【Book Description】
Since his debut in 2010, Yoshiyuki Okuyama has continued to make his mark through photography books and exhibitions, earning accolades such as the Excellence Award at the “New Cosmos of Photography” and the Kodansha Publishing Culture Award. In recent years, he has become one of the most prominent figures in the contemporary creative scene, directing numerous acclaimed music videos and TV commercials.
This book focuses on Okuyama's commercial photography, compiling twelve years of work into his very first commercial photography collection. It features a wide array of projects, including collaborations with top artists such as Kenshi Yonezu, Gen Hoshino, Mr.Children, RADWIMPS, Aimyon, Masaharu Fukuyama, and Sakanaction, as well as advertising campaigns for major brands like Pocari Sweat, JR SKISKI, and NTT Docomo. His work has also appeared in globally recognized publications such as VOGUE US, as well as GINZA, SWITCH, and Hanatsubaki.
The book also includes portraits of era-defining celebrities like Suzu Hirose, Masaki Suda, Yurina Hirate, Nana Komatsu, and Tsubasa Honda, demonstrating the exceptional quality and volume of Okuyama’s commercial output. All of the over 400 photographs featured in this book were personally selected by the artist himself. Spanning more than 500 pages, this monumental volume captures the influence and unique creative presence he has established over the years.
Known for his sincere approach, Okuyama builds deep relationships with clients and subjects alike. Each work is the result of thoughtful experimentation, crystallized into photographs that transcend traditional commercial norms. Though rooted in advertising, his work carries a distinct photographic sensibility that resists categorization. Rather than adhering to a uniform tone or texture, his images burst with childlike playfulness, raw energy, and innocence.
His creative methods range from double exposures and emulsion transfers to slow-sync flashes, collage, duplication, and layered exposures. From meticulously constructed imagery to candid documentary-style shots, Okuyama’s visual language shifts dynamically from project to project—each reflecting a deep inquiry into the nature of the subject and moment.
Spanning across genres and fields, Okuyama's body of work leaves a strong impression. But what exactly defines the "Okuyama style"? As readers turn the pages of this book, they will be drawn into his whimsical, deeply individualistic, and emotionally rich world—an exhilarating visual experience.
Titled BEST BEFORE, the book’s name alludes to the phrase commonly seen on expiration dates. On the surface, it may appear ironic, but in truth, it embodies the belief that the brilliance of these works will never fade—a title that intentionally flips its meaning.
【Book Details】
Author: Yoshiyuki Okuyama
Publisher: Seigensha
Publication Year: 2022
Dimensions: 26 × 20 cm
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 480 pages
