It’s not the norm to stand out from the crowd here, but these four Japanese artists and performers go to the extreme to do just that.
THE HYPERREAL BODY ARTIST
Hikaru Cho admits that her body art is not to everyone’s taste. Reactions vary greatly amongst those who see it, but that’s fine with her. Good or bad, the most important thing is that it leaves an impression.
"Some people are amazed, others appreciate the technique, then there are those who are grossed out by it all," Cho says, laughing. "I don't think my work is grotesque at all so I find it quite interesting when I hear that. But it's better than someone having no opinion at all."
It was a lack of paper in the room where she was studying one day that prompted the former Musashino University student to take up a career in body art. With no other canvas around, she decided to draw an eye on her friend's hand, and things took off from there. After posting her work online, Cho was given the opportunity to draw for Amnesty International's My Body My Rights campaign to coincide with International Women's Day in 2014. The collaboration – which featured in major global newspapers like The Independent and The Telegraph – attracted new audiences and raised her global profile.
It led to an increased interest in her work and subsequently she's been kept busy over the past couple of years. Projects have included designs for CD covers and clothes, directing music videos and creating visuals for advertisements. She's currently working on a comic book that will be released this summer.
"I draw inspiration from everyday things and my own general feelings," Cho says. "I think the realistic way I paint sets it apart from other body art out there. I try to convey messages to fight stereotypes and cast doubt on common sense. My dream is that people will look at the artwork and start thinking differently about things."
This story is from the May 2017 edition of Tokyo Weekender.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2017 edition of Tokyo Weekender.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Life And Love Of Japan's New Emperor
As Emperor Akihito prepares to step down, all eyes are turning towards his son and successor, Crown Prince Naruhito. Here, we reflect on his relatively down-to-earth upbringing, the freedom he felt while living in England, and whether his wife, who has battled for years to adjust to palace life, is ready to take on the role of empress.
What It's Really Like Inside Terrace House
The Japanese reality TV show has been described as both boring and fascinating, and has gathered a cult following abroad. Matthew Hernon chats with the stars to find out what it’s like on the inside.
Sanjo And Tsubame: Forged By Fire
Meet some of Japan's top artisans and try your hand at metalworking in one of the most famous industrial regions in the world
1 In 6 The Number Of Children In Japan Living In Relative Poverty
Although Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stated there is "no way" Japan is in poverty, statistics show that 54% of single-parent families, and 16% of children, are living below the poverty line. Matthew Hernon investigates the country’s hidden crisis.
Food Is Like Fashion
Chef extraordinaire Bill Granger on being inspired by Japan’s visual culture, what he learnt from his butcher father and grandfather, and his favorite Bills branches including the latest opening in Ginza.
Under The Tracks In Yurakucho
Surrounded by the extravagance of areas such as Marunouchi, Ginza, Hibiya and Shimbashi, this old-school neighborhood is something of an island extending in a narrow strip beneath the Yamanote line. But it does have a few modern surprises up its sleeve…
Breaking The Rules Of Kimono
A new book by Dr sheila Cliffe shows off the different personalities of this very traditional yet often misconceived garment.
The Misunderstood Crows Of Tokyo
Love or hate them, the city’s gigantic crows cannot be ignored. To make sense of their place in the concrete jungle, we look at their longheld connection with Japan, and some surprising lessons we can learn from these sometimes smart, sometimes foolish “urban guerrillas of birds”
Boys For Sale
A shocking new documentary brings to light a particular kind of sex trade happening in shinjuku ni-chome,where young, mostly straight boys are being paid to sleep with older men.
Seeking White Sand
Craving an island escape? Here are three destinations in Japan that should be on the list of “Asia’s best beaches”
