ILLUSTRATION 2025 presents the “NOW” of Japan’s vibrant illustration scene, showcasing art work from 150 exciting 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 2024 / 2023 / 2022 / 2021 / 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 with variant covers; the regular and a variant cover. Except for the differing cover art, the actual contents of both books are completely identical.

The covers are painted by Japanese illustrator Yashiro Nanaco (八館ななこ), whose art book Wonderland I reviewed back in 2022. Definitely check it out.

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

(image above) The art of Heikala. I’m a big fan of her art and highly recommend this art book from 2018/2019.

(image above) The art work of Yashiro Nanaco, who painted the 2 art covers for this edition of ILLUSTRATION. I highly recommend her art book Wonderland.

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. I see the work of some very strong artists in the book and I am sure they will rise to prominence and eventually have their own art books published, which is always great. This book comes recommended.

Also be sure to check out my reviews from past years – 2024 / 2023 / 2022 / 2021 / 2020 / 2019 / 2018 / 2016 )

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

“ILLUSTRATION 2025” art book details :

– Dimensions – 23 x 18.2 x 1.8 cm
– Softcover, 320 pages
– Full color, in Japanese

  
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