Publisher/滋賀県

Google翻訳
Photographed by Japanese photographer Hiroshi Hamaya (1915-1999), Shiga Prefecture is a regional introduction produced by a local government, yet it also boasts the quality of a photo collection. As one of Japan's leading postwar photographers, Hamaya has meticulously documented the local climate and human activities of each region. In this work, he captures a diverse range of subjects, from the natural landscapes surrounding Lake Biwa to historical buildings, temples, shrines, cultural facilities, and townscapes. The book is also notable for its unconventional snapshots, casual street scenes, and portraits of the people who live there, creating a composition that captures the warmth of local scenery and everyday life. Hamaya's distinctive quiet gaze and clear framing transcend the boundaries of an official prefectural publication, bringing to light a three-dimensional image of Shiga. This makes it an exceptionally compelling photo collection for a local government publication. The book's binding and design are by Kiyoshi Awazu. It appears that both Japanese and English versions have been published, but this is the English version (although a separate Japanese translation is also included).