Rinko Kawauchi, born 1972, studied graphic design and photography at the Seian Junior College of Art and Design, graduating in 1993. In 2001, she published her first three photo books (Utatane, Hanabi, and Hanako). A rapid succession of further books, multiple awards and numerous exhibitions have made her one of the most widely-known Japanese photographers of her generation. The artist lives and works in Tokyo.
