Category Archives: Kawaii

Katsuji Matsumoto (1904 – 1986)

Katsuji Matsumoto was a Japanese illustrator  and shojo manga artist. He started his career an as illustrator at the age of 17.  He contributed illustrations to numerous popular girls’ novels and magazines.  He became one of the most influential Japanese illustrator in the early and mid 20th century and was named a pioneer of kawaii, the culture of cuteness in Japan.  He was a prolific illustrator of children’s books and created merchandise for babies, small children, and girls. The Gallery Katsuji Matsumoto in Tokyo is managed by his surviving children. There you can see many originals as well as prints and products from pre- and post-WWII era.

Images:  Courtesy of various sources.

Hariko Murata

Dictionary.com defines paper-mache as a substance made of pulped paper or paper pulp mixed with glue and other materials or of layers of paper glued and pressed together, molded when moist to form various articles, and becoming hard and strong when dry.  The pieces shown above was created by Hariko Murata, a Japanese illustrator and paper-mache artist based in Yokohama, Japan. Her designs are ‘kawaii’, the culture of cuteness in Japan.

You can follow the artist on her website, Behance and Instagram.

Images:  Courtesy of Hariko Murata.

Earl’s Favourites

One of the reasons we visit Japan often is to scout many of their unique products.  We found these on the Japanese online marketplace, Creema.  These are the creations of Osawa, a fashion magazine editor and Saka, a textile design major and illustrator.  They make leather accessories and bags sold under the brand name, Earl’s Favourites.  They have a retail store in Tokyo and conduct workshops as well. 

You can view more of their accessories on their website and on Creema.

Images:  Courtesy of Earl’s Favourites.
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