The 13th edition of KYOTOGRAPHIE, Japan’s largest photography festival, will run from Saturday, 12 April to Sunday, 11 May 2025, in Kyoto, Japan. This year’s theme, HUMANITY, will explore a range of perspectives on the human condition, from war and gender to identity, emotion, community, connection, nature, pain, and love. With 14 renowned international artists exhibiting across 15 venues, this edition promises to be a celebration of photography’s ability to reflect the world we live in.
Participating artists include Adam Rouhana, Eamonn Doyle, Eric Poitevin, Graciela Iturbide, Hsing-Yu Liu, JR, Keijiro Kai, Laetitia Ky, Lee Shulman & Omar Victor Diop, Mao Ishikawa, Martin Parr, Pushpamala N, Tamaki Yoshida, and Hiromi Tsuchida, whose works will be spread throughout Kyoto’s historic temples, iconic landmarks, and modern galleries. Additionally, a public mural at Kyoto Station will bring KYOTOGRAPHIE to the streets, adding a layer of public engagement to the festival.
The 2025 edition continues the festival’s tradition of bringing high-quality photographic work to new audiences, making the powerful narratives and social reflections within the medium accessible to a wide range of viewers. The theme of HUMANITY invites artists and visitors to examine profound topics such as community, connection, and personal identity in the context of an ever-changing world. The exhibition will highlight both the shared human experience and the individual expressions of the artists featured.
Beyond the main exhibition program, KYOTOGRAPHIE 2025 offers a variety of engagement activities for both professionals and the general public. The International Portfolio Review at TIME’S will provide photographers with the opportunity to present their work to international experts, receive valuable feedback, and potentially take significant steps in their careers. Workshops, talks, and masterclasses will allow for in-depth learning and exchange, while the Kids Program ensures that the festival reaches the next generation of photographers and creatives.
A particularly exciting addition to this year’s festival is the release of two special publications. KYOTOGRAPHIE: A Kyoto Story commemorates 12 years of the festival’s artistic vision and impact, intertwining the personal stories of the founders, Lucille Reyboz and Yusuke Nakanishi, with the voices of the community that has supported its growth. Meanwhile, KG+SELECT 10 YEARS, 10 ARTISTS reflects on the decade-long history of the KG+ Award, celebrating the achievements of past award winners and the evolution of this open-call satellite event. Both books will be available for purchase at the KYOTOGRAPHIE Information Centre at Hachiku-an (Former Kawasaki Residence) and TIME’S, alongside the festival’s official annual catalogue.
PHOTO Australia Founder Elias Redstone and Curator Pippa Milne are also attending KYOTOGRAPHIE 2025. They are conducting portfolio reviews and engaging with artists and organisers, further fostering creative exchange between KYOTOGRAPHIE and other international photography festivals. Their visit is paving the way for exciting developments, with collaborations already in the works for PHOTO 2026.
In addition to its impressive exhibitions and educational programs, KYOTOGRAPHIE will host the KYOTOGRAPHIE & KG＋ PHOTOBOOK FAIR, a three-day celebration bringing together publishers and bookstores from Japan and abroad. The fair aims to create new encounters between readers and photographers, offering another dynamic platform for discovery.
KYOTOGRAPHIE is not just for photography enthusiasts—it is for anyone who has ever been moved by an image, making it an inclusive and enriching experience for all. Whether you are a professional photographer, an aspiring artist, or simply someone interested in the power of photography to communicate the human experience, KYOTOGRAPHIE offers something for everyone.
Festival Details:
- Dates: Saturday, 12 April – Sunday, 11 May 2025
- Venues: Across Kyoto City, including ancient temples, landmarks, galleries, and a public mural at Kyoto Station
- Ticket Prices: General Admission ¥6,000 (Advance ¥5,500), Student Admission ¥3,000
- Official Website: KYOTOGRAPHIE 2025
