Fusing urban exploration with her trademark sense of wonder, famed videogame creator Ikumi Nakamura has spent over a decade infiltrating top-secret locations worldwide. Her daring escapades tap into a lost spirit of true adventure, proving that the world is still full of secrets and mystery, just waiting to be revealed. From derelict shipyards and military bases to colossal cooling towers, haunted hotels, and mystical islands, this book is packed with places you thought could only exist in videogames.
Urban exploration is a way of life for those who choose it as their passion. The secrets and mysteries that disused places incite can be intoxicating and inspiring. As Nakamura has said, “I love breaking boundaries and making people say 'WOW.' As artists, we use our imagination to see the INVISIBLE.”
With a foreword by videogame designer-turned-photographer Liam Wong, Project UrbEx also features sections of Nakamura’s personal travel diaries, printed on pages with a narrower width in a rich Pantone black and illustrated by specially commissioned, exclusive manga—bringing her much-loved sense of humor to the forefront of the narrative and displaying her keen interest in exploring many mediums of creativity.
Contributors
Ikumi Nakamura
Author
Ikumi Nakamura is an independent creative, explorer, and videogame designer. Since 2004, she has explored and photographed abandoned and uninhabited places and spaces across Europe, Asia, and the United States to fid inspiration for her games. Influenced by the videogame S.T.A.L.K.E.R., she created a mysterious style of wearing a hoodie and gas mask when exploring. She also aspires to become a secrets hunter on the Japanese TV show Discovery of the World’s Mysteries. The experiences and records of her photography pursuits are published on the website Tomboy Urbex.
Liam Wong
Foreword By
Liam Wong is an award-winning art director, based in Japan. A graphic designer, game developer, and photographer, he is best known for defining, designing, and directing visual identities and was listed as one of Forbes magazine’s influential 30 Under 30.
