Commercial Photo's Latest Issue Features 'Live Photography Frontline: Just Before Summer Festivals!' Cover Stars Novelbright's Yudai Takenaka!

Commercial Photo July 2026 Issue – On Sale June 15, 2026

Genkosha (headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) has released the July 2026 issue of its flagship magazine Commercial Photo, featuring a special report titled 'Live Photography Frontline: Just Before Summer Festivals!'

Outdoor festivals, arenas, live houses—ever-changing lighting, limited shooting time, and fleeting moments that can never be repeated. This comprehensive feature dives into the techniques and artistic perspectives behind capturing the energy of live music in a single frame.

Yudai Takenaka (Novelbright), photographed by Kaoko Tabata

The cover features Yudai Takenaka, vocalist of Novelbright, captured by photographer Kaoko Tabata at METROCK 2026. This powerful image perfectly encapsulates the heat and exhilaration of a live performance, symbolizing the essence of the entire feature.

Part 1 offers an in-depth look at Kaoko Tabata, a photographer with over 20 years of experience on the front lines of live music photography.

The 'Outdoor Festival' section covers Novelbright's performance at METROCK 2026, held at Tokyo's Uminomori Park. The 'Indoor Solo Concert' section reports on GLAY's 'HIGHCOMMUNICATIONS TOUR 2026 “GLAY-complete BEST”' at Tokyo Garden Theatre. The magazine provides detailed, practical insights into the real workflow of live photography, including pre-shoot preparations, equipment selection, camera settings, and on-site movement.

Part 2 features additional leading live photographers: Masato Yokoyama, Junpei 'JP' Hiroyoshi, Uchuu☆Taishi Star, and Yuna Yoshimori. Each shares their unique perspectives and methodologies, accompanied by striking photographic works. Tabata’s section delves into the philosophy behind press photos, the importance of preparation, and the split-second decisions between artistic expression and documentary accuracy.

Highlights include groundbreaking works that transcend conventional live photography, such as LUNA SEA’s 'LUNATIC X’MAS 2025 -OUR JOURNEY CONTINUES-', SUGIZO’s live performance at an Iraqi refugee camp, and Koyama Soji’s innovative use of multiple exposure. These examples provoke deep reflection on what photography can truly convey. Beyond mere documentation, they explore how to create images that resonate with artists and fans alike—revealing the accumulated instincts and judgments made in the field.

Additionally, as a special supplement to the feature, the issue includes 'Trying Live Photography at EARLY SUMMER FESTA 2026!'—an on-site report from 'Bokusei Music Festival 2026'.

【Publication Details】

Title: Commercial Photo July 2026 Issue

Format: B5 size, 148 pages

Price: 1,600 JPY + tax

JAN: 4912038470761

Release Date: June 15, 2026

Amazon Sales Page: https://amzn.to/4alG98o

【Company Overview】

Company Name: Genkosha Co., Ltd.

Head Office: Iidabashi 4-1-5, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8716

Founded: 1931

Business: Publishing

URL: https://www.genkosha.co.jp/