Kawaii, a Japanese term that means “cute,” has become a global phenomenon. The concept of modern kawaii art is often credited to the Japanese illustrator Rune Naito, who was famous for his illustrations of girls with oversized heads and baby faces. Naito’s art emphasizes bright colors, cute textures, and childlike characters.
The Origin of Kawaii Art and Culture
The word “kawaii” is often used to describe a style of Japanese art and culture that emphasizes cuteness. This art form is deeply rooted in Japanese society and has become a worldwide phenomenon. The concept of modern kawaii art is often said to have originated in the 1950s and is associated with the Japanese illustrator Rune Naito. Naito’s art was a departure from traditional Japanese art and was more focused on aesthetics.
The Life and Work of Rune Naito
Rune Naito was exposed to art at an early age and was inspired by the works of Junichi Nakahara, a graphic artist and fashion designer. After graduating from high school, he became an assistant to Junichi Nakahara and worked as a collaborator for Junior Soleil, a girls’ magazine edited by Nakahara. Naito’s famous illustration, “Rune Girl,” was published in this magazine and became so popular that it was frequently featured in girls’ magazines throughout the 1950s. Since then, these illustrations have been credited with opening the new concept of kawaii, which is more oriented towards culture and aesthetics.
Naito’s legacy lives on in his art, which is still appreciated by many people. His bright colors and cute textures are considered fashionable by young girls all over Japan, and his “Rune Panda” character, which he drew after seeing pandas at London Zoo in 1971, is still popular to this day. Naito died in 2007 at the age of 74 from heart failure, but to this day, he is still considered a pioneer of the kawaii style.
Celebrating Rune Naito’s Legacy
To celebrate Naito’s 90th birthday, the Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store in Osaka is holding an exhibition featuring around 300 of Naito’s artworks. The exhibition, titled “Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Rune Naito Special Exhibition: Wonderful Dreams in Daily Life,” showcases carefully selected works designed by the artist himself, including illustrations, paintings, clothing, kitchenware, and decorations. The event organizers hope that the exhibition will bring visitors back to the nostalgic world of the Showa period (1926–1989).
