As another week gently draws to its close, I want to pause and wish each of you a truly fabulous weekend. May these days be filled with the gentle beauty of quiet moments, the laughter of friends, and the comfort of creative inspiration.
Haiku by Gabriela Marie Milton
I enter your soft dreams, your lips linger, dew-kissed night, silence breathes between.
Update: Lullscapes in Light and Shadow
I am delighted to share an update on Naoki Kimuraโs remarkable fine art photography and poetry, Lullscapes in Light and Shadow, published by Literary Revelations. The album is still a #1 bestseller in Japan, a Top Release, and a bestseller in the USA. This splendid collection weaves delicate imagery and profound emotion into every line, exploring the interplay between illumination and obscurity in both poetry and fine art photography. Naoki Kimuraโs work truly invites readers to wander through landscapes of dream and memory, where each poem is a moment of quiet discovery.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the book. Your enthusiasm and encouragement mean the world, and it is heartwarming to see Lullscapes in Light and Shadow finding its way to readers across the globe.
Thank you, USA!
Thank you, Japan!
Thank you, UK!
Thank you, Canada!
Your love of literature is what keeps stories alive and growing. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased and read the book. May this weekend bring you peace, inspiration, and the gentle glow of words well loved.
For you a poem from Naoki’s album:
Somewhere between heartbeats and breath, golden whispers coil in stillness, each filament a promise that even silence can wear its own light. –Naoki Kimura
The featured photo also belongs to Naoki Kimura and it is included in the album.
Lullscapes in Light and Shadow by Naoki Kimura is now a #1 Bestseller in Japan (References), a #2 Bestseller, and a #1 Amazon Top Release in the USA (Black and White Photography)
My dear followers,
I am overflowing with gratitude for each and every one of you who chose to buy the book!
Special thanks to our Artist in Residence in Japan: Hikari!
ๅชใใๅ ใใใชใใใชใ้ฐใใก โ ใใฎๅใใฏใๅใชใใปใฉใซ็พใใ ไฝใฟ โ ๅชใๅพ ใก็ถใใ The light is tender, the shadow falls with graceโ delicate, it stirs the ache of beauty. I linger, awaiting the hush of the lull.
ๆจ ๆ ๅฐ ๆจน Naoki Kimura ๅชๆฏ Nagikei Lullscapes in Light and Shadow
My dear followers.
Lullscapes in Light and Shadow by Naoki Kimura, is now an Amazon bestseller and Top New Release in Black and White Photography.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who bought the book or spread the news.
I need your help more than ever.
WHY?
Because on Tuesday, the four major publishers of the world release their books, usually dragging down self-published books and small independent publishers. Literary Revelations is so proud of its accomplishments, but it is not Penguin Random House.
Penguin Random House, the publisher encompassing the “Penguin” name, reported record global revenues of โฌ4.9 billion (approximately $5.3 billion) for 2024, driven by higher book prices and broad title offerings. This marks an increase from โฌ4.5 billion ($4.92 billion) in 2023, continuing a trend of rising sales despite earlier challenges.
The title โNagikeiโ (ๅชๆฏโLullscapes) distills the profound tranquility and harmony embodied in โNagiโ (ๅช, Lull), weaving it seamlessly with the subtle appreciation for nuance and evanescence inherent in โKeiโ (ๆฏ, scenery or emotional landscape). In Naoki Kimuraโs fine art photography and poetry album, this fusion becomes not merely an artful label, but a gentle invocationโan opening into a world where, between the shifting of light and shadow, time decelerates and the soul glides quietly toward contemplation.
Lullscapes in Light and Shadows is an artwork of interwoven monochrome vistas, with a careful curation of poetryโhaiku, tanka, free-form verse, and brief prose reflections. Each literary piece is chosen to echo or counterpoint the visual narrative, inviting us ever deeper into the dialogue between image and word, between perception and emotion. The result is not a collection to be hurried through, but a presence to be lived withโan artifact for repeated visitation, wherein each encounter reveals new shades of meaning.
