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January 28, 2015
BOOK | "Tokyo Homes" Are Still Strange, Aren't They!?
BOOK | Tokyo Houses: Still Strange?
An Interview with Photographer Jérémie Souteyrat
“Tokyo Houses” Through a French Lens
A photography collection of “Japanese houses” captured by a French photographer living in Japan is generating buzz. The numerous residences stand out within their landscapes. Yet, these are also scenes that everyone subconsciously acknowledges as potentially “Tokyo houses.” We spoke with Jérémie Souteyrat, who published the collection “Tokyo Houses” after four years of shooting.
Photographs (interview) by JAMANDFIXText by KASE TomoshigeTranslation by TANAKA Junko (OPENERS)
I Want to Keep Shooting for Another 25 Years
“When I first saw the kind of ‘Tokyo houses’ featured in this collection, I was truly surprised. The buildings themselves are unique, and the surrounding atmosphere felt distinct.”
In European countries, regulations often prohibit architecture that disrupts the visual harmony of the landscape. This applies to both corporate and individual residences. To a foreigner accustomed to such ordered scenery, Tokyo’s cityscape might appear chaotic in a sense.
The “Tokyo houses” captured by French photographer Jérémie Souteyrat initially evoke surprise. After a moment of pause, they convey a sense of tranquility, from which the essence of daily life seems to emanate from the scenery.
“There were three things I wanted to capture: the houses, the life within them, and the surrounding atmosphere. Through these, I wanted to convey the ‘Tokyo feel.’ I intentionally included elements like businessmen on bicycles, families going to kindergarten, and people enforcing parking regulations.”
All the photographs maintain a level horizon and proper exposure. Capturing the peculiar with a straightforward approach also brings forth a sense of humor. In essence, the photographs are brimming with charm.
Souteyrat, a photographer who currently lives in Tokyo and works with publications such as France’s Le Monde, the US’s Wall Street Journal, and Japanese architectural magazines, previously lived in Paris. What kind of photographs did he take then?
“Actually, I was doing different work in France. I was an engineer at Citroën, responsible for car body design. Photography was a hobby. After moving to Tokyo, I started photography seriously and became a professional.”
I had assumed he was already active in France, but my assumption was incorrect. However, upon reflection, his photographs do possess a scientific, analytical perspective, perhaps stemming from his engineering background. The collection “Tokyo Houses” features a total of 61 images. Finding such houses by walking around can be surprisingly difficult, can’t it?
“I searched for houses through architectural magazine features on residences and online. Once I found a house I was interested in, I would call the architect or publisher and ask, ‘I’m doing a photo shoot, could you please tell me the address of this house?’ Of course, they didn’t tell me at first (laughs).”
His approach to gathering information was direct and earnest. Over the course of four years, he gradually became more adept at negotiations, and he managed to obtain permission from the residents of most of the houses.
“It’s a bit disappointing that I’ve become accustomed to ‘Tokyo houses’ after shooting them for so long (laughs). But Japanese architecture is constantly evolving, so there must still be surprises waiting. Also, the lifespan of a house is said to be about 25 years, so I’d like to continue this project for 25 years and observe the changes.”
And it would be interesting to photograph the same houses again in 25 years, Souteyrat says. By then, the houses, their surroundings, and the people within them...—...and perhaps the “Tokyo feel” itself will have changed significantly.
Jérémie Souteyrat
Born in France. Based in Tokyo since 2009. Primarily works with Le Monde (France) and The Wall Street Journal (USA). He strives to maintain a journalistic perspective in both his work and his art.
http://www.jeremie-souteyrat.com
“Tokyo Houses”
Photographs | Jérémie Souteyrat
Text | Kengo Kuma
Publisher | Le Grand Noir
Specifications | Hardcover, 280×210mm, 144 pages
Price | ¥4,000 (excluding tax)
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