Hisashi Eguchi is a pioneering figure in Japanese manga and illustration, best known for his stylish, pop art–inspired depictions of modern femininity. With a career spanning over four decades, Eguchi’s work blends clean lines, satirical humor, and vibrant aesthetics influenced by artists like Roy Lichtenstein and Moebius. From his breakout hit Susume!! Pirates to the groundbreaking Stop!! Hibari-kun!, Eguchi has continuously pushed artistic and cultural boundaries, earning him a lasting place in Japan’s visual arts landscape.

The 90th anniversary exhibition “Takashi Murakami: Mononoke Kyoto” at the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art generated excitement even before its opening. Co-creator Takahashi personally guided guests through the venue, offering rare insights and behind-the-scenes stories. With around 170 works, including several debuting publicly in Japan, the exhibition showcased Murakami’s evolving world — from modern wind and thunder gods to influences of the Rinpa school — alongside a special architecture tour led by curator Maeda.

KYNE’s art is a delicate balance of nostalgia and modernity, rooted in the minimalist elegance of Showa-era aesthetics while infused with the raw energy of graffiti culture. His iconic monochromatic muses—direct yet enigmatic—carry the weight of Japan’s visual history, from the clean lines of Hisashi Eiguchi’s manga to the democratic ethos of street art. By bridging these seemingly disparate worlds, KYNE has created a unique visual language that is at once timeless and distinctly contemporary, embodying the cultural duality of reverence for the past and the boldness to reinvent it.

“727 FATMAN LITTLE BOY” by Takashi Murakami: A Significant Addition to the National Museum of Art, Osaka