Japanese Photographer Kimiko Nishimoto Passes Away
Started Photography at 72, Gained Fame as the "Selfie Grandma"
Her Humorous Self-Portraits Captivated the Public
Kimiko Nishimoto, known as Japan's "Selfie Grandma," who began learning photography at the late age of 72 and became famous for her humorous self-portraits, has passed away at the age of 97. The Japan Times reported on the 13th that Nishimoto, who amazed people with her unique photographs, died on the 9th at a hospital in Kumamoto Prefecture after battling bile duct cancer.
Kimiko Nishimoto, the "Selfie Grandma" of Japan, has passed away at the age of 97. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
Her son announced her passing through her social media accounts, saying, "Although my mother began her artistic journey at 72, she lived as a photographer for 25 years, and thanks to the support of many people, her final years were rich and fulfilling." He added, "She created her works with the desire to bring laughter and joy to many people through her humor and creativity. We deeply thank everyone who came from all over the country to see her photos, those who shared warm words of encouragement, and everyone who supported her warmly throughout her journey."
Nishimoto had no connection to art throughout her life until she started learning photography at 72, encouraged by her son, who is an art director. She gained popularity with photos in which she staged unique situations and captured herself in them. She created humorous scenes such as riding a broomstick like Harry Potter, being a sumo wrestler drinking beer, and a dog chained up. Her self-portraits, which she shot and edited herself, were loved by people of all ages.
Her sayings were as beloved as her works. Regarding her photo of herself wrapped in a garbage bag, she said, "Being discarded as you age is also a part of life." About a photo of herself hanging from a laundry rack, she commented, "Will COVID-19 die if I dry myself in the sunlight?" When asked why she created such works, she explained, "For me, life is about finding joy. Whenever I look around, I always discover something interesting to photograph."
Nishimoto held her first solo exhibition in 2011 and published her first photo book in 2016. After losing her husband to lung cancer in 2012, photography became a great comfort to her. While living alone, she continued her creative work with the companionship of 'Pepper,' a humanoid robot gifted by her son. News of her hospitalization became known last month, and on the 5th, she posted on social media, "I hope I can see the cherry blossoms next year. I wonder if I will be able to."
In a 2018 interview, Nishimoto said, "You can take photos even as you get older. Whether inside the house, outside, or even on the bed, it's possible anywhere. That's the advantage of a camera." She added, "Wherever I go, I always think about what clothes would be fun to wear in that place."
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