Back to Japan, 45 years later

1980. Photographer André Abbe starts a tour of the world. During his visit to Japan, he made a photo report on two families: one living in the mountains near Nagano and the other in Omiya, on the northern outskirts of Tokyo.

2025. We decided to follow his steps and discover what has become of Japan through these two families, 45 years later.

Search notice: Ai, Japanese of Omiya, Tokyo region

Ai lived in Omiya, Saitama Prefecture (one hour from central Tokyo). In 1980, André photographed at school, at home, in his daily life. Today, we'd like to find her. Any help is valuable!

At the time, André had even collaborated with the CNDP (now Canopé) on an educational dossier about this report.

Search notice: Nobuyuki, Japanese Taira, Nagano region

Nobuyuki lived in Taira... and that's where it gets complicated! Taira seems to be a place, and André remembers a village in the mountains, probably in the Nagano region.

A mountain called Tairah exists, and the nearest town is Omachi. A gymnasium previewed on the photos could be located in Saku, but nothing is yet confirmed.

Nobuyuki's father is a carpenter. His grandparents have a beautiful farm, in a traditional architecture.