ILLUSTRATION 2021 Japanese Art Book Review

Posted By yonghow on January 3rd, 2021

ILLUSTRATION 2021 presents the “NOW” of Japan’s illustration scene, showcasing art work from 150 artists spanning over 300 pages of illustrations. Every artist’s page comes with a short profile together with some of his/her most representational art work.

I’ve been reviewing this book annually for quite a few years running now ( see my reviews for back issues from 2020 / 2019 / 2018 / 2016 ) and it has become something I quite look forward to as I get to discover all these amazing new illustrators and their work.

Just like last year, the publisher has released 2 different editions of the book, a regular and a variant cover, both illustrated by the popular HK artist Little Thunder ( 門小雷 / リトルサンダー ). The actual contents of both books are completely identical.

Most of the artists reviewed are new to me, with a few familiar artists whose art books I’ve covered previously. I’ve included links to them below.

ILLUSTRATION 2021 Japanese Art Book Review

(above) Art work by Daisuke Richard. I highly recommend his art books Kikanetsu and Aquarium, the former which is really quite amazing.

ILLUSTRATION 2021 Japanese Art Book Review

(above) Art work by the Hong Kong illustrator Little Thunder, who drew both the covers for this year’s book. Definitely check out her art books Scent Of Hong Kong ( one of my fav art books of 2020 ) as well as Sisterhood.

ILLUSTRATION 2021 Japanese Art Book Review

This huge volume is the best way to catch up with the top illustrators working in Japan right now, as well as to review the zeitgeist and visual trends in Japanese illustration now. Recommended.

PS – The edition I’ve reviewed is the regular edition.The special edition comes with a variant cover. The actual contents of both books are completely identical.

“ILLUSTRATION 2021” art book details :

– Dimensions – 10.2 x 7.6 x 1 inches
– Softcover, 320 pages
– Full color, in Japanese