Everyday Is Like a Sunday
As a protégé of the now-ostracized scandal photographer Terry Richardson, Keiichi Nitta, born in 1975 in the Japanese capital Tokyo, enjoyed what we might call an alternative education in the midst of a micro-universe shaped by sex, drugs, and rock music.
So it’s hardly surprising that, even after finishing his studies, he continued along the path of his mentor—combining his work with a Far Eastern flair and creating a skillful composition of perfectly shot photos, famous faces blessed with natural beauty, and the occasional exposed body part. I had the opportunity to speak with the master of Japanese breasts about his work, the birth of his son, and lots of sushi.
You are one of the best-known and most controversial photographers in Japan, but in fact everything began with Terry Richardson. How did the two of you meet, how did he inspire and influence you, and what is your relationship like today? I’ve always been interested in photography. Ever since I was a kid. I’m a big fan of many photographers, but I was especially impressed by Terry Richardson’s work. I was living in New York City and decided to try to work for Terry. But it wasn’t easy. I called his studio every day for a year, and eventually he gave in. I was incredibly happy and learned a lot from Terry—especially how to deal with the people I photographed. The atmosphere has to be fun, relaxed, and cheerful. Then everything works out. I owe Terry a lot, and we’re still very good friends today.
Was it difficult for you to set up your own studio, find models, and convince clients to work with you? After all, you didn’t know what the future would bring, or did things actually turn out to be quite easy for you? I was pretty nervous and excited when I moved back to Tokyo to open my own studio and all that. But I was very lucky—everything came together as if guided by fate, and after a short time everything was running smoothly.
You’ve already hosted many international stars like the Beastie Boys, Lady Gaga, and M.I.A., as well as Japanese celebrities like Kumi Koda, Aoi Miyazaki, and Yoko Maki in your studio. Which of the people you’ve worked with left the best memories, and which would you never want to see in front of your camera again? Whether I work with Japanese or international celebrities, I’ve always been very lucky with them. Each of them has an individual personality and brings their own atmosphere. And that’s what makes a shoot interesting.
Your trademark is the Polaroids you take of people you meet. When did that start, and do the amateur models enjoy being photographed that way and signing the picture afterward, or do you have to persuade them first? Well, that started when I was still working with Terry, and I simply continued doing it after opening my studio in Tokyo. So far I’ve never had any trouble taking the Polaroids. Most models and stars like the idea.
What inspires you—where do you get the ideas for your photos, and do you have any role models or muses? Actually, my inspiration varies from shoot to shoot. It always depends on the model, the fashion brand, and so on.
What have been the highlights of your life so far? Clearly the birth of my son Milo. That moment completely changed my life. And my 100K show was also a great achievement for me personally.
Did the birth of Milo change your work as well? And would you like him to become a photographer someday, or would you advise him against choosing the same profession as his father? Becoming a father hasn’t really changed my work itself. If he wants to become a photographer, I’d think that’s great. He can do whatever he wants. I just hope it’s something creative.
I bet you enjoy good food. What do you prefer: American or Japanese cuisine, and what is your favorite dish? Yeah, I love food! And of course Japanese dishes. I’m into tonkatsu, sushi, yakiniku—oh man, the list would go on forever. Over the past few years I’ve eaten huge amounts of sushi, especially at my favorite restaurant, Fukusushi. Since I live in Tokyo, I have the chance to eat the best sushi all the time.
You work with many nude models. Is the temptation strong to do forbidden things with them, or are exposed breasts in your studio as normal as morning coffee? Well, after working with Terry for so long, it’s really no big deal anymore.
You’ve visited Europe several times already. Did you like it? Yes, I’ve been here several times, but unfortunately never directly to Germany. I’d really love to visit. Europe in general is great. I truly hope I’ll have more shows and exhibitions there soon.
What kinds of music do you like, who are your favorite bands, and can you name a few strictly secret but great Japanese underground bands? I like many different kinds of music—rock, house, anything really. But I don’t follow the Japanese music scene that closely, so unfortunately I can’t really help you in that area.
What tips and tricks would you give a young aspiring photographer who wants to start a career like yours, and what are your goals for the future? My advice to young photographers is to find a role model they love, try to work with them, and strengthen their skills wherever possible by photographing everything around them—friends, animals, plants, whatever comes in front of their lens. As for myself, I definitely want to have more shows and exhibitions—and ideally all over the world.