London-born photographer John Tran grew to become interested in Japan after living there for several years and then went on to earn a Master's in the history of Japanese landscape photography at Chelsea University. Tran currently lectures at the art department of Tsukuba University. This group of works emerged from a collaborative effort with Professor Kiyoshi Nishikawa, also of Tsukuba University, and combines elements of visual culture not found in either English or Japanese landscape photography to create images depicting an ambiguous cultural space. This exhibition is part of a series of art events for UK-Japan 2008. [Image: "No Place Like Home

Freelance photographer Hatsuhiko Okada has been active in a wide variety of fields ranging from advertising photography to commercial film and promotion video production. Okada has continually attempted to capture through his lens the "atmosphere" inherent in urban space. Showcased at this exhibition are photographs of public housing that he has been taking since 1998. This is Okada's first solo exhibition since "Luna Arch" held at Daikanyama Hillside Gallery in 1987.

Tabuchi's work consists of monochrome photos, human figures in wirework, and geometrically shaped sculptures shut inside a box measuring 385x280x35mm. The monochrome photos depict human figures placed against landscapes featuring seasides, snowscapes, signs blotted over with ink, wooden walls exposed to the elements. In the blank spaces, short tanka verses have been written. Although the photos were taken by Tabuchi, the human wirework figures look like characters in a photo or even disembodied souls are based on distant memories from old photo albums, leading viewers somewhere remote, tranquil and faintly sad. After working as an editor at an art publishing company, Tabuchi spent the 80s and 90s as a designer handling both editorial and graphics, working on numerous projects. While pursuing design work, he also quietly pursued a personal project on the side, producing abstract photos using lines by using a photography device christened "Tabtype" that he believed manifested a certain personal sensibility. Since 2000, Tabuchi began working on photography work in earnest. One inspiration for this turn was a meeting with the poet Takao Mitsuhana. While working on the binding for the poetry collection "Sugatanaki Kyakujin" in 2003, Tabuchi was working on the design for the cover as if working to produce an art object, as per usual. The motifs for these tanka poems came from the Feast of Lanterns, a Buddhist rite held in August. Tabuchi has created the "visitors" to these rites using wire that has been randomly interwoven in multiple layers like mesh. Artist Talk: September 1st (Mon) 18:00-19:00

Paris - timeless city overflowing with inspiration, full of romantic tales and classical architecture, leaves an indelible impression on all who visit her. In 1947, the Magnum Photo group was founded at the suggestion of legendary photographer Robert Capa, together with Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Roger, David Seymour. Since then, Magnum has trained their cameras on historical moments and events around the world, growing to become one of the world's most powerful photography groups. This exhibition entitled "Nostalgie" contains work that illustrates how the world sees Paris from various viewpoints, from the 1940s to the present day. In addition to famous artists like Capa, Cartier-Bresson, Dennis Stock, Elliot Erwitt and the work of younger photographers like Bruce Davidson's "Nature of Paris" collection are on display. This exhibition of photos that capture a certain essence of Parisian life coincides fortuitously with the 150th year anniversary of Franco-Japanese exchange, prompting Japanese audiences to rethink what it is exactly that attracts people to this enchanting city.