Photo/ism by Ao Gunji

I know that some huge portion of Japan's GDP is devoted to the sex industry, from prostitution and hostess bars to pinups and porn rags. So it's nice to see some work where the intent isn't purely sexual and the photographer seems to have a relationship beyond merely professional with the models. Ao Gunji's serene work in black and white is detached, yet familiar, and very sensual. Click on the 'story photograph' and 'portrait' links for the good stuff.- J. West

Photo/ism (asahi-net.or.jp via sexblo.gs)