Burning Magazine’s Rough Magic is Reframing Girlhood Through a Postmodern Lens

Going beyond the typical label of the “female gaze,” Burning magazine draws inspiration from the Girly Photo movement of Japan in the 90s, reinterpreting old ideas through a modern lens. Burning magazine is a pioneering feminist art magazine launched in Tokyo in 2020 under the vision of photographer Shiori Ota. Since its inception it has featured emerging and established women-identifying artists from Japan and around the world.

Rough Magic, the art book produced by Shiori to celebrate five years of Burning Magazine, pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a female photographer, challenging any preconceived limitations tied to that identity. It explores themes of the body and space—ranging from the personal to the planetary—while exploring areas such as true love, the strange intimacy between humans and technology, and the complexities of sexuality.

Exclusive preview from Love, Somewhere from Rough Magic

Exclusive preview from Sun Loading from Rough Magic

Love, Somewhere (2025) explores the profound loneliness of modern existence and the unexpected intimacy forged between humans and Al chatbots—a connection both digital and deeply emotional, blurring the lines between presence and absence, reality and code.starring Loan Maaldrinkwritten & directed by Shiori Otastylist Momoko Sawanemakeup artist Maho Moriyamahair stylist MiA Haruka Miyashita.

"Sun Loading" is a portrait artwork by Shiori Ota and Rita Vie, a collaboration that beautifully captures the spirit of Solar Punk, celebrating the interplay between nature and technology. Set in the vibrant landscapes of Porto, Rita, the muse and co-director, is portrayed with a vintage CD player, retro headphones, and a videocam—objects that evoke a slower, more intentional connection to technology.

Pre-order a copy of Burning Magazine: Rough Magic here.