ICP is excited to host this exhibition sponsored and presented by Nikkei and the Financial Times as part of their 10-year celebrations, underscoring a shared commitment to the arts and cross-cultural exchange, and photography’s unique ability to shape how we see the world.
Michael Kenna’s journey with Japan spans nearly 40 years—a story of dedication, devotion, and wonder. His photographs are quiet meditations, capturing not just a place, but a feeling, a presence.
Michael has taught me so much—his passion, his humility, and the way he shares his vision so generously. His images invite us to see the world differently, to slow down, to feel. That is what great photography does—it connects us across time, cultures, and emotions.
What I’ve always admired is the way Michael creates space—for the landscape to speak, and for us to listen. He’s not trying to impress; he’s trying to understand. And in doing so, he helps us do the same. His photographs carry a sense of stillness, of care, of deep respect for the land and the people connected to it. There’s a quiet poetry to it all—rooted in tradition but always reaching toward something universal.
This exhibition, made possible through the generosity of Nikkei and the Financial Times, brings that spirit to life. Thanks to their support, Michael’s work has reached thousands. People have described the experience as moving, uplifting—something close to visual poetry. The response has been heartfelt. The Japan Society put it best: “Simply beautiful and inspiring—please go and see it with your own eyes.” I couldn’t agree more.
Peter Fetterman
About The Artist
Michael Kenna (he/him) is a British photographer based in the United States, best known for his black-and-white landscape photographs that capture quiet, atmospheric moments often made with long exposures at dawn or night.
In addition to his personal work, Michael’s photographs have been exhibited widely in galleries and museums across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and are held in major public collections including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. He has published numerous monographs and continues to influence generations of photographers with his minimalist and meditative style.
Header image: Red Crown Crane Feeding, Tsurui, Hokkaido, Japan, 2005. © Michael Kenna/Courtesy Peter Fetterman Gallery
Fishnet Structure, Biwa Lake, Honshu, Japan, 2022 © Michael Kenna : Courtesy Peter Fetterman Gallery.
Falling Tree, Nagahama, Honshu, Japan, 2002 © Michael Kenna: Courtesy Peter Fetterman Gallery.
Old Landing Stage, Kinki, Honshu, Japan, 2023 © Michael Kenna / Courtesy Peter Fetterman Gallery
Sanuki Fuji, Kagawa, Shikoku, Japan, 2022 © Michael Kenna / Courtesy Peter Fetterman Gallery
Special Thanks
It is with great pride and pleasure that Nikkei and Financial Times present this beautiful exhibition of Michael Kenna photographs, which continues its international tour to Hong Kong and New York in 2025. Nikkei and the FT, who forged a global partnership in 2015, are best known for business journalism. But we also share a long-standing commitment to culture and the arts, understanding their importance to vibrant societies and recognising that our readers have passions well beyond their professions.
In an age of artificial intelligence, algorithms and accelerating technological change, this appreciation of timeless craft and culture is especially valuable. And while Nikkei and the FT have both embraced digital delivery our attachment to print and traditional formats runs deep. These values are expressed perfectly in the works of Michael Kenna, one of the world’s leading landscape photographers. His deep connection with the unique scenery of Japan built over decades of discovery is clear from the images, while their depth and lustre are the qualities of the darkroom where he continues to hand-craft his own prints.
We hope you enjoy the breadth, depth and beauty of this exhibition.
Naotoshi Okada | Chairman and Group CEO | Nikkei Inc
John Ridding | Honorary Chairman | Financial Times Group
