Over fifteen years after its original release in 2008, Kyoichi Tsuzuki’s photographic masterpiece Happy Victims returns in a refreshed edition. Published in a sturdy hardcover and featuring an updated foreword by the photographer himself, this new edition is set to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers interested in Japanese fashion and subculture. The book goes beyond documenting clothing choices it captures the rituals, sacrifices, and daily practices that shape the distinctive identities of its subjects, offering a compelling portrait of individuals deeply devoted to specific fashion brands and aesthetics.
Originally serialized between 1999 and 2006 in the fashion magazine Ryuko Tsushin, the series features 87 Tokyo residents whose passion for fashion defines both their personal style and their living spaces. Each portrait one “happy victim” per spread is accompanied by concise commentary that reveals the routines, collections, and commitments of each individual. From Gothic and Lolita enthusiasts to devoted followers of Margiela, these are not wealthy socialites, but working individuals who consciously invest time, energy, and resources into expressing themselves through style. This delicate balance between everyday life and fashion obsession makes Tsuzuki’s work not only a photographic record but also a psychological portrait of contemporary Tokyo subcultures.
The new edition stands out with a redesigned cover and decorative elements by Hana Gao, giving the book a modern, fresh feel. The updated foreword by Tsuzuki and the introduction by Isabella Burley from Climax Books provide historical and cultural context, offering deeper insight into the communities depicted. At the same time, the minimalist documentary layout of the original is preserved, keeping the focus firmly on the subjects and their daily practices. This reissue naturally complements Tsuzuki’s 2024 publication Tokyo Style, further cementing his position as a chronicler of urban subcultures in Japan.
Happy Victims is now available through Apartamento Publishing’s online store for €59 (approximately $69). For photography enthusiasts, fashion lovers, and cultural observers alike, it is an essential work offering not just a visual exploration of Tokyo’s subcultures, but also an intimate look at the dedication, rituals, and passion that define them.
Photos courtesy of Apartamento Publishing S.I
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