Werner Bischoff’s photo exhibitions will be held simultaneously in Tokyo and Kyoto: “Bischoff’s View of the Postwar Period – The Universal” / “Bischoff’s View of Kyoto”

Reporters covering the Korean War, Kaesong 1952 © Werner Bischof Estate / Magnum Photos

Held at Leica Gallery Tokyo from January 16th and at Leica Gallery Kyoto from January 17th

Leica Camera Japan Co., Ltd. will be holding a photo exhibition by Swiss photographer Werner Bischoff, who is affiliated with Magnum Photos, simultaneously at the Leica Gallery Tokyo and the Leica Gallery Kyoto.

Bischoff traveled from postwar Europe to occupied Japan, capturing with his unique gaze the people living in times of change and the universal strength that permeates them. This simultaneous exhibition at two venues will present the two sides of Bischoff's gaze – the world and Japan – in a three-dimensional way, allowing visitors to see a multi-layered perspective, from records of Japan during the occupation period to the atmosphere during the reconstruction period, and the universal emotions that dwell within human beings.

Each gallery has a different theme, making this a photo exhibition that allows you to experience Bischoff's perspective more deeply and broadly.

Leica Gallery Tokyo "The Postwar as Seen by Bischoff – The Universal"

Bischoff, who captured the devastation of post-war Europe and the resilience of the people living there, made a significant contribution to the development of photojournalism. After joining Magnum Photography in 1949, he worked in locations around the world, including Japan, India, and the Korean War, capturing quietly yet sharply the universal human condition. His work is imbued with timeless value that resonates with us emotionally, transcending national and cultural boundaries.

[Photo exhibition overview]
Bischoff's view of the postwar period – the universal
Friday, January 16, 2026 – Sunday, April 19, 2026
Leica Gallery Tokyo 2F, 6-4-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Tel. 03-6215-7070 Closed on Mondays
*Dates and times may change depending on the situation.

Leica Gallery Kyoto "Kyoto as seen by Bischoff"

Bischoff visited occupied Japan for Magnum's "Generation X" project, which showcased young people around the world in their twenties.

During his roughly one-year stay, Bischoff interviewed young men and women in both Kyoto and Tokyo, and was deeply moved by Japan's recovery and the unwavering preservation of Kyoto's traditional culture. Guided by Kimura Ihei, Bischoff spent two weeks in Kyoto, taking many impressive photographs through his friendship with Kimura.

He died in an accident in the Peruvian Andes in 1954, but later published a photo book titled "Japon."

This exhibition focuses on photographs of Kyoto at the time, tracing the "time when Japan was not Japan" as seen by Bischoff, and conveying the light and tranquility that thrived in Kyoto under occupation.

[Photo exhibition overview]
Bischoff's view of Kyoto
Saturday, January 17, 2026 – Sunday, April 19, 2026
Leica Gallery Kyoto 2F, 570-120 Gioncho Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Tel. 075-532-0320 Closed on Mondays
*Dates and times may change depending on the situation.

Werner Bischof

Born in Zurich in 1916. Aiming to be a painter, he studied photography at art school, and began working primarily in studio and fashion photography. His coverage of World War II prompted him to switch to photojournalism. He published many of his finest works in European and American magazines, and received international acclaim. In 1949, he joined Magnum Photos. He spent 10 months in Japan from 1951 to 1952. In addition to working on Magnum's "Generation X" project, which interviewed young people from around the world turning 20, he photographed the traditions and American influences of occupied Japan. Based in Japan, he also covered Okinawa and the Korean War. In 1954, he died when his jeep fell off a cliff while reporting in the Andes Mountains of Peru.

Leica Camera Japan
https://leica-camera.com

[Leica Camera Japan] Press Release

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