The First Resonance
“I wish I could hear the rustle of all that lies unspoken…”
— Masako Kakizaki
What does it mean to listen to a landscape?
In The First Resonance, Masako Kakizaki approaches nature not as scenery, but as presence. Trees, forests, steppes, rock formations, and quiet expanses are photographed with a patience that feels almost devotional. At some point, one begins to realize that these landscapes have perhaps never before been regarded with such sustained attention.
Previously known for her work in Aomori in northern Japan, Kakizaki expands beyond her home prefecture in this series, widening her geographic scope while deepening her contemplative method. Her compositions avoid extremes neither fragmented nor panoramic, neither intimate nor distant. Instead, they maintain a measured balance, allowing each environment to breathe.
The photographs feel as though they are listening and responding to something older than human language. The land does not appear passive or silent. It holds weight, duration, and a steady, persistent presence. Shadows and light do not dramatize; they reveal. Forms emerge gradually, like truths that prefer to remain partially unseen.
As suggested in her afterword, the unseen may dwell quietly, like seeds beneath the soil, waiting for the right moment to surface. In this sense, The First Resonance becomes an exercise in attention to what is visible, and to what resists visibility.
For readers drawn to contemplative landscape photography, to Japanese visual sensibility, and to work that privileges patience over spectacle, this book offers a deeply immersive experience. It is not about capturing nature. It is about standing still long enough to hear it.
+++
Language: English, Japanese
Format: Softcover | 72 pages
Dimensions: 202 x 203mm | 340g
Publication Year: 2025 | First Edition
ISBN: 978-4-909883-76-6
Enjoy Free Delivery on Orders Over MYR 150 Within West Malaysia!
Shop your favorites and get free delivery when you spend MYR 150 or more. Available for delivery addresses within West Malaysia, so you can enjoy convenient shopping with no extra shipping costs!
Delivery lead times are 7-10 business days within Malaysia and 10-21 business days for other locations.
We have a 15-day return policy, which means you have 15-days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You will also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
You can contact us at info@zontiga.com to request for a return. Once accepted, we will send you a link to return your item via shipping provider.
Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will NOT be accepted.
Some items on our site have limited stock. If an item is out of stock, you may have the option to pre-order it. Please note that delivery times for pre-ordered typically range from 4 to 8 weeks, unless specified otherwise.
We recommend checking product availability and delivery estimates before placing your order to ensure a smooth shopping experience. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to fulfill your order.
Support the Zontiga Photobook Library by co-donating a book! Use the code donate2library at checkout to purchase a book at a 50% discount—Zontiga will cover the other 50%.
Please note that the book won’t be shipped to you; it will be sent directly to our library. As a token of our appreciation, you’ll receive a thank you gift from us.
Your contribution helps us expand the library and make it accessible to more photography enthusiasts. Thank you for your generous support! To learn more about the Zontiga Photobook Library, click here!