On the occasion of the launch of OGATA BOOKSTORE, we unveil an exceptional selection of Japanese books, both contemporary and vintage. Spanning photography, graphic design, architecture, craftsmanship, and fine arts, the selection includes antique books of high cultural and historical value. These Japanese publications reflect a refined visual culture and stand out for their poetic design and exceptional craftsmanship.

Among them is the remarkable collection of foldable tea-house models (Sukiya Okoshi-ezu) dating from 1931, the spectacular Hato (Rolling Waves), published by Unsodo in 1910 as well as the charming Shimachō (“collection of striped fabric samples”) dating from the very beginning of the 20th century, a touching ethnographic document bearing witness to cotton culture and everyday life which reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of ordinary people.

Other works featured in the exhibition include designer books by Ikko Tanaka and Kazunori Hattori; photography books by Shomei Tomatsu, Yasuhiro Ishimoto, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Taihei Kimura; catalogues by the iconic avant-garde calligrapher Yuichi Inoue; several issues of the photography magazine Hinism by Akio Tomari; as well as exceptional stationery and rare books from the publishing house Nichigetsudo, founded in the 19th century.

For a few days, this exceptional selection will be displayed on the mezzanine. Some of those books will then join a permanent section dedicated to books in the OGATA boutique.

This OGATA bookstore will continuously show the exceptional creativity, uniqueness and know-how of Japanese book-making, from printing to folding techniques, from paper textures to binding.

General Information
Special Exhibition “OGATA x FRAGILE BOOKS – Impressions from Japan”
Venue : Mezzanine
Dates: Wednesday, June 10th – Tuesday, June 23rd

Special Public Event:

Wednesday June 17th
Opening Reception (Cocktail & Public Conversation)

5:00 PM – : Cocktail starts

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Public Conversation with

– Osamu KUSHIDA, Director, FRAGILE BOOKS (participation online)

– Alexandre DIMOS, Co-Founder and Director, Studio DeValence / Éditions B42

– Shinichiro OGATA, Founder, OGATA Paris

Moderated and interpreted by Aska GAUTHIER, Culture & Hospitality Manager