Someday Somewhere, published in 1958, was Ishimoto Yasuhiro’s first ever photo book collecting pictures of people and streets in Chicago and Tokyo. Divided into the three chapters “Someday Somewhere,” “Beach” and “Little Ones,” the pages in this book are figuratively composed of photographs capturing subjects that Ishimoto selected according to his own unique point of view. Yamashiro Ryuichi designed the layout so that the two cities seem to correspond with each other. Ishimoto’s style was rather uncommon within the realm of Japanese photography at the time, and this book in particular brought a breath of fresh air.

In March 2026, 70 years after the original publication, BON BOOK put out the photo book Little Ones focusing on that chapter only, and including a number of previously unpublished photographs. The book was designed by Saito Hideyuki. This exhibition commemorates the publication of Little Ones with a selection of works, most of which were included in the book. Featured in the third part of the exhibition (January 23 – March 28) alongside Ishimoto’s works, are items from the “My Husband” series of photographs by Ushioda Tokuko, a former student of Ishimoto’s who also contributed a text for this publication.

The children captured “someday somewhere” in Tokyo and Chicago look into the camera quite unaffectedly, with innocent smiles and mature expressions that hint at the strong vital force and the limitless possibilities the children are holding inside. The photos were shot between the late 1940s and 1950s, a time that marked the start of Ishimoto’s career as a spirited photographer in the realm of American photography, actively roaming the streets and taking photos. Meanwhile in Japan, he made himself known by showing his works in exhibitions and photography magazines. Being aware of his immaturity as a fledgling young photographer, Ishimoto may have identified himself to some extent with the children he pointed his camera at. We hope that the original prints in this exhibition, including some precious vintage prints, help convey this attitude and perspective.