was born in Tokyo on May 25, 1940. His father was an enthusiastic amateur photographer, who gave him his first camera when he was twelve years old. After studying Photography and Film at the Chiba University of Tokyo (1959–64), Araki went to work for Dentsu, the largest advertising agency in the country. In 1972, he began to dedicate himself exclusively to photography. His provocative images ensured that he gained rapid fame in Japan, and the whole world followed. Various models of Leica cameras are among his favourites. Over six decades, he has produced a plethora of photographs, books and films. He remains one of Japan's most significant and productive photographers.