Nagikei is a quiet revolutionโa call to reclaim the present moment from the relentless tide of haste and distraction. It is a living testament to the possibility of beauty in stillness, a sanctuary for those willing to see with eyes attuned to the delicate music of impermanence.
I am absolutely ecstatic to announce that Naoki Kimura’s mesmerizing art album, Lullscapes in Light and Shadow was released on Amazon yesterday and at the hour I write is already TOP NEW RELEASE IN THE USA IN BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY. Congratulations to Naoki Kimura, and thank you to those who decided to support us in any way possible.
Naoki Kimra’s Nagikei (ๅชๆฏโLullscapes): An Invitation to Japanese Fine Art Photography and Poetry, by Naoki Kimura The Art of Stillness, Subtlety, and Impermanence
Placed upon a coffee table, Lullscapes in Light and Shadow, a superb album by Japanese artist Naoki Kimura becomes a vessel for shared reflection; opened in solitude, it becomes a companion for meditation. The pages of the album are thresholdsโcross them, and you enter a world where the ordinary glimmers with the extraordinary, where slowness becomes a form of gratitude.
The title โNagikeiโ (ๅชๆฏโLullscapes) distills the profound tranquility and harmony embodied in โNagiโ (ๅช, Lull), weaving it seamlessly with the subtle appreciation for nuance and evanescence inherent in โKeiโ (ๆฏ, scenery or emotional landscape). In Naoki Kimuraโs fine art photography and poetry album, this fusion becomes not merely an artful label, but a gentle invocationโan opening into a world where, between the shifting of light and shadow, time decelerates and the soul glides quietly toward contemplation. Lullscapes in Light and Shadow is an invitation to rediscover moments of serenity and ephemeral beauty that are often overlooked in the rush of daily life. Kimuraโs monochrome photography is both an ode to visual and literaryโto the hush that follows the wind, to the grace found in the silent corners of existence.
Suffused throughout Nagikei is the spirit of โMono no Aware,โ that uniquely Japanese awareness of the bittersweet nature of impermanence. To see with โMono no Awareโ is to encounter beauty precisely because, and not despite, its fleetingness. Kimuraโs fine art photographs do not aspire to be mere records of a vanishing world; they are meditation spaces in which to linger, to mourn, and to celebrate the fragile radiance slipping softly through our fingers. Each image becomes a silent haiku, a momentโs flare of consciousness before it dissolves back into the quiet flow of time.
Interwoven with the monochrome vistas is a careful curation of poetryโhaiku, tanka, free-form verse, and brief prose reflections. Each literary piece is chosen to echo or counterpoint the visual narrative, inviting us ever deeper into the dialogue between image and word, between perception and emotion. The result is not a collection to be hurried through, but a presence to be lived withโan artifact for repeated visitation, wherein each encounter reveals new shades of meaning.
Nagikei is a quiet revolutionโa call to reclaim the present moment from the relentless tide of haste and distraction. It is a living testament to the possibility of beauty in stillness, a sanctuary for those willing to see with eyes attuned to the delicate music of impermanence.
I AM THRILLED TO TELL YOU THAT LITERARY REVELATIONS PUBLISHING HOUSE WAS NOMINATED BEST PUBLISHER IN THE USA 2025 BY BEST OF BEST REVIEW.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stands by us and engages in our projects. This award belongs as much to you as it does to us, a true testament to our collective passion and dedication.
From the award announcement:
Literary Revelations Publishing House: Best Publisher in the USA of 2025
At Best of Best Review, we are honored to recognize Literary Revelations Publishing House as the Best Publisher in the USA of 2025. Founded in 2022 by poet, editor, and bestselling author Gabriela Marie Milton, Literary Revelations has rapidly become a powerhouse in the literary world, blending tradition with innovation and earning international recognition.
