About Ephemere

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About Ephemere •

  • 2023 – The Foundation

    We began as an intimate photography gallery in West Tokyo, creating a quiet space for local community dialogue through exhibitions and independent book launches. It was here that we established our core ethos: slowing down time to let the image take center stage.

  • 2024 – Global Outreach

    Our vision expanded beyond physical walls to the global stage. We focused on independent publishing, taking our growing library to major international events including the Singapore International Photography Festival, Indonesia Photo Fair, Taipei Art Book Fair, Kuala Lumpur, and the Kyotographie and KG+ Photobook Fair. These travels confirmed a global hunger for our tactile, conversational approach.

  • 2025 – The Pivot

    We consolidated our momentum into the inaugural Ephemere Photo Fest in Shibuya. This marked our transition from a participant to a host, gathering over 200 photographers from 30 countries to showcase self-branded projects, exhibitions, and the launch of the Ephemere Photo Journal.

  • 2026 – The Cultivation

    This year, we are deepening our commitment to the medium through the inaugural Ephemere Photobook Grant, designed to fund and publish essential new work. As we prepare for exhibitions in Kyoto and the next evolution of our Tokyo festival, we continue to operate as a nomadic, hybrid platform—bridging the transient nature of digital connection with the timeless weight of the printed object.

Ephemere is powered by a core team of global creatives and visual artists who bridge time zones to build this platform and community.

  • Anne Murayama

    Founder & Director

    Based in Tokyo, Anne orchestrates the entire Ephemere ecosystem. From artistic vision and curation to publishing strategies and festival management, she oversees every initiative, acting as the primary bridge between the local Japanese scene and the international community.

  • Kseniya Gorbanova

    Head of Community Relations & Development

    Based in Montreal, Kseniya focuses on the sustainability and growth of the platform. She manages community relationships and leads our essential fundraising and donation initiatives, ensuring that Ephemere has the support needed to realize its ambitious projects.

  • Khanjan Purohit

    Managing Editor, Print Journal

    Based in Bombay, Khanjan oversees the production of our physical publications, specifically the Ephemere Photo Journal. She ensures that the transition from image to ink respects the artist's vision, maintaining the tactile quality that defines our print endeavors.

  • Sarah Mae Bombay

    Festival Coordinator & Logistics

    Based in Singapore, Sarah acts as the operational backbone of the team. She manages the logistics of our Open Calls and artist communications, providing crucial support in organizing the many moving parts that bring the festival and its programs to life.

  • Ria Kristina Torrente

    Managing Editor, Online Journal

    Based in Manila, Ria directs the editorial flow of the Ephemere Online Journal. She shapes the digital narrative, managing submissions and guidelines to ensure that our online presence remains a thoughtful, rigorous space for visual discourse.

Ephemere is not built in isolation. It is a collective effort, sustained by a sprawling network of artists, thinkers, and organizations who lend their time and talent to keep this space alive. We are grateful to the following individuals and partners who have shaped our journey so far.

  • Guest Curators

    Distinguished voices who help shape the curatorial vision of our projects.

    Aji Susanto Anom · Cécil Baldewyns · Chiara Salvi · Colin Czerwinski · Guido Gazzilli · Jim Herrington · Joe Grant · Marci Lindsay · Satomi Sugiyama · Susana Barberà · Trey Derbes · Wuthipol Ujathammarat

  • Design & Visual Identity

    Creative minds who translate our ethos into a distinct visual language.

    April Seo · Chandler Lemmon · Elena Bertocchi · Federico Zavatta · Juan Luis Salazar · Qualia Collective

  • Journal Contributors

    Writers who expand the visual dialogue through essays and interviews.

    Anil Purohit · Eva Venzo · Geng Hui Tan · Giovannella Pirina · Guzal Koshbahteeva · Jiye Kim · José Herrera · Kevin Baylon · Martina Cantore · Sophie Gray

  • Production & Festival Support

    Essential hands and hearts powering our physical events and on-site installations.

    Jonah Shimizu · Aira Shimizu · Glen Snyder · Norbi Whitney (And the many volunteers who joined us on the ground in Shibuya)

  • Partner Organizations & Alliances

    Platforms and institutions that share our mission to support the ecosystem of independent photography.

