A Japanese photographer who took photos of the World Trade Center in New York during its construction more than 30 years ago plans to publish his collection in Japan and the United States next month.
Hideaki Sato, 58, went to New York in 1967 after graduating from the department of photography at Nihon University's college of art.
"I want to return something to Manhattan, which made me grow up," Sato said.
While walking the streets of the city photographing people and other scenes, he came upon the massive construction project for the twin towers.
He returned home in 1969 after spending more than two years in the city and stored the negatives at his house.
During a talk show shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Sato said, "I actually took photographs of the building a long time ago." His comments were relayed to a publisher, which spurred the idea for the collection.
"I'm glad the negatives weren't moldy," Sato said. "I will go and take pictures of the site again, which is in the process of being cleared of the debris of walls and steel."
The book will be published in Japan on Dec. 4 priced at 5,000 yen. Sato will donate part of the proceeds to New York.