Le Méridien Beach Plaza has opened a unique photography exhibition called ‘Japan Highlights’, by self taught Monégasque photographer Franck Solimeis. Running until June 15th, it forms part of the hotel’s ongoing cultural programme. 

The show capture’s Japan contradiction, since it combines ancient tradition with relentless modernity. “There are villages where a samurai might appear and you wouldn’t even be surprised,” Solimeis tells Monaco Life. “And then there are cities where robots might serve you. That’s a huge contrast.”

Solimeis’ love affair with Japan was completely accidental. He first visited to see a close friend who had moved there, and found himself completely captivated, not just by the scenery, but by the social fabric. “They make small efforts that have enormous repercussions on their society,” he said. “For example, you don’t see cigarette butts on the ground. When you think about it, it makes complete sense.”

He has since returned three times.

Trains, temples, and long exposures

Among the works on show, his long exposure train photographs stand out. Taken over just a second or two, they capture light trails streaking through the frame — movement frozen in stillness.

“It’s a little experimental. You never quite know what result you’ll get,” he says.

However, the subject choice was deliberate: Japan’s railway culture is as iconic as its temples.

In contrast to this modern approach, Solimeis has also photographed temples, capturing the unique silence that surrounds them.

Even on crowded days, visitors, locals and tourists alike move through these spaces with such respect that the calm never shifts or wavers.

The one thing, though, that sets his photographic style apart, is the respect he has when depicting Japan’s culture. It’s a photograph of a geisha, taken from behind, that truly transmits this message.

Uncomfortable with the way tourists typically crowd around geishas for close-up shots, he chose a different approach. “I never saw her face, and she never saw me. It’s a tribute to the beauty of how she’s dressed — the clothes, the make-up, the headdress. And a tribute to women, of course.”

The exhibition also includes one work by his sister, Carole Micallef, a graphic painting depicting a figure blending Tokyo street style and geisha tradition.

The exhibition was also developed in partnership with Nicolas Dotta of Prime Estate Monaco.

Next stop: New York

For Solimeis, the exhibition is deeply personal. “I sometimes feel a pang of nostalgia here, missing certain places, certain dishes.” His next project, he hopes, will be New York. But Japan came first, and for good reason. “It’s truly my country of the heart.”

‘Japan Highlights’ runs at Le Méridien Hub until June 15th and with the opening reception taking place 10th March at 6pm.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life