I’m Struggling with Platform Restrictions

I recently published an interview video on YouTube featuring Qingshan Liu, the Chinese photographer I introduced in my last newsletter.

While preparing this video, there was one thing I really struggled with.
I couldn’t show his nude photographs — which are the core of his work.

Across platforms like Instagram and YouTube, even non-sexual nude photography gets classified as “sexual content.”
Even if I blur parts of the image, the algorithm won’t push that kind of content.

On one hand, I’m proud that FED was able to publish his work as a zine — especially because these kinds of images can’t really exist online.

But at the same time, I know that many people won’t feel like buying a zine without seeing at least part of what’s inside.
That’s why on the FED product page, I try to show as much of the atmosphere of the zine as possible — so I’d really appreciate it if you could check it out.

👉 Check the product page →

I’d also love for more people to see the video.
If you haven’t watched it yet, I’d really appreciate it if you could take a look.

Even just leaving an emoji or a quick comment would really help — it pushes the video to more people.

Watch the video →

Going forward, I want FED to continue publishing and distributing work that sits right on the edge — work that can’t really be shown online.

But honestly, I still don’t know how to promote this kind of work.
If you run a physical space and are interested in carrying FED zines, I’d love to hear from you. You can reply to this email or send me a DM on Instagram.

I’m also open to collaborations — if there’s anything we can create together, let’s make it happen. Thank you.

DARKROOM IN USE Vol.03 — This Month’s Print

The monthly zine project I started this year has now reached Vol.03.

Each issue includes a darkroom print — and this month is no exception.
In this issue, I’ll be featuring a series of raw, wild, and slightly provocative images I shot in Osaka.

I’ll also be sharing some of the ideas, research, and approaches I’ve been developing — this time focusing specifically on my personal methods and tips for street photography.
And here’s this month’s print:

In this image, a dancer is straddling me, and I’m shooting from below. How did I end up in that situation?
I’ll tell the full story inside the zine.

This is the only project where you can get a zine and a handmade darkroom print from me for just $35 — with free shipping. (Now includes tracking.)
There’s also a discounted subscription option available.

👉 Check the details →

Orders for Vol.03 are open until Sunday, April 5.
This issue will also include a special DARKROOM IN USE tag sticker, designed by Yu Chang — a Taiwanese photographer and graffiti artist I’ve introduced before.

Hope you enjoy it.

🦖 Come hang out with me on Instagram → @_nuts.tokyo_

🪐 New videos on zines & photography up on YouTube

🧃 Curious about Japanese and Asian zines? Visit FAR EAST DARKROOM.