Fascination with Japan: Photographs in the Cologne exhibition Spider's Strategy!

Fascination with Japan: Photographs in the Cologne exhibition Spider's Strategy!

Things will soon get creative in Cologne! From September 5th to October 18th, 2025, the Japanese Cultural Institute will be the platform for the exciting photo exhibition “Spider’s Strategy”. This special show presents works by important Japanese photographers who have taken a special look at Japanese photography, especially from the 1970s, 1990s and 2000s. More than 60 photographs and several photo books invite visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Japanese visual art. The name of the exhibition is inspired by the illustrated book “Spider’s Strategy” by the photo artist Kanemura Osamu.

What exactly awaits us? Kanemura Osamu is known for his striking black and white photographs that capture urban structures such as wires, cables, streets and railways. He has also made a name for himself as a critic within Japanese photography competitions. And Issei Suda, whose works represent the 1970s, will not be missing from this exhibition. He began his career as a photographer for a theater group and made a name for himself by documenting everyday life and urban subjects during his travels. His characteristic monochrome style and his involvement as a professor at the Osaka University of Arts shape his works.

Continuation of the artistic dialogue

Another outstanding photographer featured in the exhibition is Okahara Kosuke, whose work reflects the 2000s. With a background in education, he has placed a particular focus on marginalized social groups. His works document moving topics such as young people with self-harming behavior, the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster in 2011, the Arab Spring and migrants in Calais. Kosuke's documentary style tells thought-provoking stories.

The opening of the exhibition will take place on September 5th and will be introduced by Markus Schaden, director of the PhotoBookMuseum. This cooperation is also supported by the Kunsthaus Lempertz, and entry to the exhibition is free, a real bargain for those interested in art!

A look at Suda Issei

Let's take a close look at the person behind one of the works presented: Issei Suda, originally known as Kazumasa Suda, was born on April 24, 1940 in Kanda, Tokyo and died on March 7, 2019 at the age of 78. Suda made a name for himself by appreciatively documenting Japanese customs while taking a critical, sharp look at life in Japan.

After dropping out of Toyo University early, Suda attended the Tokyo College of Photography, where he graduated in 1962. From 1967 to 1971 he worked as a cameraman for the theater group Tenjō Sajiki under the direction of Shūji Terayama. From 1971 he devoted himself exclusively to freelance photography. His first photo book, “Fūshi kaden,” even won a prize from the Photographic Society of Japan in 1976.

Suda's works, including important photo books such as "Ningen no kioku" and "Childhood Days", bear witness to his extraordinary career. With his combination of perspectives and artistic creation, he has left a distinctive footprint in photography.

The exhibition “Spider’s Strategy” invites you to discover these impressive perspectives on Japan. A visit to the Japanese Cultural Institute could be an inspiring experience - an opportunity to experience the different facets of Japanese photography up close. So mark September 5th in your calendar and look forward to a creative autumn in Cologne!