—Why was Simon Baker from Tate Modern appointed as curator?

Simon Baker collaborated with us on TOKYO PHOTO two years ago, introducing the British photographer Chris Shaw. Then, in April of this year, I met with Simon Baker in Los Angeles, and we discussed doing another interesting project together. So, he agreed to serve as curator again this year.



—Regarding the tribute exhibition to Shomei Tomatsu, what are your thoughts on Mr. Tomatsu and his work?

His photographs, which have shaped the history of Japanese photography, are direct and highly artistic. I also believe he was a person with a strong sense of social issues. His works on themes such as the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and Okinawa possess the power to convey something through photography. He wasn't a photojournalist; he was a photographer who captured what he loved. In the 1970s, Japan was experiencing rapid economic growth, and various social problems arose. Politics, diplomacy, and the economy impacted people's lives. He conveyed the conditions of the era amidst all this.

—What kind of exhibition is the "100 Children of the Future in Japan and China"?

We will be exhibiting portraits of 50 Japanese and 50 Chinese children, photographed by Japanese and Chinese photographers respectively. We asked the children questions like, "What do you want to be in the future?" or "What would you do if you had money?" The interviews will be displayed alongside the photographs of the subjects. It's fascinating how the entire society can be seen through the children and their photographs. I hope that photography can contribute, even in a small way, to improving relations between China and Japan.

—Are there any other points you would like to highlight?

This year, TOKYO PHOTO is producing original merchandise for the first time. Previously, we only created catalogs, but this time we have specially produced original T-shirts, postcards, and posters featuring motifs from the artworks. These will be available for a limited time only during the four-day event.