Artists and Architects

From Murakami to Kato, Ando to Sejima, Japanese artists and architects have been making a splash all over the world with their modern creations. Visible masterpieces can be seen in the US, Europe, and everywhere in between, putting Japan on the contemporary art map. If you're headed to Tokyo, do not miss a stroll through Ginza and Omotesando, where some of Japan's most renowned architects have contributed designs. We invite you to learn more about Japan's highest profile artists and architects, and we hope they inspire you to come visit their creations in person soon.

Takashi Murakami
Murakami's work has transcended the globe with its modern, cartoonish style. Oftentimes depicting some form of social commentary, Murakami has received international acclaim for his various books and exhibits. His work can be found around the world, but visit the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo if you'd like to view a Murakami collection while traveling Japan. Learn more about Murakami at his website: http://www.takashimurakami.com/.

Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama is an avant-garde painter, sculptor and novelist most notable for her gregarious use of color and polka dot patterns. Her pieces are present all around the world; paintings and sculptures can be seen from Beverly Hills to Paris. With exhibitions appearing in museums across the globe, hundreds of thousands of people flock to see the latest Kusama installations. In 2008, a documentary entitled Near Equal Yayoi Kusama: I Adore Myself was released, detailing the artist's quirky personality and style. Kusama's work is still exhibited in museums worldwide to this day. Please visit http://www.yayoi-kusama.jp/e/information/ for more information.

Yutaka Inagawa
Inagawa's work has often been described as a juxtaposition between harmony and chaos, blending modern themes with traditional imagery. His work has been featured in exclusive exhibits around the world; most recently one entitled "Sensory Cocktails" in Seoul, South Korea. For more information about Inagawa, visit his website: http://yutakainagawa.com/.

Naoyuki Kato
As a notable science fiction artist, Kato has contributed to many novels, magazines, and games. His art mostly depicts elements of fantasy, which can be found in many notable works including the book Starship Troopers and the anime Legend of the Galactic Heroes. Studio Nue, Kato's partly owned creative studio, has been responsible for many popular anime titles including Macross and Armored Core. For more information please visit: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=26814.

Tadao Ando
You can't travel far in Japan without seeing one of Tadao Ando's infamous buildings. Most renowned for his modern, avant-garde style, Ando's work can be seen across the globe from various ateliers in Tokyo to restaurants in Manhattan. Travel to the Omotesando area in Tokyo to see the NSW Store (6-14-5 Jingumae), La Collezione (6-1-3 Minami-Aoyama) and the bustling Omotesando Hills (4-12-10 Jingumae), all of which are designs contributed by Mr. Ando. To see more of Ando's famous works, please visit: http://www.andotadao.org/.

Hiroshi Hara
Hiroshi Hara is another renowned and well-respected architect in Japan. He is most well known for designing the ultra-modern Kyoto train station, a well as the Umeda Sky Building in Osaka and the Yamato International Building in Tokyo. His works can also be seen in his various essays and theoretical publications about architecture and urban planning.

Kazuyo Sejima
Kazuyo Sejima is one of Japan's most notable female architects. Some of her most high profile works include the Chofu Police Station in Tokyo and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa. Amidst her various projects, Sejima has also served as a visiting professor of architecture at various universities including Tama Art University in Tokyo and Princeton University in the United States. Travel to the Omotesando and Ginza areas in Tokyo to the Harajuku shop (6-14-2 Jingumae) and OPAQUE (3-5-8 Ginza) , two of Sejima's contributions in the heart of the city.