'Narcotic Photographic Document' by Kazuo Kenmochi

Kenmochi’s first of his three seminal drug photobooks and a masterpiece of photojournalism. This first book examines all aspects of the drug trade - he traces the introduction of heroin into Japan during the aftermath of the Korean War and the beginnings of a hard drug scene. Kenmochi had incredible access to Police raids, busts and the aftermath at the police stations and treatment centers. His expressionist images of a young woman in withdrawal are unforgettable - visceral.

Source: Martin Parr and Gerry Badger “The Photobook: A History Volume III”, London, Phaidon, 2014.

Manfred Heiting and Kaneko Ryuichi “The Japanese Photobook 1912 - 1990” Gottingen, Steidl, 2017.

“This is an unusual book by Kenmochi...where he managed to photograph from the customs, police and medical side, capturing the origin of the heroin scene in Japan that came in with the Korean War. This copy listed is particularly valuable because it has the original obi attached.” - Diana Stone

Size: 26 x 18cm
No. of Pages: 180
Cover Type: Hardcover cream cloth bound boards with photo-illustrated dust jacket, slipcase complete with the extremely rare obi band
Edition: 1st Edition
Condition: Box near fine. Slight dent to front, wear to edges. Book near fine Very rare with obi.
Publisher: Inoue Shoten, Tokyo, 1963.