DEAR OLD DAYS-Reprint Ryoji Akiyama

A legendary photobook capturing China at the dawn of its "Reform and Opening-up" era in the early 1980s. Originally published in 1983 and long out of print, this masterpiece was born from a project by Konishiroku (now Konica Minolta). Photographer Ryoji Akiyama traveled to 12 Chinese cities, capturing nearly 8,000 color photographs using Sakuracolor film—a rarity in China at the time.

The 116 selected images radiate a sense of nostalgia and hope, focusing on the pure, carefree expressions of children protected by their society. Its 2019 reissue sparked a sensation in China, leading to a viral "Searching for the Children" project. More than just a historical record, Akiyama’s work is a profound reminder of the universal beauty of childhood, inviting readers to embrace a past that continues to shine in the present.