Kyoto Journal 109: Sharing Visions

Coming in July 2025
PRE-ORDER: ¥2500

The next issue of Kyoto Journal, “Sharing Visions” (KJ 109), will celebrate people with unique visions for the future.

The theme ‘Sharing Visions’ is related to Kyoto Journal’s exhibition in this year’s Kyotographie, Kyoto’s premier international photography festival. The show celebrates KJ’s history of sharing extraordinary photographic images since our founding in 1987. Issue 109, in turn, looks toward the future; in this city of traditional cultures, how can we preserve the best of the past while moving forward in a world of continuous innovation?

We talk with the founding director of JapanCraft21, Steve Biemel, who has worked tirelessly to promote the art of Takemi Asako. Takemi has dedicated her life to preserving the disappearing dyeing techniques of Kyoto’s kimono industry, and her original kimono blend the traditional with the contemporary.

Our interview with the CEO of the Kyoto fabric company Sou Sou, Wakabayashi Takeshi, examines how traditional styles and techniques can be adapted to 21st-century lifestyles.

Susan Pavloska profiles the Kyoto based international textile artist and traditional felt researcher, Jorie Johnson.

KJ 109 will also feature Amber Case and her ‘Calm Tech’ project, which quantifies the impact of technology on our well-being in an effort to develop environments that harmonize our technology with our bodies. We also review the latest book from longtime contributor Marc Keane, Proxima’s Gift, and we envision Kyoto as an international art hub through the lens of its premier art festivals — Art Collaboration Kyoto, Kyotographie, et al.

“Other Visions of Kyoto” is a special selection of photographs that present Kyoto, one of the most touristed and photographed cities in the world, through new never-before-seen perspectives and alternative photographic processes. Unlike our Kyotographie exhibition, all the images in 109 will be new to our pages.

Preorder Kyoto Journal 109 for worldwide delivery now.
Browse our other issues.

Kyoto Journal’s network of designers, photographers, writers, artists, and editors volunteer their time, skills, and passions to create a beautiful and meaningful magazine, a testimony to the power of collaboration. Non-profit and completely independent, unlike commercial media, KJ has the freedom to produce a truly one-of-a-kind publication each time.

Our “heartwork” depends entirely on your support. Please consider donating—and becoming a “Friend of Kyoto Journal.”