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
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Abandoned pirate pleasure ship sinking south of Tokyo Bay, city orders destruction
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
These rare eggs cost more than a typical meal in Japan but are they really that special?
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events