Situated in Sakata city is The Ken Domon Museum of Photography, a home to the work of locally loved and internationally renowned photographer Ken Domon. Known as the leading photographer of the postwar period this Sakata City born photographer was a leading photojournalist who rose to artistic fame taking both news photographs and portraits of both ordinary and well-known people throughout his illustrious career.
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![Ken Domon Museum of Photography]()
Ken Domon Museum of Photography
Opened in 1983 in Sakata city this modern style gallery is the home of some of Japan’s most incredible photographic works and it’s definitely worth a visit if you have even a passing interest in the Japanese artistic scene or Japanese history.
![Ken Domon Museum of Photography]()
Ken Domon Museum of Photography
This talented photographer has a rather unique path to fame. Originally Domon studied law at Nihon University, but he was expelled due to his participation in radical politics, he later moved into the art world exploring the world of painting before turning to portrait photography. Thanks to his undeniable talent in 1933 he scored a position with Kotaro Miyauchi Photo Studio where he began his groundbreaking career in the world of photojournalism. Later in 1935 he joined Nippon Kobo to work for their magazine Nippon. But it wasn’t too long before he succumbed to his political heart and moved to Kokusai Bunka Shinkokai, which was a national propaganda organization four years later. Like many other notable Japanese photographers, he actively participated in helping Japan’s war effort.
![Ken Domon Museum of Photography]()
Ken Domon Museum of Photography
The museum’s display follows Domon’s career from his active beginnings right to his peak and beyond. Following the war Domon documented the aftermath of the devastation, turning his lens to focus on Japanese society and the lives of ordinary people. With this work he became a prolific name in the photography world, lending his images to countless photographic magazines and gaining a reputation for being one of the best.
![Ken Domon Museum of Photography]()
Ken Domon Museum of Photography
In 1958 Domon was recognized for his efforts and awarded the Mainichi Photography Award and the Photographer of the Year Award from the Japan Photo Critics Association. Following a series of incapacitating strokes, he passed away in Tokyo on 15 September 1990, but his legacy still lives on today as powerful as ever.
![Ken Domon Museum of Photography]()
Ken Domon Museum of Photography
This dedication to the talented photographer was actually the first museum of photography in Japan, and it features a broad selection of Domon’s work spanning his entire career. Spurred on by the man himself, in 1974, Domon declared that his wish was to present his hometown with his entire collection of photographic works. In order to fulfill his wish and house this incredible collection, Sakata constructed the museum in 1983.
![Ken Domon Museum of Photography]()
Ken Domon Museum of Photography
Situated four kilometers southwest of the heart of Sakata city, nestled against a hill and back dropped by stunning natural forests, the museum is worth a detour if you’re visiting the area. The best way to get there is from Sakata Station, which takes around 16 min by bus from Sakata Station direct to the doors of the Ken Domon Kinenkan Museum, the trip takes about half an hour and costs 360 yen each way.
Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata
1-1-1 Kasumi-cho Yamagata
- Ken Domon Museum of Photography
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