A Publisher That Redefines Excellence
In just a few short years, Literary Revelations Publishing House has established itself as one of the most influential independent publishers in America. What sets them apart is not simply their success, but their unwavering commitment to literary quality, cultural impact, and artistic vision. Each book feels like a timeless creation, carefully crafted to connect deeply with readersโ hearts while also leaving a lasting cultural legacy.
Highlights of their remarkable journey include:
#1 Amazon Bestsellers: Every title published under their imprint has reached #1 Amazon Bestseller status in multiple categories, including single-authored books and anthologies.
Global Cultural Recognition: Their anthologies Petals of Haiku and Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku are now part of the Museum of Haiku Literature in Japanโa distinction few publishers can claim.
Immortality Through Literature and Art: Petals of Haiku, along with its striking cover painting, is displayed in the Treasure House of the Rinsenji Temple, Japan, placing their work in a sacred cultural context.
Innovation in Publishing: Beyond poetry and fiction, Literary Revelations is preparing to launch its first fine art album, Lullascapes in Light and Shadow by Japanese artist Naoki Kimura, already showcased at the Tokyo Hilton Hotel.
Selective and Authentic Publishing: Unlike platforms that accept nearly all submissions, Literary Revelations prides itself on a rigorous curation processโprioritizing quality over quantity.
A Platform for Literary Voices: Their Literary Revelations Journal publishes carefully selected poetry, prose, art, and interviews, including an exclusive with Nobel Prize-nominated writer Gaetano Camillo.
Founderโs Literary Leadership: Gabriela Marie Milton herself is a #1 Amazon Bestselling Author, Pushcart Prize nominee, and recipient of Author of the Year 2019 at Spillwords NYC. Her editorial expertise and poetic vision guide the press with authenticity and authority.
As Christina Schwarz, author of the New York Times Bestseller Drowning Ruth, has said of Gabrielaโs work:
โWith lush language and lavish imagery, Gabriela M. evokes a fantastic world ripe with emotion.โ
This same richness and integrity are reflected in every project undertaken by Literary Revelations Publishing House.
Why They Deserve the Title Best Publisher in the USA of 2025
When evaluating candidates for this award, the Best of Best Review committee considered key criteria: literary excellence, editorial integrity, cultural contribution, innovation, and global impact. Literary Revelations excelled across every measure.
Their story is not just one of publishing successโit is about elevating literature and art to a space of reverence and immortality. They bring poetry into temples, anthologies into museums, and fine photography into international exhibitions, proving that publishing can transcend boundaries and inspire generations. At its core, Literary Revelations stands for authenticity, vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the arts.
Pros of Literary Revelations Publishing House
Internationally respected for both innovation and tradition
Recognized as Best Publisher in the USA of 2025
Publishes #1 Amazon Bestsellers across multiple genres
Anthologies included in prestigious Japanese literary institutions
Selective and meticulous editorial process focused on quality
Launching groundbreaking art publications
Guided by award-winning poet and editor Gabriela Marie Milton
Active in fostering literary culture through journals and festivals
Good day, my dearest followers. If it is morning, have a productive day; if it is night, may it be magical for you.
I am going to use this space today to remind everyone who reads my blog that my publishing house, Literary Revelations, is on the verge of publishing a superb album of fine art photography (monochrome) and poetry entitled LULLACAPES IN LIGHT AND SHADOW by Japanese artist Naoki Kimura.
Please stay tuned for more news!
Lullascapes in Light and Shadow
Technically, the album measures 8.27 x 11.69 inches and is printed on premium paper.
Substantively, the team and I at Literary Revelations are honored to bring you such a collector’s piece.
For those eager to journey deeper into the heart of Japanese culture, there is no more resonant path than one illuminated by the fine art photography and poetry of a preeminent Zen photographer. The album is more than a collection of images or mere wordsโit is an invitation to see with new eyes, to listen with a still mind, and to experience the world as a fleeting, exquisite moment.
I did the last quick revision of the album last night. When I finished, my hands were trembling. So much beauty…
An invitation to the in-between. When the last ray slips beyond the frame, we stand unguarded, ready for duskโs gentle benediction.
Naoki Kimura…
More information about our artist Naoki Kimura
ARTIST STATEMENT
Nagikei: The Lullscapes Embracing the Resonance of Stillness The title โNagikeiโ (ๅชๆฏ-Lullscapes) encapsulates the profound sense of tranquility and harmony inherent in โNagiโ (Lull), blended with the nuanced appreciation for subtlety and evanescence conveyed by โKeiโ (scenery or emotional landscape). This collection invites you to rediscover those serene moments and ephemeral beauties often overlooked in our daily lives. My choice of monochrome expression stems from a profound belief: the interplay of light and shadow, with its intricate gradations, can most authentically articulate silence and its profound depths. This minimalist yet dignified approach accentuates the delicate textures, structures, and tonal variations brought forth by chiaroscuro. It aims to evoke the subtle โfluctuationsโ (yuragi) inherent in nature and the poignant sensibility of โmono no awareโ โ a gentle melancholy at the transience of things. Japan, with its rich tapestry of tradition and aesthetic consciousness, serves as a timeless realm that conveys both serenity and warmth. The tranquility and natural allure permeating this land resonate deeply with the quietude and acceptance of impermanence central to Zen philosophy, offering visitors a unique space for calm introspection. It is my sincere hope that through this album, you will experience a profound resonance with these works at the crossroads of time and space. The emotions embedded within the theme of โNagikeiโ are inextricably linked to, and deeply resonate with, the consciousness of a โsustainable future.โ In an increasingly digital world, we often lose sight of the โtranscendent synchronicityโ that these moments reveal. Furthermore, the inherent human capacity to perceive the โ1/f fluctuationโ waves present in nature and to embrace โmono no aware,โ transcending eras and cultures, I believe, reawakens our fundamental aesthetic sensibilities. This is not a return to origins, but rather a quest to rediscover the unique stillness and momentary beauty often overlooked in our contemporary digitized environments. I believe this endeavor is a meaningful pursuit for enriching our inner lives as we navigate towards a future society. It is my earnest wish that these works, which focus on โbeingโ and โfeelingโ within stillness and simplicity, will offer viewers profound introspection and healing, serving as a catalyst for re- evaluating their environment and way of life. Should you find yourself sharing in this world of โNagiโโa space for experiencing the quietude of the heart and an instinctive appreciation for โessential beautyโโit would be my utmost fulfillment.
LIST OF EXHIBITIONS Solo & Group Exhibitions 2025 Naoki Kimura Exhibition โ Nagikei โ Lullscapes in Light and Shadow, Hilton Tokyo (with Nespresso and Earth+ Gallery), Tokyo 2024 Naoki Kimura Exhibition โ Nagiei โ In Praise of Shadows as Lullscape, Cha no Ma, Tokyo 2024 Naoki Kimura Solo Exhibition โ A Time Flies as Lullscapes, Kyoto Tsutaya Bookstore 2023 Naoki Kimura Exhibition โ Echoes of Silence / Harmony with Noise, Shimokitazawa Spicy Stories 2023 The Tranquility as Lullscape โ Nagi โ In Praise of Shadows, Sho+1 Gallery, Tokyo 2022 Nagi on the Edge of Milestone, Fireking Cafรฉ, Tokyo 2021 Reality and Virtuality, Sho+1 Gallery, Tokyo 2019 Architecture and Light โ Six Photographers Intersecting with Architecture, Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo 2018 Naoki Kimura Exhibition โ Nagi: Anecdote (curated), Ginza Soei Gallery, Tokyo 2015 Through the Window โ Light Accumulating, Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo 2014 Publication Commemorative Exhibition โ Nagi, Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo 2013 