Johan van der Keuken, a Dutch documentary filmmaker, author, and photographer, captured the essence of youth in his 1955 book *Wij Zijn 17*. Taken when he was seventeen, the portraits depict his friends and classmates, offering an intimate glimpse into post-war Dutch adolescence. With the release of a Japanese edition, *Les Copains* is also reprinted, featuring uncropped negatives from the original book, providing a wider context of his subjects and setting. This edition highlights van der Keuken’s early exploration of photography, showcasing his ability to convey emotion and atmosphere through portraiture.
