Welcome to this edition of [book spotlight]. Today, we uncover the layers of 'Tokyo Unseen,' by Lukasz Palka (published by teNeues Verlag). We'd love to read your comments below about these insights and ideas behind the artist's work.

In this interview, we explore the world of Lukasz Palka, a photographer deeply immersed in the urban landscape of Tokyo. Originating from Poland and having spent years in the US, Palka has made Tokyo his home since 2008, where he captures the city's essence through his diverse photographic styles. He opens up about the intricacies of his work, the allure of Tokyo, and how his experiences shape the compelling images he creates. This collection offers a unique perspective on one of the world's most dynamic cities. Through Palka's eyes, readers are invited to discover the hidden layers and untold stories of Tokyo, shedding light on its enigmatic corners and vibrant street life.

Evolution of Your Tokyo Narrative: Over the years, how has your narrative or perspective of Tokyo evolved through your photography? Has living in Tokyo since 2008 changed the way you view or choose to capture the city?

In some ways nothing has changed with how I see the city. I still enjoy photographing what I’ve always found interesting: cityscapes, people, mundane objects like pipes and bicycles, and so on. But the meaning of these has evolved in my mind over the years. In the beginning it was simply about exploring and of course learning the craft itself, one picture at a time. But now, each image feels like a small battle in a war against entropy. As the city changes, evolves, and loses the soul that once made me fall in love with it, here I am camera in hand trying to preserve that feeling click by click.

Conceptualizing "Tokyo Unseen": What was your primary motivation or goal in creating "Tokyo Unseen"? How did you go about selecting the images and stories that would best convey your intimate portrait of Tokyo?

The publisher approached me with a broad concept, giving me the title, and telling me they would like the book to be comprised entirely of street photography. That’s all the direction I got! So, it was entirely up to me, and I felt like I wanted to show many aspects of the city, as well as many aspects of myself as an artist, and not only today but throughout my 15 years in Tokyo. So, in the end, the book is a bit eclectic. Some images are up close to people and others are taken of people from afar, showing them as a part of their surroundings. Some images are very literal, while others are quite abstract. The images range from my beginnings in 2010 with a few recent shots from 2023, taken just weeks before the final draft was submitted for printing. Perhaps the only consistent theme throughout the book is the vivid use of color, but that’s something that’s quite consistent in my work in general. I love color!

So, ultimately, I chose images that I hope showcase a variety of things while still being cohesive enough to constitute a street photography portrait of Tokyo over the last decade and a half.

Influence of Science Fiction: The science fiction genre, with its exploration of future and past, significantly shapes your photographic vision. How has this genre helped you in capturing Tokyo's unique blend of cutting-edge modernity and deep-rooted traditions?

Before I ever even set foot in Japan, I had a deep interest in sci-fi and specifically the cyberpunk genre. In my youth I read books like Neuromancer, played games such Deus Ex and System Shock, and watched quintessential cyberpunk cinema like Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell. All this classic cyberpunk media influenced the way I see the world. When I arrived in Tokyo in 2008, I felt suddenly immersed in a real-life version of those cyberpunk worlds that I knew from my favorite media. It felt like all those books, movies, and games were in fact inspired by this city (and other cities like it). So, it comes full circle. Now when I walk the streets and make pictures, that cyberpunk ethos remains with me and informs how I shoot. Having said that, not everything in Tokyo fits into this cyberpunk mold. Tokyo is a diverse city with people of all walks of life and environments with all kinds of atmospheres and I don’t hesitate to shoot those things as I see them without any judgement or attempt to shoehorn them into a particular style.

Selection Process for the Book's Content: With such a vast collection of photographs at your disposal, how did you curate the selection for "Tokyo Unseen"? Were there any guiding principles or themes that helped you decide which images made it into the book?