    Alternative Processes · Angkor Photo Workshops · Aperture Brought Me Here · Contrast/Design · Docu Magazine · Kyoto Shimbun Printing · Lomography Japan · Noice Magazine · Sontag Grant · Worlds Through Minds

Independent photobook publisher based in Tokyo, Japan

Founded in August 2023 by Anne Murayama

ISBN prefix: 978-4-911506

The term éphémère /eh-feh-mer/ comes from the French, meaning short-lived. It is embodied through mono no aware, a Japanese concept that refers to the pathos of the impermanence of all things, or a sensitivity to ephemera. Akin to the splendor of a dandelion, everything has a beginning and an end. The awareness and acceptance of life’s transient nature inspire people to cherish and fully live in the present moment. 

Photography captures moments in time and freezes them for posterity, serving as a reminder that nothing lasts forever. Each moment quickly becomes a mere memory, including people, places, and things contained in them. The very act of taking pictures acknowledges the fragility of memory and that every moment is worth capturing before it’s gone.

At Ephemere, we regard photography as more than just a valuable means of visual expression; it is a powerful portal for making significant and even immortalizing fragments of our fleeting world. Here, we reflect on the transience of life, revere the delicate beauty of ephemerality, and revel in its strong impact on our daily lives.

Our Fleeting World

Tokyo is a mecca of all things photography, and we are over the moon to play a part in advocating visual literacy through meaningful photography. We envision a world that appreciates the wonder of everything ephemeral and aims to make a lasting impact on the art form.

‘Seeing Through Photography’ is our motto—embracing compelling images, visuals that stir the senses, and narratives that speak to the soul. We support all genres of photography and take pleasure in all photo-based art, with a special focus on providing non-Japanese artists an opportunity to showcase their work in Japan.

Ephemere is dedicated to expanding the world of photography through impactful initiatives. We transform visual stories into cherished Publications, offer enriching Workshops, curate immersive Exhibitions, and provide a dynamic platform for artistic dialogue in our Journal. Our Open Calls invite international and emerging artists to connect with a broader audience, fostering a vibrant and inclusive creative community in Tokyo and beyond.

Seeing Through Photography

  • Ephemere transforms powerful visual stories into impactful photo books and zines, turning images into cherished objects that evoke deep emotion and meaning. By collaborating closely with artists, we ensure that each publication not only highlights compelling narratives but also receives top-notch presentations through Japan’s renowned printing quality. With international exposure through art fairs and festivals, our Publications foster a vibrant community dedicated to elevating visual storytelling and enriching the global arts scene. We invite passionate photographers to join our growing community and bring their stories to life through beautifully crafted publications.

    Browse / Buy our Publications

    Publish with Ephemere

  • Ephemere is a dynamic platform that delves into the stories behind our artistic collaborations, featuring exclusive interviews and highlights from our events and book fairs. Our online Journal amplifies the voices of photographers and writers, including those beyond our immediate scope, who contribute to the rich tapestry of visual storytelling. Through this space, contributors and readers alike can engage with the broader creative community and explore the impact of photography in new and meaningful ways. We are looking for designers who can help us with our publications, writers who can help us interview artists, and creatives who would like to help us build a community.

    Read our online Journal

  • Ephemere hones visual literacy through group exhibitions and collective publications, inviting a diverse range of artists to showcase their work. Collaborating with experienced Guest Curators and skilled creatives, our Open Calls offer broad exposure and thematic exploration, with an emphasis on accessibility through free entry options. By partnering with individuals and platforms, we aim to enhance the visibility of emerging and established artists, fostering a vibrant and inclusive global photography community. We are looking for collaborators who’d like to work with us in our next Open Calls.

    Submit to our Open Calls

  • Ephemere views photography as a profound language that deserves to be understood and expanded. Our Workshops offer a unique opportunity for photographers to refine their creative practices through hands-on sessions, personalized guidance, and practical feedback. Participants gain access to a supportive community and expert mentors, enhancing their skills in visual storytelling and photo book making, while fostering collaboration and growth within a thriving artistic environment. We are looking for photographers who would like to share their expertise, knowledge, and talent and become one of our Workshop mentors.

