Copulation

A photo book by Tokumitsu Iwago, a pioneer in Japanese animal photography. This volume focuses on the reproductive behavior of various animals, including mammals and reptiles.

The book depicts scenes of life being passed on, such as animal mating, birth, and childcare. Instead of presenting them sensationally, it records these activities as natural processes, dispassionately yet with keen observation. Within the instinctive forms of animals, one can perceive the power that connects species and the rhythm of life.

Turning the pages reveals not only strength but also many humorous and endearing moments. The charm of Tokumitsu Iwago's photographs lies in the coexistence of a scientific gaze at animal behavior with a perspective that elicits surprise and smiles from the viewer.

Although presented in a format suitable for children, the photo composition, binding, and printing all show solid craftsmanship. The book was also worked on by Mitsuaki Iwago, who later became known as an animal photographer, as an editorial assistant. This photo book combines documentary accuracy and humor, observing the lives of animals straightforwardly.

[Title] Koubi (Mating)
[Publisher] Nobel Shobo
[Publication Date] 1970
[Number of Pages] -
[Size] Approx. 214*304*14mm / 620g
[Format] Softcover
[Language] Japanese
[Title Reading] KOUBI
[Author/Editor] Tokumitsu Iwago/Author, Mitsuaki Iwago/Editorial Assistant, Nobutaka Suzuki/Book Design & Layout
[Printing] Seishi Printing/Printer
[ISBN] -
[Condition] Used [7] Good (Case: aged discoloration, slight damage; Book: slight stains on cover, slight stains on all three edges)
[Accessories] Slipcase
[Featured in] -
[Related Exhibition] -

Tokumitsu Iwago (1915-2007)

Born in Hokkaido. Photographer, animal photographer.

Dropped out of Nihon University's Faculty of Economics. After working in the photography department of Dalian Nichinichi Shimbun in Manchuria during and after the war, he became a freelance photographer in 1961. Since then, he has photographed animals living in nature, focusing on their ecology and behavior. He is known as one of the photographers who pioneered the field of animal photography in Japan.

He recorded the ecology of animals with an approachable and observant eye, leaving behind many animal photography works aimed at a wide range of readers, from children to adults. His son is animal photographer Mitsuaki Iwago.

His major works include "Koubi" (Mating).

His major awards include the Fuji Professional Photography Award (1960).

His major collections are housed at the Hokkaido Kushiro Art Museum and the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum.

< Related Figures >

Mitsuaki Iwago, Kojo Tanaka, Mitsuhiko Imamori