Experience Tokyo like never before at “TOKYO Before/After,” a captivating photography exhibit making its Manila debut from May 17 to July 31, 2025, on the third floor of the East Wing of Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons.
Curated by renowned photography critic Kotaro Iizawa, this free exhibit features around 80 thought-provoking images showcasing Tokyo across two pivotal eras: the 1930s–1940s and the post-2010s. These contrasting visuals offer a compelling look at the city’s past, present, and imagined future transformation.
“TOKYO Before/After” reveals the Japanese capital as a dynamic, ever-evolving entity. From its early days of modern urban development to its current form as a high-tech megacity, the exhibit tells a story of change, resilience, and reinvention.
“The exhibition’s aim, through the works of Japanese photographers and their specific context, is to encourage a deeper understanding of Tokyo as a vast city of many, different faces. We hope that photography enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike will enjoy this exhibition,” said Ben Suzuki, Director of The Japan Foundation, Manila.
In the “Before” section, images from the 1930s and 1940s document Tokyo during wartime and modernization. These rare photographs—drawn from sources like the photography magazine KOGA, the NIPPON photobook, and Kineo Kuwabara’s iconic street photography—highlight the city’s delicate balance of tradition and modernity.
The “After” section presents Tokyo in the 2010s, leading up to the 2020 Olympic Games. This modern collection reflects the artists’ interpretations of Tokyo amid rapid digital transformation. Featured photographers include acclaimed names such as Nobuyoshi Araki, Mika Ninagawa, Natsumi Hayashi, and Shinya Arimoto.
To enhance the visitor experience, Ortigas Malls is also introducing the TOKYO B/A Day Pass. Modeled after Tokyo’s subway day passes, it rewards exhibit-goers with exclusive freebies and special promos from participating Estancia Mall merchants on the day of their visit.
Step into the past and future of one of the world’s most iconic cities—don’t miss “TOKYO Before/After” this summer in Manila.
