Embark on thrilling voyage to Japan, roots of art passion

February 04, 2026 / 12:25 AM

Sharjah 24: Michael Yamashita, a dedicated visual storyteller and photographer, has devoted four decades of his career to National Geographic magazine, exemplifying the ethos of a photographer who asserts, “photographers never retire; they simply grow older.” His compelling journey spans six continents, from the magnificent Great Wall of China to the intricacies of Afghanistan, reflecting a diverse array of experiences within his ancestral homeland of Japan, as documented in over thirty major stories for the publication.

Michael is deeply passionate about Asia, with a particular focus on China and Japan. He has written 16 books, including Marco Polo, Zheng He, The Great Wall of China, Shangri-La, A Silk Road Journey, and In a Japanese Garden.

Yamashita, an adventurous traveler, has explored many places around the world, but now he is setting off to Japan, his personal journey back to the cradle of his passion. It’s in Japan that he first got a camera, learned how to take pictures, and went on his very first assignment for National Geographic.

Speaking to “Sharjah 24”, Yamashita stated that he is currently working on a new book titled "The Nature of Japan", which will showcase the beauty of Japan’s landscapes. This project is particularly special to him as it will focus on his own artistic perspective, making it different from his previous works.