Profile

1921
Ishimoto was born in San Francisco as the eldest son of immigrant agricultural workers from Kochi
1924
Relocated to Kochi with his parents
1939
After graduating from Kochi’s agricultural high school, he moved to the United States by himself to live in California
1942
After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 8, 1941, he was imprisoned in a Japanese American internment camp
1944
Released from internment camp and went to Chicago
1947
Joined a photography club in Chicago. Encountered the writings of Moholy-Nagy and others, and discovered modernist/avantgarde photography
1948
Entered the Institute of Design (known as the New Bauhaus) in Chicago (graduated in 1952)
1953
Returned to Japan, remaining until 1958. Visited the Katsura Imperial Villa for the first time and photographed the paving stones. Met Tange Kenzo and other important figures of the world of architecture, design, and art
1954
Stayed at Tawaraya Ryokan in Kyoto for one month and photographed the Katsura Imperial Villa
1956
Married Kawamata Shigeruko (Shigeru). Shigeru went on to play an important role as a creative collaborator
1958
Published Aru hi aru tokoro [Someday somewhere], his first book of photography. Returned to Chicago and remained there for three years
1960
Katsura: Nihon kenchiku ni okeru dentō to sōzō [Katsura: Tradition and Creation in Japanese Architecture] published
1961
Returned to Japan
1969
Obtained Japanese citizenship. Chicago, Chicago was published.
1973
Photographed Mandalas of the Two Worlds at Toji Temple (Kyōōgokokuji)
1977
Published Den Shingon-in Ryōkai Mandara: Kyōōgokokuji zō [The Den Shingon-in Mandalas of the Two Worlds]
1978
Kunisaki kikō [Journey to Kunisaki] published
1983
Katsura rikyū: Kūkan to katachi [Katsura Villa: Space and Form], a compilation of colour photographs of the Katsura Imperial Villa, was published
1984
Tsutsumareta tabemono [Wrapped food] series taken with a 20 x 24 inch Polaroid camera was published
1995
Ise Jingu was published
2006
Donated 35,000 works to Kochi Prefecture
2007
Shibuya, Shibuya was published
2010
Published Katsura rikyū [Katsura Imperial Villa], a collection of old and new photographs of the Katsura Imperial Villa in black and white
2012
Died
2013
Ishimoto Yasuhiro Photo Center opens at The Museum of Art, Kochi