Salarymen from Osaka often greet each other with Mokari Makka? A phrase which roughly translates to ‘Did you make any money?’ Join Dutch Photographer Thijs Koelink on a chronological, yet fictive journey through a Japanese metropolis.

Modern salarymen are devoted and directly link back to the code of the Samurai, a heritage from the Edo-period. A battle between opposites; Failure and Succes, Loyalty and Honour, Hope and Chaos, Blurr and Focus.

Thijs Koelink wanders the whereabouts of working individuals within a system full of hierarchy. With only 2 weeks free time a year, these salarymen are suiting up, dreaming of a bright future.

These photographs were shot in Japan in 2007, on 35mm and digital photo camera’s. The first edition published in Antwerp in 2009, in a limited handmade edition of 10 books only.

This 2021 reprint of ‘Mokari Makka?’ is published in Utrecht. You read this book like a Manga, starting from the back, then chronologically forward. To further align with Japanese Manga books, ‘Mokari Makka?’ is printed on off-white Roman paper.

The book will soon be launched at De Utrechtse Boekenbar.
Afterwards also available at various bookstores and on Bol.com

Photography and graphic design by Thijs Koelink
Published by STUDIO AYQIDO © 2021

Two Geishas at the Kyoto train station, are handed business cards by a senior lady.  
Awarded the 1st price by Japan Museum Sieboldhuis in 2014.