The artist by the name of Toshibata Shibata was well known throughout his native land of Japan, although his artistic imprint would soon expand to other countries as well.  While he had incredible talent in many areas, his best work was actually as a landscape photographer.  While woodblock prints had been the rage during the 17^th and 18^th centuries, by the 19^th century, photography had become the new form of art for many. 

Shibata had a long and successful career photographing various landscape scenes.  However, his work from 1983 to 1986 was unique, actually helping to make him a better-known artist.  During this short, three-year period, Shibata photographed 53 gas stations around the country but only during nighttime hours.  However, these photographs were produced in Japan but also America. 

Shibata had taken an original series known as Hiroshige Ando’s 53 Stations of Tokaido, which was created in the 1830s, and recreated his own version.  The contemporary interpretation with sparkling lights and nearby hotels decorated in neon was a huge success.  Making Shibata’s series his own, he would choose out-of-the-way or unknown gas stations and hotels to be the focus of his work. 

While photographing gas stations at night might sound strange or even boring, the truth is that Shibata’s ability to focus on detail made each pieces highly stimulating and exciting.  This amazing talent catapulted the series to stardom.  Interestingly, all of the photographs taken were done with black and white film, almost creating a vision of old and new.  This perfect balance was not appreciated by all but those who understood the focus of the series loved it.