KENMOCHI, Kazuo

Narcotic Photographic Document

Tokyo: Inoue Shoten, 1963. First Edition. Quarto. A book by photojournalist Kazuo Kenmochi, likely his first, that details drug culture in Japan in the early 60s: from production, to distribution, addiction and finally incarceration. The images are crisp, stark, frightening and intimate, all traits one might associate with Larry Clark or Nan Goldin, yet Kenmochi's intention was pure documentary. Predating Araki and Moriyama, this arresting work has remained under the radar until recently. Small stain to the edges of some pages of text (hard-to-detect), else near fine in a near fine jacket and original publisher's slipcase, a little browned and rubbed as usual.