nature, society, anthropology, mathematics, and environmental studies, and create works through research and collaboration with researchers.
The practice of viewing photography not merely as a visual expression but as a process of "thought" and "exploration" offers new perspectives and ideas useful not only in the creative domain but also for research and development and content design in companies, educational institutions, and government agencies.
The feature includes works by Alfredo Jaar, Raphael Dallaporta, Taiyo Onorato & Nico Krebs, Laurence Wijnants, and Elsa Leydier, offering unprecedented visual experiences and intellectual discoveries.
## Noteworthy Interviews and Features
The magazine features an interview with Martin Margiela, who transitioned to an artist after building his unique philosophy across the realms of fashion and art. The interview delves into the background of his creative work, drawing attention to his first large-scale exhibition in Japan.
Furthermore, a tribute project for the late Martin Parr, a British master who passed away last year and had a profound influence on the world of photography, reflects on his achievements and impact from multiple perspectives by several contributors.
## Project: "The Abode of Peace" - Looking at Value Residing in Everyday Life
As wars and conflicts erupt around the world, instead of directly depicting their devastation, this project focuses on "peace" in everyday life, paradoxically re-examining its value.
Photographers quietly question the preciousness of peace through their daily activities.
## Highlights of This Issue
- Redefining photography as a "means of research/exploration"
- Visual expression that transcends society, science, and culture
- Includes highly topical interviews and tribute projects
- Offers insights applicable to companies and creative domains
In addition, a new series by Jack Davison is also included, introducing the forefront of ongoing photographic expression.
## About Amana Inc.
Established in 1979 as an advertising photography production company. Subsequently, it expanded its business to become one of Japan's largest production companies, producing and providing visual content such as still images, videos (TVCMs, web videos, etc.), and CG (retouching, 3DCG, apparel CG). Currently, Amana is committed to realizing communication transformation that conveys the value of client companies and moves people, utilizing its abundant creative resources and knowledge cultivated through 10,000 annual projects. Furthermore, by combining Amana's uniquely developed commercial products (solutions), it supports corporate communication measures and DX (Digital Transformation) promotion, undertaking numerous projects that enhance corporate value with clients.
Company Overview
## Amana Inc.
Representative: Takeaki Kaneko, Representative Director and President
Location: 2-2-43 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Established: April 1979
Capital: 100 million yen
Number of employees: (Consolidated) 430 as of January 1, 2025
Business Description: Visual & Communication Business (strategy/planning in communication domain, brand design & activation, internal communication, content marketing, content production & editing, prototyping, movie/graphic production, web production, and other various promotion measure planning)
URL: https://amana.jp/