Michael Yamashita

Bio

**Michael Yamashita: A Journey Through the Lens** Renowned photographer Michael Yamashita has dedicated over three decades to capturing the world's wonders for National Geographic, seamlessly blending his passions for photography and travel. A graduate of Wesleyan University with a degree in Asian studies, Yamashita's transformative seven-year journey in Asia solidified his expertise in the region, shaping him into a preeminent visual storyteller. Upon his return to the United States, Yamashita launched his illustrious career with National Geographic, contributing captivating imagery to both American and international publications. His work spans six continents, yet his heart lies in Asia, where he has explored the archipelago from Hokkaido to Kyushu. As a third-generation Japanese-American fluent in Japanese, he possesses a unique perspective that allows him to retrace the footsteps of historical figures such as Marco Polo, the Japanese poet Basho, and the Chinese explorer Zheng He, creating rich narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. Yamashita's cinematic endeavors include the award-winning feature documentary *The Ghost Fleet*, inspired by his National Geographic story about the 15th-century Admiral, which garnered the Best Historical Documentary accolade at the New York International Independent Film Festival. His documentary for the National Geographic Channel, *Marco Polo: The China Mystery Revealed*, not only earned two prestigious Asian Television and Film Awards but also ranked among the top twenty most popular documentaries of the decade on the channel. In addition to his photographic pursuits, Yamashita is a sought-after keynote speaker for corporations and foundations and a passionate , conducting lectures and workshops globally. His work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including honors from Pictures of the Year, Photo District News, the New York Art Directors Club, and the Asian-American Journalists Association. Yamashita's stunning exhibitions have graced major cities across Asia—Tokyo, Beijing, Seoul, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Taipei, and Singapore—as well as prominent venues in Rome, Venice, Frankfurt, and Perpignan, Paris. His photographs have been showcased in galleries in Los Angeles and at the esteemed National Gallery in Washington, D.C. An accomplished author, Yamashita has published eleven books, many inspired by his National Geographic stories. His notable titles include *The Silk Road Journey*, *88 - The China Collection*, *Shangri-La: Along the Tea Road to Lhasa*, *The Great Wall From Beginning to End*, and *Marco Polo: A Photographer’s Journey*, among others. When not traversing the globe, Michael Yamashita resides in rural New Jersey with his family, where he maintains a studio and contributes to his community as an active fireman. His life’s work not only tells the stories of distant lands but also exemplifies a deep commitment to both his art and his community.