Manuel Chillagano was born in Munich, Germany, in 1989. A self-taught photographer, he first started taking photos when he picked up an old analog camera during his exchange year in Tokyo, Japan. Quickly immersing himself in the Japanese alternative music scene, he started seeking inspiration in topics such as subculture, arts and travel. After having had his first up close encounters with Japanese tattooing in 2013, the art of irezumi became one of his long-term photo projects. By day, he is working as a localization specialist at a Tokyo-based video game publisher.

Manuel is represented by Plainpicture, Stocksy United and Nippon News, where his photography is available for licensing.

Selected clients/publications
Audi, Die Zeit, Spiegel Online, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Paris Opera, Steinway & Sons, The Conversation, Nippon Camera, Presses de la Cíte.

Awards
Sony World Photography Awards 2014 Open People Commended (Best 50)