“Everything reminds” by Takuroh Toyama
Something to come back to
After an awe-inspiring adventure in vibrant Tokyo, brimming with new aspirations and our passion for photography, we returned home with a trove of captivating memories and an array of Japanese-authored books. Our quest was simple: to immerse ourselves in the essence of Japanese artistry, leading us to a must-visit destination, the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum. Additionally, we were enthralled by the hidden treasures awaiting us at the Sokyusha shop. As we stepped foot inside, we were enveloped in a world that resonated with our deepest desires. Surrounded by countless publications scattered haphazardly throughout the space — piled on the floor, displayed on shelves, strewn across tables, and even tucked beneath other finds — we found ourselves in our very own utopia, eagerly exploring each and every book, zine, and poster that piqued our curiosity. At that moment, we knew we had found our dream haven.
After meticulously examining numerous publications and unearthing a few remarkable discoveries, our search led us to a captivating gem: Takuroh Toyama’s Everything reminds. As we laid our eyes upon its pages, a sense of wonder and anticipation coursed through us. The cover alone spoke volumes, offering a glimpse into the artistic world we were about to embark upon. It was a moment of serendipity, where the convergence of our quest and Toyama’s work created a profound connection.
From Toyama’s official website we got to know a few data:
He was born in 1988 in Miyazaki but lives and works elsewhere. About the book itself:
210 x 148 mm
66 pages
edition of 300
Nov 2018
Published by LOCALS AND THE COMMITTEE
Within the confines of “Everything reminds,” we discover that the absence of additional information adds to its attraction. Absent are forewords or quotes that could potentially influence our interpretation. Instead, the book beckons us to delve into its imagery and embark on a personal journey of exploration. It is through our own perceptions and emotional responses that we extract meaning and find resonance within its pages. This intentional omission grants us the freedom to interpret and connect with the artwork on an individual level, allowing the images to speak directly to our hearts and evoke a deeply personal understanding of the essence they convey.
Despite our limited knowledge of the contemporary author, a sense of resonance and familiarity enveloped us as we delved into the pages of Takuroh Toyama’s book. It was a remarkable realization that we found ourselves relating to numerous situations within its contents, and each page seemed to weave a tale of longing. The title, “Everything reminds,” sparked an array of contemplations within us: What is it that this evocative phrase invokes? Whom or what does it stir memories of? Does it allude to a different era, or does it imply that everything possesses the ability to remember something else? These profound questions stirred our curiosity and deepened our appreciation for the profound storytelling held within the book’s embrace.
Within the book’s enchanting pages, we noticed a captivating interplay between scenes, often linked by formal motifs. Yet, what truly intrigued us was the seamless correlation and flow as they unfolded in a delicate sequence, perpetually suspended in the air. It was as if we were navigating through a realm of memories, where time merged into a continuous present. Each turn of the page evoked a sense of suspended animation as if the images themselves were imbued with the essence of nostalgia, perpetually suspended between past and present, inviting us to immerse ourselves in their timeless allure.
Indeed, a profound exploration of passing time, the cyclical nature of the return, and the power of remembrance emerge as a constant and captivating theme within Toyama’s artwork. Each piece maintains a remarkable connection and coherence with one another, forming a tapestry of emotions and introspection. Through Toyama’s glimpse of the intricate dance between transience and permanence, the images evoke a palpable sense of nostalgia and contemplation. Time becomes a fluid entity, blurring the boundaries between what was, what is, and what will be, inviting us to reflect on the profound impact of memory and the enduring echoes it leaves within our souls.
In our perception, Tokyo exists as a city seemingly devoid of time, where the pulse of millions of people intertwines to create a unique rhythm of its own. Here, the boundaries between past, present, and future blur into a seamless continuum, as ancient traditions coexist harmoniously with cutting-edge innovation. The bustling streets, adorned with vibrant neon lights, carry the echoes of countless stories, dreams, and aspirations. Tokyo’s vibrant energy is both captivating and intoxicating, drawing us into its dynamic embrace. It is a metropolis that thrives on constant movement, where time seems to bend to the will of its inhabitants, shaping an ever-evolving mesh that is at once mesmerizing and enigmatic.
As we immerse ourselves in the pages of “Everything reminds,” we find ourselves entangled in an enchanting cycle of endless repetition and recreation. Through this immersive experience, a profound understanding of Japan’s essence begins to unfold before us. We glimpse the interconnectedness of tradition and innovation, the reverence for the past intertwined with a ceaseless drive for reinvention. It is within this delicate balance that we uncover the spirit of Japan — a nation that cherishes its heritage while embracing the constant evolution of its cultural landscape. Toyama’s work becomes a portal, revealing insights into the timeless aspects that define Japan’s soul, allowing us to perceive the country’s depth with newfound clarity and appreciation.