Directorโs Choice Vol.3: B&W, Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo 2012 Directorโs Choice Vol.2, Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo 2011 Portrait, Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo 2010 Silent Monochrome, Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo 2009 Nagi โ Rising, Ephemeral Moments, Emon Photo Gallery, Tokyo 2006 Fine Print Auction 2006 Exhibition, Viewpoint Gallery, California, USA 2005 ML Collaboration Project โ Photography as Interior, Cassina IXC Aoyama, Tokyo 1993 3 Days in Chinatown, Exposure (Shibuya PARCO), Tokyo 1992 IL Concerto / Naoki Kimura, Sala dโArte della Casa Editrice Cantini, Florence, Italy 1991 Lโatmosfera, Stephen Albier Gallery (Burberry New York), USA 1988 Dรฉjร Vu the Shadow, Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts, Harvard University, USA 12 Art Fair Participation 2024 Art Collaboration Kyoto 2024 Art Fair Tokyo 2022 Art Stage Osaka 2022 Art Fair Tokyo 2017 Daikanyama Photo Fair 2012 Tokyo Photo 1993 Frankfurt Book Fair Selected Collaborations, Commissions & Auctions Lobby artwork, Heritage Place Boston, USA (1989โ1991) Advertising image for Thai Dynasty, Interior Design (USA), 1988 Boutique decoration images for Burberry New York, 1993 Selected by Cantini Editore (Italy) for Frankfurt Book Fair, 1993 Original photographic goods for Tokyo International Forum collaboration with Rafael Viรฑoly Architects (New York) โ Postcards, memo blocks, notebooks, letter sets (Art Print Japan), 1997โ Branding management & imagery for Blanco Elegante Beauty Salon, 2002โ 2005 Exhibitions & auctions at Viewpoint Gallery โ Photographic Art Center, California, USA, 2007โ Image contributions for Yohaku Gallery, 2010โ2014 Image production for Aio-n Ginza, produced by Masayuki Tsuchiya, 2009โ Title background imagery for Art Stage โ The Feast of Beauty by Painters, TOKYO MXTV, 2014โ Slide show collaboration for Sound Collaboration LIVE โ Light Mellow Vol.1.5 / Future City-Pop Edition, KIWA Tennoz Isle, 2019 Selected for Nagi-Wa project โYell for Art! Tokyo Projectโ, 2020 Exhibited and sold works via OIL by Bijutsu Techo, 2022โ Exhibited and sold NFT works via MakersPlace, 2022โ 13 AWARDS & RECOGNITION Black & White Portfolio Contest Awards (USA) Annual Awards 2006 Merit Award Black & White Spider Awards 3rd Edition (International), 2007 Annual Awards Nominee Black & White Spider Awards 19th Edition (International), 2024 Annual Awards Nominee Photo book โNagiโ YPP Graphic Arts, 2014 YPP Award Photo book โNagiโ 56th National Catalog & Poster Exhibition (Japan) Encouragement Prize
BIOGRAPHY Naoki Kimura, a fine art photographer and poet, was born in the historic weaving district of Nishijin in Kyoto. In this enclave, centuries-old threads of tradition and artistry are intricately intertwined. Kimuraโs work is shaped by the subtle grandeur of Japanโs ancient heart. This cradle of craftsmanship, with its iridescent silks and quiet temples, instilled in him an early reverence for the grace found in both everyday moments and the painstaking work of artisans. In 1987, driven by a yearning for broader horizons, Kimura embarked on a pilgrimage to the United States. By 1990, the creative current of New York had claimed him. New York became both an anchor and a launching point, enabling him to traverse Europeโs storied landscapes. Naoki Kimuraโs first album, NAGI, emerged as a radiant homage to the Renaissance that once swept across the heart of Europe. Yet, despite the lure of the world, there remained an inexorable pull toward home. In 2017, with the wisdom of years and an increasingly profound artistic vision, he turned his gaze back to Japan, establishing Tokyo as his creative hub. Here, amid the contrasting rhythms of ancient temples and neon-lit avenues, he embarked on a new chapterโa return not only to his country of birth but to purpose. At the core of his photographic meditation lies an exploration of mono no awareโthe tender awareness of impermanence and the gentle sorrow