Otoko: Photo-Studies of the Young Japanese Male

Highly sought-after 1972 homoerotic photobook published by the pioneering Japanese photographer Tamotsu Yato. Published by the Los Angeles-based Rho-Delta Press, it stands as a monumental work in the history of queer Asian photography. The publication of Otoko is deeply intertwined with the legendary and controversial Japanese author Yukio Mishima. Yatō was a close friend of Mishima (introduced via Yatō’s partner, publisher Meredith Weatherby). After Mishima shocked the world by committing ritual suicide (seppuku) in late 1970, Yatō delayed the release of the book, ultimately launching it in 1972 with a solemn dedication to Mishima’s memory. The book features one portrait illustration of Mishima posing with a sword. Lacks original promotional trifold insert.

Near fine copy in very good dust jacket, minor wear to dust jacket edges, minor browning to inside of dust jacket.