Sato Yoshiko 

At a time when most photographic portraits were taken in close up and with large-format cameras, Kimura Ihee brought a new charm to the pursuit, seeking to express the character of his subjects through natural movements and gestures.
This woman, who appears deep in thought, is Sato Yoshiko (1903-1982), a singer who had been active since before the war when opera became popular. Her mother was French and she lived in Yokohama for nearly 80 years, from when her father was transferred to Yokohama Customs when she was four years old until she died. She was particularly well known for singing Carmen and also wrote her own operas. Kimura has used soft focus to soften the intensity of her chiseled features, and emphasizes the dignity of a woman who devoted herself to creative work without being bound by established norms. Incidentally, Yoshiko was also the model in several paintings by her husband, the artist Sato Kei.
(YATSUYANAGI Sae)