shashasha

SHIMOOKA Renjo (1823–1914) was one of the founders of photography in Japan. He is valued not only for his photographs but also for his important role in disseminating photography by teaching students, many of whom went on to found professional studios themselves. Having moved to Tokyo to study painting at only 13 years of age, Shimooka likely made his first encounter with photography as early as during the 1840s, when he first came across daguerrotypes from the Netherlands. Fascinated by the technique, he devoted himself to studying photography whenever he could – a difficult endeavor as information about this new technology was almost impossible to acquire. In 1859/1869, Shimooka moved to Yokohama and began his career as a professional photographer. He bought a camera in 1861, and opened his first photography studio in 1862, with more to follow in the coming years. During these years, Shimooka taught photography to many students and apprentices. Notable students of his include Matsusaburo Yokoyama, Shusaburo Usui, and Reiji Esaki.
Through his activities as a photographer, entrepreneur and teacher, Shimooka was a pioneer of Japanese photography who helped introduce, establish and spread this new medium in Japan.