With his photos Hoffman has tried to record Japan's schizophrenia by juxtaposing the country's existing contrasting elements, like tradition vs. ultra-modern developments, Buddhism vs. technology, masses vs. individualisation, aesthetics vs. tasteless consumerism.

In November 1998, Hoffman travelled to Japan with Ian Kerkhof (South Africa) to make the film 'Shabondama Elegy.' The controversial film with melodramatic elements was a sensation at the Rotterdam Film Festival. After finishing shooting the film, Hoffman went off to photograph the country.