Today, more than 120 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and violence. Many had to leave behind everything they held dear and were separated from their families and loved ones. Despite unimaginable hardships, they continue to move forward, striving to build the futures they envision for themselves. Each of these 120 million journeys is unique.
In this project, Japanese photographer Takashi Homma visited the homes of refugees and internally displaced people living in Bangladesh, Colombia, and Japan. Through ongoing conversations and encounters, he captured the personal belongings that carry memories of home—objects that people held onto even in their displacement—and illuminated the individual stories that numbers alone cannot convey. This work, SONGS The Most Important Things of Refugees, was presented as a co-organized initiative by Setouchi Triennale Executive Committee and UNHCR at Setouchi Triennale 2025.
At TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR, this work is presented alongside Stories of Refugees —a book installation curated by the UNHCR Representation in Japan, featuring books selected under the themes of “refugees” and “peace.” Together, photographs and books form
an installation that invites deeper reflection and understanding of refugees.
Organizer: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
Exhibition Support: Sigma
Image: ©︎ Takashi Homma
Related events
Talk Event「それでもこの話を2人でする―SONGS―ものが語る難民の声」ホンマタカシ × いとうせいこう
Date & Time：Thursday, December 11, 2025 15:00-16:00（Reception opens at 14:45）
Venue：Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo / EVENT SPACE (1F / next to the museum shop)
BOOK SIGNING
12/20(Sat) 14:00 - 15:00 Takashi Homma @ B2F EXHIBITIONS Takashi Homma: SONGS－The Most Important Things of Refugees