One of the highlights of my recent Japan trip was visiting the amazing retrospective on Rune Naito at the Kobe Fashion Museum, running from April 8, 2023, through June 25, 2023. This exhibit celebrating 70 years since his debut, offers a comprehensive look at Rune’s extensive career, starting from his magazine illustrations in the 1950s and spanning all the way to his oil paintings from the 2000s. It is truly a must-see for anyone interested in the history of kawaii.
Tag: showa
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.…
Long before Hello Kitty and Rilakkuma, there was little Kurumi-chan, lending her cuteness to transform everyday objects into must-have items. Considered one of the first kawaii character icons, Kurumi-chan made her debut in 1938 as the bubbly and cheerful protagonist…
Nakahara Junichi was an artist and illustrator popular during the pre- and post-war periods in Japan. He is known for his graceful, lyrical style featuring young, stylish women with large eyes and long eyelashes. His illustrations were featured in a variety of magazines targeted at young girls and women including the immensely popular Shojo No Tomo during the 1930s and Soleil, Junior Soleil, and Himawari, all published by Junichi soon after WWII.