London: HERBIE YAMAGUCHI in Matsukawa Box

March 10, 2025

London: HERBIE YAMAGUCHI in Matsukawa Box

March 26 – May 30, 2025

Michelle LONDON / HERBIE YAMAGUCHI　1988年

THE MIRROR Gallery is pleased to present “London: HERBIE YAMAGUCHI in Matsukawa Box.

”This exhibition showcases a collection of photographs by HERBIE YAMAGUCHI, capturing the everyday lives of people in London, where he lived for ten years from 1973.

HERBIE YAMAGUCHI’s monochrome photography evokes a sense of nostalgia, despite depicting scenes never seen before.

The venue, Matsukawa Box, is an architectural masterpiece designed by Dan Miyawaki and completed in 1971.

The photographs, preserving memories of an era, resonate with the unique space of Matsukawa Box, bringing the essence of the 1970s and 80s vividly to life.

Exhibition Details

Exhibition Period: Wednesday, March 26 – Friday, May 30, 2025
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (hourly admission slots)
Closed: Saturday to Tuesday
Reservations: Advance reservation required (Children below school age must be accompanied by one guardian per child)
Admission Fees:
• General: ¥1,000 (incl. tax)
• University students and younger: ¥500 (incl. tax)
• Middle school students and younger: Free
※ Please select the ¥1,000 admission fee when booking for university students and younger. A student ID must be presented at the venue to receive the discounted price of ¥500.
※ Reservations are required for elementary and middle school students. Please select the ¥1,000 admission fee when booking.

Organizer: TOSHIO SHIMIZU ART OFFICE

Herbie Yamaguchi (Photographer)

Born in Tokyo in 1950, Herbie Yamaguchi moved to London at the age of 23, where he spent ten years. During his time there, he joined a theater company run by Japanese expatriates and gained experience as an actor, performing in 100 stage productions.He arrived in London at the height of the punk rock movement, leading to interactions with British musicians and the creation of photographs that captured the essence of the city’s vibrant culture. His work, which vividly portrayed life in London, was highly acclaimed.After returning to Japan, he continued photographing artists and everyday people using a snap portrait style. Having suffered from caries disease from early childhood to his mid-teens, he chose “hope for life” as the central theme of his artistic expression.Many fans appreciate his gentle and pure artistic style, which resonates across generations. In addition to photography, he has authored essays, worked as a radio personality, and even contributed lyrics to several songs for guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei.In 2011, he was awarded the Japan Photographic Society’s Author Award. After serving as a visiting professor at Osaka University of Arts and Kyushu Sangyo University, he was appointed Principal of the Japan Institute of Photography and Film in 2024.His major works include London After the Dream, Daikanyama 17-ban Chi, Hope: The Sky Turns Blue, What Makes a Good Photograph, and Photographs That Bring Happiness to People.His professional name, Herbie, is derived from his admiration for jazz flutist Herbie Mann.

THE MIRROR

THE MIRROR is a contemporary gallery launched in the fall of 2023 by artistic director Toshio Shimizu.Set in the iconic Matsukawa Box, designed by Dan Miyawaki, THE MIRROR serves as a creative hub for art, design, literature, science, and other disciplines. The gallery primarily focuses on contemporary art while fostering diverse artistic and cultural activities.

AccessAddress:

Matsukawa Box A Building, 2-14-15 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0051, Japan
The entrance is on the left after climbing the stairs. Look for the wooden door.By Train:
• 4-minute walk from Exit 2 of Nishi-Waseda Station (Fukutoshin Line)
• 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of Waseda Station (Tozai Line)
• 15-minute walk from Takadanobaba Station (JR Yamanote Line, Seibu Shinjuku Line)By Car:
• No parking is available. Please use parking meters along Suwa Street near the Meiji Street Suwa-cho intersection toward Waseda University.By Bicycle:
• No bicycle parking is available.

Visitor Guidelines

• A maximum of 10 visitors per hour can be admitted. Please make separate reservations for each individual.
• Entry and viewing are allowed anytime within the reserved hour, but visitors must leave at the designated exit time. Please allow ample time for viewing.
• There is no waiting area at the venue. Since the gallery is located in a residential area, please do not arrive early or wait outside the gallery, as it may disturb neighbors.
• Food and drinks are not allowed.
• The gallery will remain open on public holidays.
• Opening dates, hours, and admission times are subject to change without prior notice.
• There are no group discounts, advance ticket sales, or other discount programs.
• The venue is not barrier-free. If you require assistance, please contact us in advance.
• Media representatives can schedule interviews in advance.
• Photography is allowed for personal use, such as social media posting. The exhibition venue will provide guidelines on whether specific exhibits can be photographed.
• Please review and adhere to all visitor guidelines.