Akita, Asobi No Fukei – Kazuo Oga Art Book Review

Posted By yonghow on January 11th, 2010

Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review

A quaint and delightful collection of watercolor paintings await the reader in Kazuo Oga’s latest artbook, “Akita, Asobi No Fukei”. ( the title refers to the many sights and scenery of places where he used to play ) For those unfamiliar with his work,  Oga-san is the renowned background artist who gave us such unforgettable backdrops in many a Ghibli film like Totoro, Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, just to name a few.

Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review
Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review
Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review

This is Kazuo-san’s most personal artbook to date, for all the illustrations are based on memories of his childhood, growing up in the villages of his hometown Akita.  ( a prefecture situated in the northeastern part of Japan. )

Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review
Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review
Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review
Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review

Peppered throughout the book are deft pencil sketches of every day items used for the preparation of meals, as well as self made toys and tools, all a joy to look at.

Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review
Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review
Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review
Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review

(above) What a happy sight ! ! Bentos ( lunchboxes ) suspended above a firewood stove used to warm the classroom in winter. How can one concentrate in class with all that tasty food in plain view !

Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review
Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review
Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Review

A copy of the book is available for purchase here.

Akita, Asobi No Fukei - Kazuo Oga Art Book Amazon Purchase Link
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8 Responses to “Akita, Asobi No Fukei – Kazuo Oga Art Book Review”

Daniel

This looks like a really great book. I enjoyed reading your article about his exhibition a while back, so it’s nice to see some more of Kazuo Oga’s work

Waltlanta

Looking at these, they bring a smile to your face. He’s caught the innocent of youth in this body work. I think it’s time for me to brush up on Oga-san’s work. Thanks for the post.

weigy

Those pages look so good! There’s something about the artists of the older generation’s specialty in infusing warmth into their artwork.

yonghow

Daniel – Any new book by Kazuo-san is always a treat ! :]

Waltlanta – Thanks for putting it so eloquently, I feel exactly the same way when reading the book.

weigy – Kazuo-san is definitely one of the veterans, it would be hard to imagine Ghibli’s films without his background art !

daniel thomas macinnes

This is magnificent! I’m always happy when you share these discoveries. I will definitely have to buy a copy of this book…just as soon as I actually have spare money. All that doesn’t go towards bills goes towards plane tickets.

yonghow

daniel thomas macinnes – I’m glad you enjoyed the review, and great work on your blog too, as always ! :]

Benjamin

Just stopped by to say that the Kazuo Oga exhibition book arrived. Thanks again for your awesome service 🙂

rulascalaca

What a magnificent way to expose your childhood, trought drawing those greats moments, Kazuo Oga is a great artist! What a great review!

I hope you can post more frequently once again very soon; and also see you work for Industries Light & Magic in singapoure, congratulations Vong!

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