Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2009

Japan’s love affair with the camera began almost as soon as the West pried the country open a century and a half ago. As part of the Port of Yokohama’s 150th anniversary celebrations, the city’s museums and galleries present an extensive look at the history of photography in Japan in three parts. “The End of the Shogunate—Meiji Through Taisho Eras” offers a glimpse of the country through the lens of Beato Felice, the first foreign photographer to settle in the country. “The Present, Past and Future of Photography—the Showa Era Through Today” exhibits the work of Yokohama-based photographers, while “Photo Communication” looks at the evolution of photography and camera technology.

Yokohama Museum of Art
The End of the Shogunate: Meiji Through Taisho Eras. Photography. Until Nov 23, free (elem and under)/¥100 (MS)/¥300 (HS, univ)/¥500 (adult). Dai-Kai-Ko: The Art of the Period of Opening the Port of Yokohama from Tokugawa Era to Meiji. Various media. Until Nov 23, free (elem and under)/¥400 (MS)/¥700 (HS, univ)/¥1,000 (adult). 3-4-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama. Tel: 045-221-0300. Open Fri-Wed 10am-6pm, closed Thu. Nearest stn: Minato Mirai. www.yaf.or.jp/yma

Yokohama Civic Art Gallery
The Present, Past and Future of Photography: The Showa Era Through Today. Photography. Until Oct 28, free (18 and under)/¥500 (adult). 1-1 Bandaicho, Naka-ku, Yokohama. Tel: 045-224-7920. Open daily 10am-6pm. Nearest stn: Kannai. www.yaf.or.jp/ycag

Art Forum Azamino
Photo Communication. Photography. Oct 23-Nov 8, free. 1-17-3 Azamino-Minami, Aoba-ku, Yokohama. Tel: 045-910-5656. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm, closed Mon. Nearest stn: Azamino. www.ycaf.or.jp/azamino