"Over the past 150 years, Japanese photographers have created an impressive body of work that ranges from dignified imperial portraits to sweeping urban panoramas, from early ethereal landscapes to modern urban mysteries. Despite the richness, significance, and variety of this work, however, it has largely been neglected in Western histories of photography. This gorgeous and groundbreaking book - the first comprehensive account of Japanese photography from its inception in the mid-nineteenth century to the present day - reveals to English-speaking audiences the importance and beauty of this art form."--BOOK JACKET.