Kimiko Nishimoto, a Japanese great-grandmother who became a viral sensation for her quirky self-portraits on Instagram, has passed away at the age of 97. Known affectionately as the “Insta-Gran,” Nishimoto amassed a following of 400,000 people by showcasing her humorous, candid photos, which often depicted her in playful and unconventional poses.
Nishimoto, who took up photography at the age of 72, once told AFP in a 2018 interview, “You can take photos no matter how old you get.” This philosophy led to her captivating photos, which featured her in whimsical situations — from riding a broom like Harry Potter to posing as an off-duty sumo wrestler enjoying a fifth beer. These light-hearted and sometimes bizarre self-portraits resonated with her audience, who embraced her zest for life and creativity.
Her son, Kazutami Nishimoto, confirmed her death on June 12, 2025, with an emotional tribute shared on her Instagram account. “Our mother always created her work with a smile,” he wrote, expressing deep gratitude to the many fans who supported her throughout her journey. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who visited her photography exhibitions, to those who shared warm words of encouragement through Instagram… and to all who supported her warmly throughout her journey.”
Nishimoto’s photography career blossomed in her retirement, a time she described as a “third chapter” of her life. Her son, who now teaches photography, explained that her passion for photography had a profound impact on their family, despite her late start in the art.
As her online following grew, Nishimoto’s work garnered national attention, with appearances on television and interviews by major news outlets. However, not all her photo concepts were understood by everyone. One such image, in which she was wrapped in a garbage bag, caused some confusion and criticism from those unaware of its artistic context. “It’s not like ideas just suddenly pop into my head, but wherever I go I think about what it would be fun to dress up as in that place,” she said in the same 2018 interview.
Despite the occasional backlash, Nishimoto’s legacy is one of joy, humor, and an inspiring reminder that creativity knows no age limits. Her Instagram account, filled with her iconic photos, remains a tribute to her unique artistic vision and the warmth she shared with her followers.