Looking for a free exhibition in London this summer? Japan House London’s first photography exhibition, Kyotographie: Kawada Kikuji x Iwane Ai, offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience contemporary Japanese photography without leaving the capital.
Opening to the public on 3 June 2026, the exhibition brings together two generations of acclaimed Japanese photographers whose work explores memory, identity, migration and the human experience through powerful and thought-provoking imagery.
Having attended the press preview ahead of opening night, I left feeling both moved and reflective.
Prepare yourself for a poignant exhibition. Through their lenses, Kawada Kikuji and Iwane Ai capture the essence of life – its joys and struggles, and the delicate dance between life and death. Expect chest-clutching images that stir thoughts and memories long buried away.
Meet Photographers Kawada Kikuji and Iwane Ai
At 93 years old, Kawada Kikuji remains one of Japan’s most celebrated photographers. Active for eight decades and known for his continual innovation, the exhibition features works from his groundbreaking 1965 photobook Chizu (The Map), alongside images from The Last Cosmology, a series inspired by celestial phenomena.
In her first major UK exhibition, Iwane Ai presents her award-winning Kipuka series, which explores the lives of Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. Visitors can also discover works from A New River, where eerily illuminated cherry blossoms and figures inspired by Japanese folklore transform the landscapes of Japan’s Tōhoku region into dreamlike scenes.
Both artists have previously featured in KYOTOGRAPHIE International Photography Festival, one of Asia’s largest photography festivals, held annually across Kyoto. Organised in partnership with the festival team, this London exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience their work in the UK.
Why Visit This Free Exhibition in London?
Located on Kensington High Street, Japan House London has become one of the UK’s leading destinations for Japanese culture. Whether you’re interested in photography, art, travel or Japanese heritage, this exhibition provides a fascinating glimpse into contemporary Japan through the eyes of two exceptional artists.
For those dreaming of a future trip to Kyoto or beyond, Kyotographie: Kawada Kikuji x Iwane Ai offers an evocative introduction to Japanese culture right in the heart of London.
Opening Week Events at Japan House London
Please note that all events are free to attend, but booking is essential.
Wednesday 3 June
The Making of KYOTOGRAPHIE International Photography Festival
18:30–19:45
Thursday 4 June
Gallery Tour with Photographer Iwane Ai
14:00–14:45
Friday 5 June
The Invisible Connections Between Distant Places
Talk by Photographer Iwane Ai
18:30–19:45
Saturday 6 June
Bon-Uta: A Song from Home
Film Screening followed by Q&A with Iwane Ai
14:00–17:00
Visiting Information
Kyotographie: Kawada Kikuji x Iwane Ai
Japan House London
Dates: 3 June – 18 October 2026
Admission: Free
For anyone searching for a free cultural experience in London this summer, this thought-provoking photography exhibition deserves a place on your itinerary.