Known for his vibrant colors, bold pattern combinations, and whimsical designs, Sebastian Masuda (増田 セバスチャン, MASUDA Sebasuchan) is leading the next generation of Kawaii expression. As the designer of 6% DOKIDOKI in Harajuku and the creative director behind Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, as well as numerous international kawaii art installations, Masuda has made it his mission to spread joy and vibrant color around the world.
Wrapping up my Japan 2023 trip museum round up is the Yayoi-Yumeji Museum located in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. Nestled back in a charming little neighborhood not too far from Ueno Park, this hidden gem features rotating exhibits showcasing various kawaii illustrators from the Taisho, Showa, and Heisei periods. Complementing these exhibits are carefully curated selections from the museum’s extensive permanent collections of works by Yumeji Takehisa and Kasho Takabatake. Really two museums combined into one, the Yayoi Museum and the Yumeji Museum, this is an essential Tokyo destination for any kawaii history fan!
Continuing along with my 2023 Japan trip kawaii exhibition round-up…next up is my adventure out to the ILF Douga Museum of Art (イルフ童画館) in Okaya, Nagano, aka the Takeo Takei memorial museum! Set in the Takeo’s hometown, this delightful little…
Takeo Takei (武井武雄、TAKEI Takeo, 1894-1983) was one of the most prominent children’s book illustrators in Japan, with a career spanning from the mid Taisho period in the 1920s, till his death in late Showa. He even invented the term ‘Doga’ meaning ‘pictures for children’. Looking at Takei’s work, it’s easy to see why his illustrations have been loved by children and adults alike. His unique and imaginative style shows clear influences of late impressionism, surrealism, and art deco. However, with a focus on art targeted at children, Takei blends those artistic styles with a sense of innocence and play, instantly transporting its viewers into a fantastic new world.
Kasho Takabatake (高畠華宵, TAKABATAKE Kasho) was one of the most popular illustrators for girls, boys, and women’s magazines from the Taisho period through the early pre-war Showa period (1910s-1930s). Along with Yumeji Takehisa, he is considered a leading figure in the Taisho Roman art movement. While Yumeji is best known for his lyrical style with a strong emphasis on emotion, Kasho is credited with creating the chic modern look that defined the style popular in 1920s Tokyo.
Kaichi Kobayashi was a Japanese printmaker and designer popular in the 1920s and early 30s. During the late Taisho period through early Showa (1925-1935) he worked as a printmaker designing illustrated postcards and decorative envelopes for Sakurai-ya, a popular publisher in the heart of downtown Kyoto (that only just recently closed in 2012). His use of simple, sharp lines, luscious colors, and dramatic shadows created a moody and melancholic atmosphere that was highly popular with young girls of the time. The combination of western motifs, such as roses, crosses, and playing cards along with Japanese aesthetics, wrapped up in moody lyricism epitomized the Taisho Romanticism style popularized by early kawaii artists such as Yumeji Takehisa.
Artist and illustrator, Setsuko Tamura (田村セツコ, Tamura Setsuko) is truly the living embodiment of kawaii! Known for her playful illustrations of bright and cheery girls, Tamura has been spreading joy and happiness through her creative endeavors for over 50 years.…
Ado Mizumori (水森亜, Mizumori Ado) is a multi-talented artist, illustrator, singer, actress, tv personality, and author who rose to fame during the early postwar period and is still quite popular in Japan today. Affectionately known to her fans as Ado-chan, she was one of a few new female kawaii artists who became popular during the 1960s, each adding their unique, distinctively feminine style to the kawaii art world. Mizumori is particularly known for adding in a dash of romance with a hint of sexiness to her fun and flirty illustrations.
If you have ever been in a Japanese bookstore, you have probably noticed magazines bundled thick with various freebies ranging from simple stationery items to things like hair accessories, bento bags, and even passport cases! These free gifts, called furoku in Japanese, are commonly included with manga magazines and magazines for girls and women. I remember the first time I saw this was while living in Japan in the mid-aughts and assumed this custom was a more recent phenomenon as print was trying to compete with online content. However, I was quite surprised to discover that this custom of including furoku with a magazine purchase actually dates back to the late 1800s, and furoku have been included with Shojo magazines since their debut back in 1902!
Rune Naito was an artist, illustrator, and tastemaker popular in Japan from the 1950s through the 1970s. A pioneering figure of the kawaii artistic movement, Rune’s illustrations, fancy goods, figurines, and fashions were immensely popular with young girls and women across Japan.