that accompanies it. Through his unique sensibility, Kimura distills this concept into what he calls โNagiโ: a profound, resonant calm. It is a stillness that is not emptiness but fullnessโan echo of all that once was and might yet be. Each photograph, whether of a fleeting shadow on stone or the hush before a storm, seeks to capture the tremor that arises when moment and place convergeโa fleeting qualia, the ineffable felt quality of existence itself. His art is, in essence, the patient recording of these thresholds: the pause where time lingers, suspended in the interplay of light and shadow. Through careful observation, Noaki Kimura makes the invisible manifest; his images invite viewers to inhabit silence, to contemplate the spaces between breath, thought, and sensation. This singular vision has garnered him a devoted circle of collectors, not only in his native Japan but across the Americas and Europe. To encounter his work is to be reminded of the fragility of beauty, the sweetness of melancholy, and the immense depth that resides within the most unassuming of moments. His photographs are not records of the world, but portals to its soulโeach frame a meditation, each composition an invitation to dwell, if only for an instant, in the presence of stillness. Naoki Kimuraโs newest album, Lullascapes in Light and Shadow (Literary Revelations, 2025), is a testimony to his exceptional art and a symphony of refinement and restraint. His Japanese art embodies quiet contemplation and presents the world with a vision where the fleeting and the eternal converge. GABRIELA MARIE MILTON Editor in Chief and Founder of Literary Revelations Publishing House, USA
I deeply regret that I can’t explore as many blogs as I’d love to right now, for I’m on an exciting journey! My heart swells with hope that everyone enjoys a spectacular and unforgettable August full of adventure and joy!
I urge you to pause for a moment and soak in the exhilarating news that Literary Revelations Publishing House is on the verge of unveiling a breathtaking fine-art photography and poetry album by the incredibly talented Japanese artist Naoki Kimura. This exquisite album, titled LULLASCAPES IN LIGHT AND SHADOW, is destined to become a treasured collector’s gem. Currently, the artist’s solo exhibition is captivating audiences at the Hilton Tokyo Hotel, showcasing many of the stunning works that will grace our album. Stay tuned, for this is just the beginning of the artistic journey that awaits!
Naoki Kimura sent me a photo from ็ฅๅ็ฅญ (Kannamesai) at Ise Grand Shrine, a harvest festival held at the shrine. The festival is a significant event where the first fruits of the year’s harvest are offered to the deities. It’s one of the most important annual festivals in Japan, with roots tracing back to ancient times. The festival is a way to express gratitude to the gods for the bountiful harvest and to pray for continued prosperity.
I added my humble voice and wrote a poem titled Sacredness for the exceptional photo taken by Naoki Kimura.
Sacredness – poem by Gabriela Marie Milton – photo Naoki Kimura
The fire burns sacred, unseen, Silent as unfinished steps between, A path unknown, a whispered quest, I search for hearts I donโt possess.
Who am I in this endless night, A shadow cast without a light? No pulse to claim, no beat to own, Just echoes where a soul is born.
A glimpse of humbleness A quiet bow, A softened breath Of the unknown
The fragrance of new rice, pure and sweet, I kneel where earth and heavens meet, My soul is rising, gentle, deepโ A heart reborn in what I reap.
Between the silence and the song, Unspoken morning, you belongโ A soul awakened by a light, Kannamesaiโs peace on a fall night.
Good morning/good evening, my cherished followers:
Today: A POEM BY GABRIELA MARIE MILTON AND A PHOTO BY NAOKI KIMURA.
I hope you enjoy:
PHOTO
Naoki Kimura
POEM/SHORT PROSE
She perched at the corner of the old archway, her floral dress blooming against the steel, her eyes the green of rain-soaked moss.
