THE GALLERY Selection Exhibition: Rui Okubo, Akita Sakigake Shimpo Press Reporter, Photo Exhibition 'In Antarctica - Record of Accompanying the 66th Antarctic Research Expedition'

Nikon Imaging Japan Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, will hold the THE GALLERY Selection Exhibition: Rui Okubo, Akita Sakigake Shimpo Press Reporter, Photo Exhibition 'In Antarctica - Record of Accompanying the 66th Antarctic Research Expedition' at the photo exhibition venue 'THE GALLERY' in Nikon Plaza Tokyo and Osaka from Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Event Details

The polar world as seen by reporter Rui Okubo, who accompanied the 66th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition from December 2024 to April 2025.

The icebreaker 'Shirase' navigating the frozen sea, Showa Station located approximately 14,000 kilometers from Japan, and breathtaking landscapes.

The exhibition introduces the harsh yet beautiful nature of the polar region and the activities of the expedition members through photographs and videos.

During the exhibition period, a talk event featuring members of the 66th expedition will also be held.

We will convey the charm of Antarctica as much as possible, including behind-the-scenes stories of the photography and life at Showa Station.

[Profile]

Rui Okubo

Born in Akita City in 1983. After graduating from Akita Prefectural Akita High School and Hirosaki University, joined the Akita Sakigake Shimpo Press in 2006.

After working in the Sales Department, Honjo Branch Bureau, Sports Department, etc., as a photo journalist, she has covered many events including the Koshien tournament and the Tokyo Olympics.

From December 2024 to April 2025, she accompanied the 66th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition as a representative reporter for the Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association.

Since April 2025, she has been the Head of the Photo and Video Group, Integrated Editorial Headquarters.

[Awards]

2018: Won the Gold Prize in the Newspaper Sports Category of the Tohoku Photo Journalists Association Award for photographing the two-run squeeze play of Kanazawa Agricultural High School at the 100th National High School Baseball Championship.

2025: Won the Bronze Prize in the Newspaper Planning Category of the same association award for her work photographing observation activities in Antarctica.

<Akita Sakigake Shimpo Press>

The Akita Sakigake Shimpo is a newspaper that has been cherished by the people of Akita since its founding in 1874, walking alongside the development of the local region.

As the oldest newspaper in the Tohoku region, it celebrated its 152nd anniversary.

It carefully delves into topics closely related to the region, while also broadly covering domestic and international news in collaboration with Kyodo News.

Furthermore, 'Sakigake Digital Edition' is widely recognized as a leading news site representing Akita.

THE GALLERY Selection Exhibition: Rui Okubo, Akita Sakigake Shimpo Press Reporter, Photo Exhibition 'In Antarctica - Record of Accompanying the 66th Antarctic Research Expedition'

Venue: Nikon Plaza Tokyo THE GALLERY, Nikon Plaza Osaka THE GALLERY

Exhibition Period: Tokyo: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 – Monday, July 20, 2026 (holiday)

Osaka: Thursday, July 30, 2026 – Monday, August 10, 2026

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed on Sundays / Until 3:00 PM on the last day)

THE GALLERY Selection Exhibition: Rui Okubo, Akita Sakigake Shimpo Press Reporter, Photo Exhibition 'In Antarctica - Record of Accompanying the 66th Antarctic Research Expedition' Talk Event

Venue: Nikon Plaza Tokyo Showroom, Nikon Plaza Osaka Showroom

Date & Time: Tokyo: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Osaka: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Doors Open: From 1:15 PM

Speaker: Rui Okubo

Guests: Tokyo: Takeshi Tomohisa (66th Expedition Member, Japan Coast Guard, Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department)

Kazuki Doi (66th Expedition Member, Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, Basic Map Information Department)

Osaka: Norio Kitamoto (66th Expedition Member, Science Hills Komatsu, Hito to Monozukuri Science Museum)

Capacity*: Tokyo: 30 people, Osaka: 25 people

* First-come, first-served on the day. Reception hours may be brought forward or entry may be restricted depending on congestion.

About 'THE GALLERY'

'THe GALLERY' is a photo exhibition venue established in Tokyo and Osaka in 2017 with the aim of promoting and improving photographic culture. In addition to special exhibitions showcasing high-quality works created by renowned photographers using Nikon equipment, it also holds Nikkor Club member exhibitions and photography group exhibitions.