Super-Fun Japan Time!Featured Artist:

Takashi MurakamiPresenting: Superflat Pop Art

By Patrick Michaelis

Behind the Art: Childhood Story

Takashi Murakami was born in Tokyo, Japan on February 1st, 1963.

That’s Here!

He attended the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, where he pursued a degree in Nihonga, a style of art combining Western and Eastern culture.

That’s Also Here!

However, he did not find this to his liking and instead took up otaku, a style used primarily in manga, anime, and video games.

Takashi Murakami Himself!

Behind the Art: Influences

Murakami was influenced by classic Japanese art, such as Nihonga, combined with modern Japanese art, such as otaku, and adding in pop art. The result: Poku.- (POp art) + (otaKU.)

Some of Murakami’s other influences include Warhol, Oldenberg, and Lichtenstein.

Nihonga

OtakuWarhol

Oldenberg

Lichtenstein

Some of his work!