Photography critic. Researcher of mushrooms in literature. Born in Miyagi, Japan in 1954. Graduated from the Department of Photography at Nihon University College of Art in 1977. Completed the doctoral program at the University of Tsukuba Graduate School of Art and Design in 1984. Major books authored include Welcome to the Photography Museum (Kodansha Gendai Shinsho, 1996); Dijigurafi: Dijitaru wa Shashin o Korosunoka? (Digigraphy: Will Digital Kill Photography?) (Chuokoron-Shinsha, 2004); Kinoko Bungaku Taizen (The Encyclopedia of Mushrooms in Literature) (Heibonsha-Shinsho, 2008); Shashinteki Shiko (Photographic Thinking) (Kawade Books, 2009); Fukayomi! Nihonshashin no Chomeisaku 100 (Overinterpretation! 100 Ultra-masterpieces of Japanese Photography) (PIE International, 2012); Kinoko Bungaku Wandalando (A Wonderland of Literary Mushrooms) (DU Books, 2013); and Kiiwaado de Yomu Gendainihonn Shasin (Exploring Modern Japanese Photography Through Keywords) (Film Art, 2017).