Photographer, born 1909 in Sakata (Yamagata Prefecture). Domon was one of the most celebrated proponents of realism in photography in Japan. Initially active in photographic journalism, over the course of his career he gained a worldwide reputation for his works. While Koji junrei (Pilgrimage to the Ancient Temples, 1963-75) counts as his most outstanding work, he also published Muroji, Hiroshima, The Children of Chikuho, Travels to the Old Kilns, or Portraits of the Famous etc., each of them of lasting impact in their own right.

Domon’s particular sensibility was directed towards Japanese ideas of beauty, and the sentiment of the Japanese people. He was awarded the Ars Photography and Culture Prize in 1943, the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon in 1974, and the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th class, in 1980. In 1974, Domon was made a honorary citizen of Sakata. He passed away in 1990.