    Join our Workshops

  • Ephemere curates immersive exhibitions that showcase a diverse range of photographic perspectives, providing a platform for voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard. Our Exhibitions are designed to engage audiences deeply and foster a greater appreciation for visual storytelling, with a special focus on emerging and international artists. By offering a thoughtfully curated setting and personal attention, we help expand artists’ reach and enrich the artistic community in Tokyo and beyond. We welcome photographers who are keen on showcasing their work.

    Browse our past Exhibitions

What We Do

Ephemere Contributors

  • Curator, Publisher

    Anne Murayama

  • Gallery Team

    Jonah Shimizu
    Aira Shimizu
    Glen Snyder

  • Producer

    Jordan Reyes

  • Assistant

    Andrei Barbos

  • Journal Editor

    Khanjan Purohit

  • Writers

    Anil Purohit
    Eva Venzo
    Geng Hui Tan
    Giovannella Pirina
    Guzal Koshbahteeva
    Jiye Kim
    José Herrera
    Kevin Baylon
    Martina Cantore
    Niklas Viola
    Sophie Gray

  • Designers

    April Seo
    Chandler Lemmon
    Elena Bertocchi
    Federico Zavatta
    Juan Luis Salazar

  • Guest Curators

    Aji Susanto Anom
    Cécil Baldewyns
    Colin Czerwinski
    Guido Gazzilli
    Jim Herrington
    Joe Grant
    Marci Lindsay
    Satomi Sugiyama
    Susana Barberà
    Trey Derbes
    Wuthipol Ujathammarat

  • Social Media

    Kseniya Gorbanova
    Tiange Xiang

  • Translators

    Eijiro Hamada
    Hiro Arcode

  • Collaborations

    Angkor Photo Workshops
    Aperture Brought Me Here
    Contrast/Design
    Docu Magazine
    Noice Magazine

Contribute to Ephemere

Events and Fairs

  • 2025

    Ephemere’s Special Event (Oct 01–12)
    Planet of Zines Photography Edition #1
    Kyotographie & KG+ Photo Book Fair
    Shibuya Temporary Library
    Row 770 (Angkor Photo Festival)

  • 2024

    Kuala Lumpur Art Book Fair
    Taipei Art Book Fair
    Singapore International Photography Festival
    Indonesia Photo Fair
    Planet of Zines Tokyo

  • 2023

    Tokyo Art Book Fair
    Zine Farm Tokyo (Kichijoji)

Testimonials

  • Frederic George Pauwels on his publication, "Whispers"

    I am so pleased to work with Ephemere, I had a hunch that I had to get in touch and I only work based on my gut feeling. Everything is clear, I like that Anne is up-front telling as much as possible about the process, costs etc. It avoids misunderstanding.I am very happy with our collaboration. I know this work is hard and not always rewarding. It's a tough environment and it is hard to stay motivated. I think you are doing a great job. Keep the boundaries to protect yourself and keep the spirit up.

  • Glen Snyder on his exhibition and publication, "Yorumo Hirumo"

    Wonderful experience. Things worked well and I feel that Anne and I communicate well. I am grateful for all of the help with promotion and setting up and taking down things. Anne provided good advice throughout the process which I felt was important in making this a success. I have also made a lot of friends with similar photographic interests through Ephemere. Additionally, the gallery space is very conducive to visiting and hanging out to chat with people who have similar photographic interests. Very friendly and inviting to everyone.

  • Katrina Buckles on "Happening Happenstance"

    Working with Anne and Ephemere was so enjoyable. Anne is extremely professional, friendly, and talented. The book and the gallery show were beautifully thought out and executed. The quality of the publication is above all my expectations. I would love to work with Ephemere. again and would absolutely buy more publications that they produce!

  • Mario Pires on his exhibition, "Bleak City"

    I felt supported and cherished in any way possible. Before, during and after. As I was unable to travel to be there, I felt it even more. I give Ephemere the highest mark! I was very happy, the display of the photos was a very good match between them and the available space. As I was not there physically during the exhibit, Anne relayed all the feedback to me, I was delighted by all.