Until January 31, the François-Mitterrand Library in Paris is hosting an exhibition showcasing photographs from its collection that highlight Japanese theatrical arts such as kabuki, nô, and butō. These traditional performance forms each have unique styles and histories, with kabuki known for its elaborate costumes and dramatic storytelling, nô for its minimalist, spiritual performances, and butō for its avant-garde, expressive movements. The exhibition includes around 250 prints, spanning from 1945 to the present day, offering a visual journey through the evolution of these art forms. One notable image on display is a close-up portrait of a kabuki actor from 1958, taken by Ken Domon, a renowned Japanese photographer known for his realistic and evocative style. The photograph captures the actor’s fully made-up face, with dark eyes gazing sideways toward an oval mirror, emphasizing the theatricality and introspection of the performance world. The exhibition is divided into sections, with the first focusing on social and humanistic documentary photography. This part includes images that depict daily life, with performing arts playing a prominent role. The photographs not only document the performers but also the cultural and social contexts in which they exist, providing a deeper understanding of Japan’s artistic traditions. The curators of the exhibition describe the world of theater as a subject like any other, emphasizing its importance in the broader narrative of human experience. Through these images, visitors are invited to explore the intersection of art, culture, and society, gaining insight into how traditional Japanese theater continues to influence and reflect contemporary life.