Seigensha Co., Ltd. will republish the long-out-of-stock, landmark photography book 'Ikiteiru' by Masafumi Sanai as 'Reprinted Ikiteiru' in mid-September 2026, in an updated format.
Cover image of 'Reprinted Ikiteiru'
Book Overview
Photographer Masafumi Sanai's debut photo book 'Ikiteiru' was first published in April 1997.
A collection of images unlike decisive moments or self-portraits—something no one had ever seen before—sparked widespread acclaim and introduced a new talent to the world.
The impact influenced a new generation of photographers, gave rise to a new photographic movement, and is remembered as an epoch-making event in photographic history.
'Ikiteiru' went through multiple printings, but reprinting became impossible when the paper used for the book's text was discontinued. The 2007 reprint was the last, and the book has since become unobtainable.
In this context, Seigensha celebrated its 30th anniversary in October 2025.
To mark this milestone, as a special project for its anniversary year, the company launched an initiative to republish books that had become unavailable, and began soliciting requests from readers.
As a result, numerous voices requesting the republication of 'Ikiteiru' were received, and the decision to republish was made.
For the republication, under the supervision of book designer Toshiguchi Kaku—who handled the original book design—multiple printing tests were conducted to select new text paper, and the project finally advanced upon finding a suitable replacement for the original paper. For printing, the original method was strictly followed: using film-based plates to create printing plates and oil-based ink for printing.
Meanwhile, the binding has been updated with a refreshed cover design, giving it a new and modern finish as a reissued edition.
29 years after its initial publication, a new chapter is being added to photographic history.
Author's Comment
'Reprinted Ikiteiru'
Photographs are alive
Without understanding, flowers bloomed and became the cover
The skyline's premonition on the first page became my car
During the press check, I realized the stagnation in 'Ikiteiru' was disappearing
It's clearing up, approaching completion
It will be finished soon
Enjoying the detours
'Reprinted Ikiteiru' is still a work in progress!
Masafumi Sanai
Press Images
When using the images, please include the copyright notice '©Masafumi Sanai' on each image.
©Masafumi Sanai
©Masafumi Sanai
©Masafumi Sanai
©Masafumi Sanai
©Masafumi Sanai
©Masafumi Sanai
©Masafumi Sanai
Author Profile
Photograph by Mitsue Yamamoto
Masafumi Sanai
Photographer. Made his debut in 1997 with the photo book 'Ikiteiru'. Awarded the 28th Kimura Ihei Photography Award in 2003 for his photo book 'MAP'. Founded his own label 'Taisyo' in 2008. Published his latest work 'Raisha' in March 2026 and simultaneously held the 'Raisha' photo exhibition at the Okamoto Taro Memorial Museum. Recent publications include 'Strong memory', 'Shashin ga itte kaettekita', and 'Shizuoka Shi'. Major exhibitions include 'Strong memory' at book obscura (Tokyo, 2025), 'Exhibition Taisyo (Part 2)' at Vacant (Tokyo, 2025), 'Shashin ga itte kaettekita' at book obscura (Tokyo, 2024), 'Shizuoka Shi' at Taka Ishii Gallery (Tokyo, 2023), 'Shizuoka Shi' at Shizuoka City Museum of Art (Shizuoka, 2023), and 'Taisyo: Masafumi Sanai's Photography' at Kawasaki City Okamoto Taro Art Museum (Kanagawa, 2009).
Bibliographic Information
Release: Mid-September 2026
Title: Reprinted Ikiteiru
Author: Masafumi Sanai
Art Direction: Toshiguchi Kaku
Format: 315×280mm
Total Pages: 64
Binding: Paperback
Price: ¥5,280 (¥4,800 before tax)
ISBN: 978-4-86831-064-8 C0072
Book Details: https://www.seigensha.com/books/978-4-86831-064-8/
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Seigensha Co., Ltd.
《Inquiries》
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Seigensha Co., Ltd. / Tokyo Branch
Public Relations: Shinjo (shinjo@seigensha.com) Oota (oota@seigensha.com)
6F Kanda-Kinshocho Building, 3-14-3 Kanda-Kinshocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0054
TEL 03-6262-3420 · FAX 03-6262-3423
http://www.seigensha.com/
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- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: New Product