Naoko Tachibana is a photographer and professional ‘josou’ specialist who has helped over 1,000 men to try out crossdressing, giving styling and fashion advice as well as shooting stunning photos of the completed transformation. And josou itself – male to female crossdressing – is the theme of a new solo exhibition of Tachibana’s photographic work, which opens at the Vanilla Gallery in Ginza, Tokyo this month.
Join us after the jump for a peek at the promotional shots for the exhibition, featuring Ladybeard and more!
The retrospective exhibition will feature Tachibana’s work from her very first ventures into photography six years ago, tracing her changing perspective on identity and beauty, as she asks questions such as: “What is josou? What is gender?…What is the shape of happiness?”
And in a special gallery talk on Sunday, January 31, Tachibana will be joined by some of the famous faces whose pictures feature in the exhibition – namely, Aoi Kamo of idol group Hajirai Rescue, and all-time RocketNews24 hero Ladybeard.
▼ Aoi Kamo, aka Ao-nyan.
▼ It may not be quite in the same vein, but this iconic photo of bearded crossdresser Ladybeard will also be on show.
In continuing her work documenting the lives of crossdressing men, Tachibana says she aims to help people escape from fixed notions of gender roles, and hopes that with increased awareness, more people can find happiness and freedom. Sounds good to us!
The gallery talk is 2,000 yen (including one drink), but the exhibition itself is only 500 yen. If you’re in Tokyo at the end of this month, make sure to check it out!
Exhibition information
Progression and happiness theory of Josou (Japanese title: 女装の軌跡と幸福論 Josou no kiseki to koufuku ron)
Address: Vanilla Gallery, Tosei Bldg. B2F, Ginza 8-10-7, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Open: January 26 – February 7, 2015
Mon-Thu 12-7pm, Fri 12-8pm, Sat and holidays 12-5pm; closed Sunday
Admission: 500 yen
Sources: NetLab, Naoko Tachibana Photography
All images: Naoko Tachibana via NetLab
Crossdressing photography book hopes to improve transgender awareness in Japan
“Thigh Photography” exhibition opening this month in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki is still drawing…and walking in his Vans
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
Are Japanese convenience store sandwiches scamming us with their fillings?
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says