©Kenro Izu

【EVENT】

Kumamoto Earthquake Charity Photo Auction: PRAYER 2026

For us living in the modern age—
an era of unprecedented complexity and diversity, 
where various value systems intersect—
I believe the most important decision we face hinges on a single point: 
whether or not we have the will and courage to maintain a “heart” 
capable of sympathizing  with the suffering and sorrow of others. 
I think this is what the act of “praying” is all about…

This photo auction, held in prayer for Kumamoto’s recovery, takes its starting point from a work by Koichi INAKOSHI—a piece that holds great significance in my own photo collection. I still vividly remember the feeling of being struck right in the heart the moment I encountered this work, which was included in *Ailleurs (Elsewhere)*, published in 1993 by the French publisher Contrejour. 
In the expression of the woman, brimming with sorrow and compassion, I felt I perceived an attitude of facing what is at times an “unreasonably arduous journey—life itself.”
“Where do humans come from, and where are they going?” Mr. INAKOSHI captures in his photographs “the very act of living—the journey of life” that does not allow us to remain in one place, while Haruki MURAKAMI conveys the essence of “Journey” through his words, creating a resonant dialogue between the two.

Journey is, by its very nature, tiring. It’s designed to be tiring. 
When we travel, nothing ever goes exactly as planned or smoothly. 
That simply never happens. (…omitted) 
But even so, you go on a journey. And even so, I go on a journey  too. Why? 
Perhaps we’re trying to find landscapes there that are just for us. 
At least, that’s what I think. And those are landscapes that can only be seen there. 
We probably need those kinds of landscapes. No matter how useless they may seem, 
we need them, and they fundamentally draw us in.                                                               
 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Haruki Murakami

At the auction on August 29, we will have many of Mr. Inakoshi’s photo books on display and available for viewing. By collecting these exquisite photographs, this auction aims to lend a helping hand to those who have been hurt. We sincerely ask for your support.    

【Event Overview】

Kumamoto Earthquake Charity Photo Auction: “Praying”

【Date & Time】Aug 29, 2026 13:30~16:00

【PLACE】

IPIAS AOYAMA Meeting Room & KLEE INC office IPIAS AOYAMA 2F

【Participating artist】

稲越功一 　Koichi INAKOSHI
井津建郎　 Kenro IZU
蓮井幹生　 Mikio HASUI
森山雅智　 Masatomo MORIYAMA
サンドラ・クライン Sandra KLEIN
青木 弘　　Hiroshi AOKI
瀧本幹也　 Mikiya TAKIMOTO

【Participation Fee】Free (advance registration required)
【Capacity】25 participants
【Schedule】
13:30–14:30 Artwork Commentary
14:45–15:45 Auction

【Organizer】KLEE INC
【Inquiries】info@klee.co.jp