Michael Yamashita’s 40 Year Quest Across Six Continents

Michael Yamashita’s four decades at National Geographic helped shape global understanding of Asia. As the first person of colour to become a regular contributor to the magazine, he turned curiosity into deep expertise, travelling from the Great Wall of China to Taliban controlled Afghanistan and building an unparalleled archive of more than 30 major stories across six continents.

In conversation with fellow National Geographic photojournalist Rick Smolan, he reflects on a career centred on great explorers and historic journeys, from retracing Marco Polo’s Silk Road to documenting Admiral Zheng He’s fifteenth century voyages and following in the footsteps of the poet Matsuo Basho. With 16 books and two award winning documentaries, he shows that photography is one part of a broader practice of contemporary visual journalism.

The interview explores Yamashita’s digital evolution, including his rise as one of the world’s leading photography influencers with 1.7 million Instagram followers. He will also preview upcoming projects, including East Meets West, a retrospective of four decades covering China, and Full Circle, a personal exploration of his roots in Japan. This session offers a masterclass in sustained passion, cultural insight, and artistic integrity, where documentation becomes genuine cultural bridge building.

What you will take away:
• Practical strategies for researching, planning, and executing long term assignments across cultures
• How to translate historical narratives into compelling modern visual stories
• Lessons on adapting craft and audience engagement from print to broadcast to social platforms

Who this is for:
• Photographers, filmmakers, and editors seeking to elevate narrative depth and cultural literacy
• Students and educators in visual journalism and Asian studies
• Curators, commissioners, and brand storytellers interested in cross cultural projects and audience growth