Haga Hideo

Photographer. Born in Dalian, China, in 1921. Returned to the Japanese home islands in 1939 to study at Keiō University, getting his first taste of folkloric studies in lectures by the ethnologist Orikuchi Shinobu. Was a founding member of the Japan Professional Photographers Society in 1950; in 1959 published his debut collection Ta no kami (Gods of the Paddies), containing photographs of rice-farming rites. Took photos throughout Japan and in more than 100 countries worldwide during a career spanning more than seven decades. Was also active in cultural events including the 1970 World Expo in Osaka, where he produced the “Festivals of the World, Festivals of Japan” attractions, and helped to found the Japan Folk Performing Arts Association in 1973. Recipient of the Medal with Purple Ribbon and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. Died at age 101 in 2022.