Ephemere Publishing

Ephemere Publishing •

Photobooks are in our veins.

  • Ephemere began in 2023 with a simple desire to help photographers realize their work on paper. Since then, we have grown into a multifaceted platform—encompassing the Ephemere Photo Fest, the Photo Journal, and the Photobook Grant. Yet, despite this expansion, the act of publishing remains our heartbeat.

  • We are an independent publisher based in Tokyo, dedicated to crafting books that feel "genuine and pure." We are not a factory; we are curators. We believe a photobook is a physical container for memory and a quiet space for dialogue. We work intimately with artists to translate their vision into a tangible form, ensuring that every title we release possesses a distinct soul.


A Deeply Human Collaboration

  • We believe that the best books are born from connection, not just technical execution. When you publish with Ephemere, you are not handing over files to a machine; you are entering a creative partnership.

  • Our process is centered on understanding the human being behind the lens. We work closely with you to develop the concept, finding the rhythm in your sequence and the texture in your narrative. Whether involving a designer, an editor, or a writer, every decision is made to ensure the final object resonates with truth.

  • As the publisher, Anne Murayama oversees this journey personally. From the initial spark of an idea to the final choice of paper, she guides the project with a focus on intimacy and intent. We are selective with the projects we take on, prioritizing work that aligns with our spirit, so that we can give each book the time, care, and "purity" it deserves.


Publish with Ephemere

  • We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming interest in publishing with us.

    ⚠️ Please note that our curated schedule for Solo Publications in 2026 is currently FULL.

    However, we are always looking for exceptional work. If you wish to join our community, there are two remaining pathways for this year:

  • The Ephemere Photobook Grant (For Completed Dummies)

    If you have a ready-to-print book dummy and are seeking financial support to bring it to life, we invite you to apply for our grant.

    Status:
    Open until March 31, 2026.

  • Direct Proposals (Artist-Funded)

    For photographers who have a specific project budget and wish to invest in producing their work under the guidance and imprint of Ephemere, we accept a limited number of direct proposals outside of our curated lineup.

    Who this is for:
    Artists who are ready to invest in their vision but need the editorial direction, design oversight, and production expertise of Anne and the Ephemere team.

    Requirement:
    You must have a secured budget for production and design (starting from $1,000 USD, depending on scope).

    How to Apply:
    Please email a PDF of your project and a brief statement of your budget and goals directly to anne@ephemere.tokyo.

    Note:
    We review these on a rolling basis and only select projects that strictly align with our vision and mission.


Ephemere Photobooks — Published in 2025