In 2005, the brilliant and controversial Nobuyoshi Araki, one of Japan's leading photographers, traveled to Europe for major exhibitions of his work at London's Barbican Centre and the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. Already celebrated for his unflinching portrayals of Tokyo in collections such as Tokyo Still Life and Tokyo Lucky Hole, the Japanese photographer embraced the opportunity to turn his lens onto London and Paris, two of Europe's most historic, dynamic, and culturally diverse capitals. Much more than a travelogue, Dirty Pretty Things is also an account of the emotional journey of the photographer and the two women he loves.