โHey, lady. Want me to read your future?โ โNo, thank you.โ โEver been sick?โ โNo.โ โEver had surgery?โ โNo.โ โBroken bones?โ โNo.โ โTheyโve tied your health.โ โWhat?โ โNow, they canโt touch you.โ โWho are they?โ
She laughedโa strange, yellow laughter, sweet and sour.
โLet me tell you your future.โ โNo, thanks.โ
I quickened my pace, heart thumping.
When I reached the center of the arch, I glanced back. She was goneโvanished like a forgotten dream.
My future flickered before my eyes: a vision in black and white, sharp as shadows, silent as stone.
The light is tender, the shadow falls with graceโ delicate, it stirs the ache of beauty. I linger, awaiting the hush of the lull. ใ
NAOKI KIMURA
My dear followers,
I wish you a beautiful weekend filled with love and joy.
LITERARY REVELATIONS’ TEAM is absolutely ecstatic to unveil the stunning cover for our forthcoming album LULLASCAPES IN LIGHT AND SHADOW, crafted by the incredibly talented Japanese artist NAOKI KIMURA. Today, we are filled with excitement to share more about this remarkable album, so letโs dive into the enchanting journey ahead!
THE ALBUM
Trimmed at 8.27 x 11.69 inches, the album is a piece of art for those who love beauty and want to explore Japanese traditional concepts through photography and poetry, presented through the lens and voice of one of the most remarkable Zen Japanese artists.
It’s a collector’s piece.
For those eager to journey deeper into the heart of Japanese culture, there is no more resonant path than one illuminated by the fine art photography and poetry of a preeminent Zen photographer. The album is more than a collection of images or mere wordsโit is an invitation to see with new eyes, to listen with a still mind, and to experience the world as a fleeting, exquisite moment.
RELEASE DATE
We are proud to let you know that we plan to release LULASCAPES IN LIGHT AND SHADOW at the end of August, when Naoki Kimura’s new exhibition will open at the HILTON TOKYO HOTEL. The exhibition will run until October. In honor of the launch, the artist decided to call his exhibition LULASCAPES IN LIGHT AND SHADOW. Our album will be there!
We are delighted to present to you the cover of the album.
NAOKI KIMURA -BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES
Naoki Kimura, a fine art photographer and poet, was born in the historic weaving district of Nishijin in Kyoto. In this enclave, centuries-old threads of tradition and artistry are intricately intertwined. Kimuraโs work is shaped by the subtle grandeur of Japanโs ancient heart. This cradle of craftsmanship, with its iridescent silks and quiet courtyards, instilled in him an early reverence for the grace found in both everyday moments and the painstaking work of artisans.
In 1987, driven by a yearning for broader horizons, Kimura embarked on a pilgrimage to the United States. By 1990, the creative current of New York had claimed him. New York became both an anchor and a launching point, enabling him to traverse Europeโs storied landscapes. Naoki Kimuraโs first album emerged as a radiant homage to the Renaissance that once swept across the heart of Europe. Every image, meticulously crafted and deeply evocative, channels the intellectual fervor, aesthetic grandeur, and passionate spirit that defined that transformative era.
Yet, despite the lure of the world, there remained an inexorable pull toward home. In 2017, with the wisdom of years and an ever-deepening artistic vision, he turned his gaze back to Japan, establishing Tokyo as his creative nexus. Here, amid the contrasting rhythms of ancient temples and neon-lit avenues, he embarked on a new chapterโa return not only to his country of birth but to purpose.
At the core of his photographic meditation lies an exploration of mono no awareโthe tender awareness of impermanence and the gentle sorrow that accompanies it. Through his unique sensibility, he distills this concept into what he calls โNagiโ: a profound, resonant calm. It is a stillness that is not emptiness but fullnessโan echo of all that once was and might yet be. Each photograph, whether of a fleeting shadow on stone or the hush before a storm, seeks to capture the tremor that arises when moment and place convergeโa fleeting qualia, the ineffable felt quality of existence itself.
