Born May 25, 1940, in Tokyo (Japanese: 荒木経惟), is a Japanese photographer and contemporary artist, widely known for an exceptionally prolific body of work that explores eroticism, intimacy, and personal life. Over the course of his career, he has published more than 500 photobooks, making him one of the most productive figures in the history of photography.

Araki studied film and photography at Chiba University, graduating in 1963, and later worked at the advertising agency Dentsu. In 1968, he met his future wife, the writer Yōko Aoki, who became a central subject in his work. His landmark book Sentimental Journey (1971) documents their relationship from marriage through everyday life, later expanding into Winter Journey, which records Yōko’s final days before her death in 1990.

Much of Araki’s work deliberately blurs the boundary between art and pornography, often incorporating explicit erotic imagery and themes of bondage. Among his best-known books are Sentimental Journey, Tokyo Lucky Hole (1990), and Zerokkusu Shashincho. His photobooks are considered central to the history of the medium, with several included in Martin Parr and Gerry Badger’s survey of influential photobooks.

In addition to photography, Araki has worked in film and popular culture, directing a feature-length film in 1981 and contributing photography to animation and commercial projects. His work has also intersected with music and fashion, including collaborations with musicians such as Björk and commissions for international fashion brands.

Despite serious health challenges in later life, including cancer and partial loss of vision, Araki has continued to produce and exhibit work. His practice remains deeply autobiographical, merging diary-like observation with provocative visual strategies that have generated both critical acclaim and sustained controversy.

Reference
Biography text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA), English edition. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobuyoshi_Araki