ILLUSTRATION 2026 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 2025 / 2024 / 2023 / 2022 / 2021 / 2020 / 2019 / 2018 / 2016 ) and it has become something I look forward to with the start of a new year 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.

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 impressive renderings of the artist who goes by the moniker Ontaku ( 恩沢 ), who has a published art book titled “Blue Dreams” ( あおい夢 ). It is on my wish-list of books to review.

(image above) Illustrations by the artist Takeuchi Ryosuke, who has a huge following on twitter and popular for his Isekai themed fan-art. Would love to pick up his art book if there ever was one, but unlikely as it is fan-art and copyright issues are real tricky.

This huge volume is the best way to catch up with the latest trending illustrators working in Japan right now, as well as to review the zeitgeist and visual trends in Japanese illustration now. Some of the artists featured already have art books published and I have a couple of them on my review wish-list. This book comes recommended.

Also be sure to check out my reviews from past years – 2025 / 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 2026” art book details :

– Dimensions – 9.06 x 7.17 x 0.71 inches
– Softcover, 320 pages
– Full color, in Japanese

  
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