His art is, in essence, the patient recording of these thresholds: the pause where time lingers, suspended in the interplay of light and shadow. Through careful observation, Noaki Kimura makes the invisible manifest; his images invite viewers to inhabit silence, to contemplate the spaces between breath, thought, and sensation.
This singular vision has garnered him a devoted circle of collectors, not only in his native Japan but across the Americas and Europe. To encounter his work is to be reminded of the fragility of beauty, the sweetness of melancholy, and the immense depth that resides within the most unassuming of moments. His photographs are not records of the world, but portals to its soulโeach frame a meditation, each composition an invitation to dwell, if only for an instant, in the presence of stillness.
Naoki Kimuraโs newest album, Lullascapes in Light and Shadow (Literary Revelations, 2025), is a testimony to his exceptional art and a symphony of refinement and restraint. His Japanese art embraces both quiet contemplation and offers the world a vision where the fleeting and the eternal converge.
SOON WE WILL RELEASE A LIST OF NAOKI KIMURA’S EXHIBITIONS.
Wishing all my amazing followers a truly enchanting weekend filled with magic.
Photo: Naoki Kimura
A poem by Gabriela Marie Milton
Memories, static, a half-formed word. The girlsโ laughter echoing through the hollow chest of a moment in time.
Gone now, my eyes blurred like rain on glass, perhaps I dreamt themโ
Young bodies flickering in the static, their fancy emptied like pockets after a carnival. What did they buy from the pharmacy?
It smells like morphineโ sweet, chemical, a day in life dissolving at the edges.
I look through your eyes at the girlsโ nonexistent presence, shadows in the room, the laughterโ folded into silence.
I think of you. Years inscribed on windows. What did the girls buy from the pharmacy?
Sneak a peek at Naoki Kimura’s upcoming Photo Album from Literary Revelations.
Naoki Kimura, a celebrated artist known for his fine art photography, is set to release a breathtaking new album under the aegis of Literary Revelations. Tentatively scheduled for publication at the end of July, this highly anticipated album promises to be an unparalleled artistic experience and an exquisite addition to any coffee table.
Capturing the Essence of Japanese Sensibility
The album stands as a testament to the profound beauty of Japanese culture through the medium of monochrome photography. It artfully encapsulates cherished aesthetic principles such as โMono no Aware,โ the bittersweet awareness of impermanence; โWabi,โ the understated elegance of simplicity; and โSabi,โ the poetic grace of age and weathering. Each photograph invites viewers into a meditative space, allowing them to perceive the beauty hidden within the fleeting moments of life.
A Fusion of Art and Literature
Beyond its striking visuals, the album harmonizes the photographic artistry with the written word. It contains a rich tapestry of haiku, tanka, free-form poetry, and short prose, each piece carefully curated to complement the visual narrative. This literary inclusion elevates the album into a multidimensional experience, offering not just imagery but profound reflections that resonate deeply with the soul.
An Artistic Treasure for Every Home
Naoki Kimuraโs album is more than a collection of photographsโit’s a piece of art that speaks to the heart. Its pages promise moments of introspection, beauty, and connection, making it the perfect centerpiece for contemplation and conversation. The fusion of visual and literary artistry ensures that this work will leave an indelible mark on all who encounter it.
Prepare to immerse yourself in an extraordinary experience when Naoki Kimuraโs fine art photography arrives this summer. This album promises to be not only a feast for the senses but also a celebration of the timeless essence of Japanese sensibility. Truly, a masterpiece destined to touch hearts and enrich lives.
โWith lush language and lavish imagery, Gabriela M. evokes a fantastic world ripe with emotion.โ Christina Schwarz, the author of the New York Times Bestseller โDrowning Ruth.”
