Shinjuku Kitamura Camera Store to Host 'Rediscovering Yutaka Ueda: Newly Unearthed Color Works and Original Prints'

Kitamura Camera Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo; President: Kazuhiro Fukumoto) will host the exhibition titled 'Rediscovering Yutaka Ueda: Newly Unearthed Color Works and Original Prints' at the Basement Gallery on the B1 floor of Shinjuku Kitamura Camera Store from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to Friday, July 31, 2026. This exhibition will showcase both previously unseen color works and long-beloved monochrome photographs, allowing visitors to rediscover the charm of Yutaka Ueda, a master photographer celebrated worldwide. In addition to photographic works, personal items such as cameras used during shoots and storyboards will also be exhibited.

Discovering a New Side of Yutaka Ueda Through Color Works, Including Unreleased Pieces

The exhibition will feature color photographs discovered at Ueda’s ancestral home—works never before seen by the public. These include original prints taken during a journey through the Hokuriku region, themed around Matsuo Basho’s famous haiku 'Oku no Hosomichi,' as well as color photographs captured at Tottori Sand Dunes, the iconic location of his renowned series 'Sand Dune Mode.' Additionally, works making their world premiere will be on display. Experience Ueda’s color works—rarely shared with the public—in vivid, high-quality prints.

Iconic Masterpieces in Original Prints, Along with Cameras and Tools Used in Creation

The exhibition will present original prints of globally celebrated works such as the 'Sand Dune Series' and 'Papa, Mama, and Kodomo-tachi,' which depict his family and exemplify his unique artistic vision known as 'Ueda-Cho' (the Ueda style). Also on display will be actual equipment used by Ueda and storyboards created during the production process. Some works, including original prints, will be available for purchase at the gallery. Immerse yourself in Ueda’s artistic universe through these rare prints and the tools used to create them.

A Major Success at Namba CITY Store: Record Attendance Achieved

In May 2026, the same exhibition titled 'The Scenes Seen by Yutaka Ueda' was held at Kitamura Camera Osaka/Namba CITY Store (hereafter 'Namba CITY Store'), where it recorded the highest attendance in the store’s event history, concluding with great success. At the Basement Gallery, the number of original prints—especially those highly praised at the Namba CITY Store—will be increased for display.

Exhibition Overview

・Dates: July 1 (Wed), 2026 – July 31 (Fri), 2026

・Hours: 10:00–19:00

・Venue: Basement Gallery, B1F, Shinjuku Kitamura Camera Store

Photographer Profile

Yutaka Ueda

Born in 1913 in what is now Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture. From a young age, he became deeply passionate about photography, often described as a 'photography enthusiast.' After graduating from Tottori Prefectural Yonago Middle School, he joined the Yonago Shashu-kai (Yonago Photography Club). He later moved to Tokyo and enrolled in the Oriental Photography School. After graduation, he returned to his hometown and opened a commercial photography studio. He gained attention for his staged photography before World War II and received high acclaim after the war for his unique compositions placing figures on beaches and sand dunes. He received the Nikka Award in 1954 and in 1958 was featured in an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, curated by Edward Steichen, gaining international recognition. He continued to produce acclaimed photobooks such as 'Dōreki' (Childhood Calendar) and 'Chiisana Denki' (A Small Biography), establishing his distinctive 'Ueda-Cho' style. Remaining based in his hometown throughout his life, he was highly regarded both domestically and internationally until his death in 2000.

About the Basement Gallery

Located on the B1 floor of Shinjuku Kitamura Camera Store, the Basement Gallery reopened in June 2024 after relocating from the 6th floor. Born from the concept 'Transmitting Photographic Culture from Underground,' the gallery serves as a space dedicated to sharing the charm of photography with all enthusiasts. It hosts photo exhibitions by leading photographers across various fields and collaborative events with camera manufacturers, offering diverse experiences centered around photography and cameras.

About Shinjuku Kitamura Camera Store

©Jun UDAGAWA

Opened in July 2020 in Shinjuku—the mecca of cameras—this specialized store offers a new lifestyle concept centered on photography and cameras. Spanning multiple floors from basement to ground level, the store features sales areas for new and used cameras, a vintage salon centered on Leica, a service counter supporting repairs and daily maintenance, and an event space for photo exhibitions. In June 2024, a Leica Boutique opened on the 6th floor, offering rich photographic experiences to everyone—from seasoned photography lovers to camera beginners.

Store Overview

Business Hours: 10:00–21:00

Access: 4-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit, 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Shinjuku Station Exit A6

1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shinjuku-sanchome Station Exit A6

4-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station Exit A5

7-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku Line Seibu-Shinjuku Station Front Entrance

Website: https://www.kitamuracamera.jp/en

Phone Number: +81-3-5361-8300