This is because I was able to learn design in a familiar environment in the area where I live. When I was a child, illustrator Motoshi Sorayama and copywriter Shigesato Itoi began to play an active role. However, although there were jobs as illustrators and copywriters at that time, it was still not recognized as a profession.
At that time, I longed for professions such as illustrator and copywriter. However, since I did not live in the city center, I did not have a familiar learning environment. So, when I thought about where and what to study based on my living environment and interests, I was relatively familiar with a design vocational school. Therefore, I went to a vocational school to study design.
InterviewFeatured Artist
Mr. Osada, who is active as a designer, has carved out a creative path that began in rural areas from a unique perspective. The ability to respond regardless of the job and the attitude of not saying no. And the unique philosophy of aiming for the top of a small pyramid using a different angle, rather than the top of the large pyramid that many people aim for. Mr. Osada's words, which continue to challenge the creation of works that resonate with the present day while experiencing foreign cultures and exploring his identity as a Japanese artist, are full of hints on how to live as a creator.
"Stonehead"
Written by: Hidetoshi Osada
How did you start learning about design?
What kind of work did you do after graduating from vocational school?
In addition to design work, I was able to handle a wide range of related tasks. At that time, I was not able to concentrate only on design work, and I couldn't choose my job. When it came to design work, I didn't just do what I wanted to do, but I responded to all the consultations I received. This is because if you answer that it is difficult to consult, you will lose your job from the next time. The image is that you answer yes first, and then think about what to do next. It was a difficult environment in many ways, but I had a desire to do illustration design at the root of my heart. I thought that if I wanted to continue working in illustration design in the environment at that time, I shouldn't say no even if I was unreasonable. On the other hand, because I have been able to perform a variety of tasks without being picky, I feel that I have acquired the skills necessary to work outside of illustration design, such as responsiveness.
"Flower Sword"
Written by: Hidetoshi Osada
Please let us know if you have any thoughts or feelings about your work.
Rather than aiming for the top in the same direction for one theme, there is a way of expressing it in this way, and I would rather be told that this is more interesting. The skills of an illustrator or designer can be compared to a pyramid.
For example, let's say you have a poster competition and 10 designers participate. When the motif is decided, the composition and taste are basically very similar, so the superiority and inferiority are determined among similar works. Among them, the designer who drew the best work stands on the pyramid in order. If there are many people, the pyramid itself will be larger, so the hurdle to reach the top is high. That's why it's great to be at the top of a big pyramid in terms of design skills.
However, I personally do not want to aim for the top of such a pyramid. Because in my mind, I don't feel that attracted to standing at the top of a large pyramid. In my case, the idea is that it is more interesting to aim for the top of a small pyramid using a different angle rather than a large pyramid that many people aim for. I want to go in a completely different direction and create works that people will see as if there is such a way of perspective and expression. It's not strange, but I have this way of thinking on a daily basis.
Please tell us about your future goals or what you would like to work on.
In the future, we would like to look at customers not only in Japan but also overseas. What I felt when I published my work to people overseas through social media was the cultural difference between Japan and Japan. In Japan today, the culture of decorating paintings and hanging scrolls is less than in the past.
On the other hand, there is a culture overseas that it is normal to display paintings at home. I guess it's the idea that it's your own home, including the space where the pictures are displayed. When you invite someone to your house, you seem to have a sense that you want them to enjoy their hobbies first. Personally, I feel that this kind of overseas culture is very attractive and ideal in a way.
"Tiger Dance"
Written by: Hidetoshi Nagata
What is your specific approach to creating works with an awareness of overseas?
In the future, when I post on social media, I felt that I had to put myself in the position of a Japanese artist when dealing with people from overseas. However, even if I draw ancient Japanese things as works, there are many people who are better than me. Therefore, I thought that modern people would feel like they were falling off when they saw my work, so I started drawing with my current touch. Of course, we don't just create works for people from overseas. However, in the future, we would like to look not only domestically but also overseas.
Please give a message to those who see the work.
When I create a work, it is important to produce the shortest and best thing. If you have a request from the client, you know what you need in the first place. Therefore, I am always conscious of finishing what I need as quickly as possible. On the other hand, just because we value speed, we will not submit our work in a somewhat state of being. Through my work, I want to be able to properly convey my intentions and objectives to those who see it.
What emerged from Hidetoshi Osada's interview was his attitude of continuing to pursue his own expression without being bound by existing values. The idea of aiming for the top of a small pyramid from a unique perspective, rather than aiming for the top of a large pyramid, has great implications for the modern creative scene, which requires diversity. In the future, he will look not only domestically but also overseas, and while maintaining his identity as a Japanese artist, he will take on the challenge of creating works that resonate with the present day. With his original perspective and solid technology, I have high expectations for what kind of works he will create in the future.
Interview: 2026/01/27