Masterclass マスタークラス

Kai Keijiro has photographed traditional sporting and fighting festivals worldwide, immersing himself in their raw, physical intensity. He throws himself into these primal rituals, sacrificing the usual distance of a photographer. His images capture the visceral spirituality of bodies in collision, blurring the line between observer and participant and prompting reflections on human existence.

By fully immersing himself, he erases the boundary between photographer and subject, creating images that pull viewers into the heart of these vibrant and intense festivals. His approach challenges the division between ‘us’ and ‘them.’

In this masterclass, Keijiro will help participants break through their own barriers—whether of distance, perception, or perspective. Learn how engaging with the raw physicality of human interaction can lead to new, powerful visual expressions.

This masterclass offers participants the opportunity to experience Fujifilm’s latest GFX Series model, the "FUJIFILM GFX100RF.”


Supported by Fujifilm

Today, a photographer’s ability to present their work is as crucial as the images themselves. But how do you find the right words to express your vision?

Photography theory provides structured ways to analyze images, but not all work fits neatly into existing frameworks. In fact, new photography—perhaps even your own—constantly challenges these ideas. A photograph often captures more than intended, revealing unexpected perspectives. Rather than a limitation, this is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of your own work.

In this masterclass, renowned photography critic Manabu Torihara will guide you in developing a personal vocabulary to articulate your images. By refining how you talk about your work, you will also sharpen your ability to communicate visually. Whether you struggle to express your ideas or want to deepen your understanding of photography as a language, this masterclass will give you the tools to confidently present your work.

As cities evolve, so do the tensions between public and private space, locals and visitors, preservation and progress. Who shapes the city? Who calls it home?

In this masterclass, Düsseldorf-based artists Katja Stuke and Oliver Sieber (2015 KYOTOGRAPHIE artist) invite participants to explore urban identity through photography, sound, and video. Through hands-on experimentation, participants will craft layered narratives that reveal the hidden forces shaping urban life.

Stuke & Sieber's recent photobook, La Ville Invisible (The Invisible City) raises questions about who owns the city and explores issues of ownership and publicness within urban spaces. Echoing KYOTOGRAPHIE 2025’s theme, HUMANITY, and exhibitions including JR’s JR, The Chronicles of Kyoto, 2024 and Martin Parr’s Small World, this masterclass challenges participants to turn their lenses on their own cities. Before the session, they’ll document urban spaces through images and recorded sounds and in the workshop, they will edit, arrange, and transform these elements into immersive micro-urban installations.

More than a technical exercise, Who Owns the City? is a chance to question how urban landscapes shape human experience—and how we, in turn, shape them. Whether you're a photographer, an urban explorer, or simply curious, this masterclass offers a new way to see, hear, and rethink the city around you.