When it came to selecting the images, I boiled down my archive to about 1,500 photos. Then the editor made an initial layout with about 150 images. I revised and replaced some of those, and then we went through and rearranged the order a few times before settling on the final version. To be honest, if it wasn’t for the publisher’s deadline I would probably still be adding and rearranging images to this day and the book would never be finished. In many cases, creative constraints such as deadlines are a blessing!

So, how did I get those 1,500 or so photos? I really didn’t have a process. There were probably about 10 to 20 images I had in mind that must be in the book, but other than that I just dug through my archive and found things that I liked and thought other people might like. I guess it was kind of similar to how I shoot—if I like it, I shoot it.

Tradition vs. Modernity: Tokyo presents a unique blend of tradition and modernity. How do you approach this contrast in your work, and what challenges do you face in portraying this balance?

Although I am keenly aware of this dichotomy—it is a quality that defines Tokyo—I don’t take any special measures to portray the city in this way. This is true of my photography in general. I simply take a mindful approach. That is, I enter the street with an open mind, and photograph whatever captures my eye in the moment. The way I photograph is more akin to play than to work. I go with the flow and though I certainly put energy and effort into my images, I never try to force them. If a scene or idea works, then it works. If it does not, then I move on. And so, it goes. So, by simply putting myself out there and following my interests I naturally end up exploring many facets of Tokyo: the traditional, the modern, and everything in between.

Personal Favorite Aspects of Tokyo: While it's difficult to narrow down what you like most about Tokyo, could you share a few personal favorite aspects or moments that have deeply influenced your photography?

It’s very run of the mill, but the aspect of Tokyo that allowed my photography to flourish most is its walkability. It’s so easy, fun, and safe to explore Tokyo on foot. I always felt encouraged with each step, as though I was pulled by a magnetic force down the street. The city encourages a thirst for exploration, always seducing me with the promise of adventure around every corner. And when one gets tired or hungry, there are thousands upon thousands of cafés, restaurants, and bars for catching a break and meeting interesting people. The city seems to never end. It is this sheer urban magnitude that inspired me in the beginning and fuels my creativity to this day. I suppose some would call this a muse. In that sense, Tokyo is my muse.

Future Projects and Aspirations: With "Tokyo Unseen" offering a comprehensive look at Tokyo's many facets, are there any specific areas, themes, or projects related to Tokyo or beyond that you are keen to explore in the future?

I have several projects that are more specific that I would love to see turned into books in the future. On my website I have a few galleries with specific themes ranging wildly, but all dealing with elements of the city and its inhabitants. I’m not in a hurry to publish these things but I’m sure I will eventually. I am also exploring video in the context of street photography—perhaps it can be described as street cinematography. But I know as long as I am living in Tokyo, I will be photographing it one way or another, capturing whatever I see that interests me. These days I’m living near a large park that is also a wildlife preserve. I see a lot of interesting birds every day… perhaps I will take up bird photography! :)

The Heart of "Tokyo Unseen": Can you describe the moment or experience that encapsulates the essence of "Tokyo Unseen" for you? What do you believe is the heart of your book?

To me, the heart of the book is its personal nature. As much as it is a document of a great metropolis, it is also just as much a diary of nearly half of my life! The images in the book were all created not out of any deliberate necessity to make a book. They simply accumulated in a similar way as a pearl materializes in an oyster. The only intention in their creation was my desire to explore, discover, and experience Tokyo over the last decade and a half. I hope that this thirst for adventure in the urban expanse comes through in the book as a whole!

To explore this fascinating work further and to obtain your own copy, the book is available for purchase here.

Lukasz Palka (Website, Instagram)is an urban photographer from Poland, raised in the US, and now based in Tokyo since 2008. His work spans street photography, urban landscapes, and urban exploration, reflecting his deep fascination with Tokyo. Inspired by both the masters of photography and the science fiction genre, Palka's images offer a unique portrait of the city's vibrant energy and diverse stories. His aim is to encapsulate the living essence of the Tokyo Metropolis through his lens.