Kazuo and Yoshito Ohno Studio, Yokohama
Photographs by Kevin Bubriski
On a very hot summer day in 1996 Nakamura Tomatsu, his wife, photography assistant and I headed off in Nakamura's van with Hasselblad cameras, lights and light stands from his home in Nerima, Tokyo. Even with the air conditioning up full blast and curtains on the windows, the heat was almost unbearable. Mid-afternoon we reached Kazuo Ohno’s home and studio in Yokohama.
I photographed while Kazuo and Yoshito put on the makeup and then for the next hour or more through all the variations in movement, gesture, expression and costume. Kazuo’s and Yoshito’s generosity was absolutely extraordinary. This entire performance was for only my camera.
We were all then invited for dinner with Kazuo Ohno’s entire family. There were more than twelve of us at the long table—from ninety year old Kazuo Ohno down to primary school aged great grandchildren.