Why? Because the 1991 72 represents a specific cultural moment that cannot be recreated. In the modern #MeToo era and with Japan’s stricter child protection laws (the age of adulthood is now 18, but the "Reiwa era" sensibilities are vastly different), a major production like Santa Fe would never be approved today.
Santa Fe, Asahi Press, 1991 - Kishin Shinoyama - Plac'Art Photo Santa Fe Rie Miyazawa Photo By Kishin Shinoyama 1991 72
More pragmatically, the "72" is often used in search queries to filter the 1991 original printing from later reprints. The original Santa Fe book was a massive 37cm tall (A4 variant) art book. The sheer size (72 square cm in some measurements) forced the viewer to confront the image without the ability to look away. Santa Fe, Asahi Press, 1991 - Kishin Shinoyama
: A world-renowned photographer famous for portraits of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Shinoyama utilized the desert landscape of Santa Fe, New Mexico , to contrast human form with natural environments. : A world-renowned photographer famous for portraits of
Kishin Shinoyama, born in 1946, is a highly acclaimed Japanese photographer known for his sensitive and insightful portraits of celebrities, models, and artists. With a career spanning over four decades, Shinoyama has worked with some of the most iconic figures in fashion and entertainment, capturing their essence with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of his subjects. His photographs are highly sought after by collectors and have been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide.