While attending Yamaguchi Hagikōtō high school he would receive mentoring from Asahi Shimbun photojournalist Masaji Kadokawa.
In that same year his exhibition "Dead end: The Women of Chikuhō" would attract critical acclaim.
After dropping out of Nihon University College of Art Mitome travelled to Africa and Guinea to cover indigenous tribes.
He extensively covered the Sanrizuka Struggle through the late 60's, photographing the violent third clash between Zengakuren Students and riot police.
attracted wide acclaim, bringing attention to the ongoing famine among Turkana tribes in Kenya.