Masahisa Fukase, Ravens

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Widely recognized as one of the most important photobooks in history, Ravens by Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase was originally published in 1986. Due to high demand, both subsequent limited-edition print runs sold out immediately. This bilingual facsimile of the first edition includes an insightful new essay by Tomo Kosuga, founder of the Masahisa Fukase Archives. Kosuga’s text situates Ravens within Fukase’s broader body of work and life, complemented by rare, recently discovered photographs and drawings.

Created between 1975 and 1986, Ravens reflects Fukase’s emotional journey following a difficult divorce, with deeply expressive images captured along the coastal landscapes of Hokkaido. His haunting, dark photographs of ominous raven flocks against stark backdrops have been interpreted as a powerful allegory for postwar Japan, embodying themes of loss, isolation, and the human experience.