MY FIRST BLOG
Ever since entering the art world in Japan, I’ve always wondered whyyyy more Japanese artists aren’t known internationally.
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Of course, there are a few major names in contemporary art—like Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami… and then in architecture, everyone knows Sou Fujimoto and Kengo Kuma. But why not more artists? Japan is an incredible island nation with a rich tradition of crafts, many of which have evolved into contemporary art forms—calligraphy, woodblock printing, and more.
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Yet when you look at Japan from the outside, what comes to mind are samurai, ninjas, beautiful traditional houses along Kyoto’s narrow streets, robots, Sony Walkmans—or more recently, Ohtani’s right arm (which is a very good right arm!).
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Every year, so many talented, incredible, and very humble artists graduate from universities here. One thing I’ve noticed, having studied in the UK, is how different the approach to art education is. In the UK, you're not really taught physical skills—maybe some software—but mostly you're encouraged to think outside the box. You're pushed to do something new or, if it’s been done before, find your own take on it. Skill is usually self-taught, and it takes ages to get even close to good at it (and you're always wondering if there’s a shortcut—some of you know what I mean!).
In Japan, it's almost the reverse. Students learn technique. A hundred different brushstrokes are memorised. A motion is practiced a thousand times. Mastery comes from repetition and discipline. But the conceptual part? That’s often left for the artist to discover on their own.
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But when you find someone who has both—concept and craft? It’s magic. So why aren’t they known around the world?!
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For so long in my career here, I’ve been trying to help artisans and artists step onto an international stage. I’m not saying I’m a master at this—it’s just something I really love doing. At UltraSuperNew, where I curate and run exhibitions, my favourite artists are always the young Japanese artists (anywhere from 20 to 40) who are curious about life overseas—and whose work often makes viewers and collectors wonder: why haven’t I seen this before?
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At Haneda Airport, I work as a Creative Director, developing large-scale installations and contributing to regional revitalisation. That includes trying to find artisans who deserve more recognition—especially those whose skills are at risk of disappearing with their generation.
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Lately, what I’ve really been enjoying is working on collaborations between Japanese artists and international brands. It gives the brand a unique, unexpected edge while also promoting the artist and showcasing Japan’s creative scene.
Still, I’ve had this idea bubbling in the background—something I’ve wanted to try out in my own time.
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As part of updating this website (and boldly starting a blog—my friends back home will laugh, knowing my deeply dyslexic relationship with writing!), I’m starting a small project: working with 10 Japanese artists a year. Each artist will produce one artwork, all the same size. My challenge is to see how far I can share these works with the world.
I’m aiming this at international people living in Japan—or passing through—who are curious about collecting art and want to support Japan’s emerging contemporary scene.
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The plan? Host casual cocktail nights where people can meet the artist—not pretentious events, just good vibes. It’s for people who see something they like and want to know a little more... and then enjoy a great cocktail. (I’ve been experimenting with flower-filled ice cubes—watch this space.)
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Maybe there’ll be artist afternoons, where we explore how they get in the zone or which paper they love most—I’m still figuring that part out. But I just want to stick with it, even when things get hectic.
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So... be excited for me. And please keep liking my posts. I will absolutely need your validation. xxx