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
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
KFC Japan’s “The American Burgers” include a pile of guilt
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Japanese government to allow desecration of flags on kids’ meals
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Used chopsticks upgraded from “waste” to “valuable material” by Kawasaki City thanks to ChopValue
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
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]