Daido Moriyama’s Record 2: A Gritty Chronicle of Urban Life
Introduction
Daido Moriyama, one of the most influential figures in Japanese street photography, continues his lifelong pursuit of capturing the raw essence of urban life in Record 2. This photobook, published as a sequel to Record, is part of his long-standing magazine series, Kiroku (Record), which dates back to 1972.
The Concept Behind Record 2
Record 2 is a carefully curated selection of photographs from issues 31 to 50 of Moriyama’s personal magazine. The book, spanning 352 pages with 270 color illustrations, is designed to mimic the aesthetics of its original magazine format.
“For me, photography is not about beautiful compositions or technical precision. It is about capturing the chaos of life as it unfolds.” — Daido Moriyama
Moriyama’s signature high-contrast, grainy style is ever-present, offering a fragmented, immersive view of urban existence.
Visual and Stylistic Approach
Record 2 maintains Moriyama’s distinct photographic language, featuring:
- High-contrast black-and-white images
- Grainy textures that amplify the rawness of city life
- Tightly cropped compositions that add an element of abstraction
- Street photography that blurs the line between documentary and personal expression
His approach emphasizes the unfiltered, unpolished energy of the streets, drawing from his philosophy of are, bure, boke (grainy, blurry, out-of-focus photography).
“I am drawn to the chaotic beauty of the everyday. Photography is my way of recording the world without interference.” — Daido Moriyama
Thematic Elements
Record 2 is not merely a collection of images but a visual diary that encapsulates:
- The ephemeral nature of urban life
- The fragmentation of modern society
- Memory and personal perception
- The rejection of traditional photographic aesthetics
“The city is a living organism, always changing. My job is to capture its pulse.” — Daido Moriyama
A Deeper Look into Moriyama’s Process
Unlike conventional street photographers who seek decisive moments, Moriyama embraces the fleeting, the accidental, and the imperfect. His photographs are often taken in a quick, instinctual manner, prioritizing feeling over technical accuracy.
His work in Record 2 reflects his philosophy of seeing, a concept influenced by William Klein and Jack Kerouac’s spontaneous prose.
The Book’s Design and Presentation
One of the most compelling aspects of Record 2 is its layout. It follows the style of his original Record publications:
- Full-bleed images that eliminate any white space, immersing viewers directly into the chaos of the streets
- Thin paper stock, maintaining the feel of a magazine rather than a traditional photobook
- Minimalist text, allowing the images to stand as a pure visual narrative
Why Record 2 Matters
For anyone interested in street photography, Record 2 is a masterclass in breaking photographic conventions. Moriyama reminds us that photography is not about perfection but about embracing the imperfections of reality.
“A photograph is a fragment of time. It exists only in that moment, and then it is gone. That is its power.” — Daido Moriyama
Final Thoughts
Record 2 is a bold, unfiltered journey through the streets of Tokyo and beyond. Moriyama continues to push the boundaries of what photography can be—not a polished representation of reality, but an unvarnished reflection of its fleeting moments.
For those seeking inspiration, or simply a deeper understanding of Moriyama’s radical approach to photography, Record 2 is an essential addition to any collection.
Recommended for:
- Street photographers who appreciate raw, unfiltered storytelling
- Fans of the Provoke movement and Moriyama’s earlier works
- Anyone fascinated by the philosophy of seeing in photography