Photographer. Born 1933 in Yamagata Prefecture (Japan), based in Tokyo.

Entered Tokyo Junior College of Photography (now Tokyo Polytechnic) in 1952. Developed deep connection with artist Ei-Q. After graduating from college worked as freelance photographer. Founding member in 1959 of Vivo, a photographic agency set up by a group of photographers, including Kawada Kikuji, Sato Akira, Tanno Akira, Tomatsu Shomei, and Narahara Ikko. Around the same time encountered Hijikata Tatsumi's butoh dance interpretation of Mishima Yukio's novel "Kinjiki" (Forbidden Colors) and formed a firm friendship with Hijikata and Ono Kazuo. In 1960 awarded newcomer's prize by the Photographic Society of Japan for his solo exhibition Otoko to Onna (Man and Woman). Released his one and only movie, "Navel and A-Bomb" in the same year. Subsequently photographed "Bara-kei" (Ordeal by Roses) with Mishima as his subject and "Kamaitachi" (recipient of the 1969 Ministry of Education Geijutsu Sensho), portraying Hijikata in rural settings in Akita Prefecture. In 2006 recognized the importance of Ono Kazuo, who had modeled for him for half a century by compiling "The Butterfly Dream." Awarded a Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon in 1998, the Royal Photographic Society’s Special 150th Anniversary Medal in 2003, and Honorary Fellowship in 2010.

HOSOE Eikoh　Navvel and A-bomb　1960 courtesy of the artist