https://www.thetokyoiter.com/work daily 1.0 2026-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1609510242054-AK17FHY2592TJZEZSHWW/The-TOKYOITER--TOM-GASTEL-2021.jpg Collection II _ Happy New Year 2021! _ Tom Gastel is a licensed American architect working at Nikken Sekkei in Tokyo as an architectural illustrator. _ www.behance.net/TomGastel instagram: @TomGastel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1610671797067-J1OVH2HJIBW16KS3OQEF/The-TOKYOITER---TOKYO-LIGHTS.jpg Collection II - My ongoing work on the perception of the urban landscape through memory (fragmented, subjective & personal) led me to a drawing strictly based on the neon signs, storefronts and typography from the streets of my beloved (and sorely missed) Tokyo. Drawn mostly from the neighbourhoods of Shinjuku, Kabuki-chō, Shibuya, Shimokitazawa, Ikebukuro & Ginza. Plus a little homage to Shuetsu Sato (a subway security guard) and its handmade temporary signage. - Vasco Mourão works on the perception, texture and memory of the urban landscape. Only with a pen and time, his practice obsessively focuses on the representation of cities through drawings on paper, wood, stone and metal. Drawings of cityscapes and other architectural meanderings at large, rearranged on the canvas. Inhabiting a place between fine art and illustration, Vasco Mourão creates bespoke artworks and large scale murals for various private clients, galleries and institutions, working also on selected editorial commissions. Originally from Portugal, now based in Barcelona (when not on the yearly work & travel walkabout). - mistermourao.com @vascomourao https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1616584517822-E50A2QFU9XOMJ8S64AAH/The-TOKYOITER-Templates.jpg Collection II - The first time I visited Tokyo I had Asakusa as my base and from my window I could see these Asahi headquarters buildings. Their presence hit me right away. They were the first thing I saw in the morning and the last thing I saw in the evening while having a beer by the river with some friends. For me Japan is like a magnet, it always attracts me and I always want to go back. - I’m Giorgio aka requiescat and I'm an illustrator and motion designer based in Milan, Italy. I like doing things in black and white with glitchy textures. I’m inspired most by retro technology, uncommon objects, everything that’s surreal and things that I see while traveling. - www.requiescat.it @requiescat_rqsct https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1619189252533-GAQ9QW6OBTXFE6SC7NUA/The_TOKYOITER_Templates_6.gif Collection II _ This art was originally called 懐かしい未来 (longing future). It's the feeling of nostalgia of our old routine before the pandemic. I decided to portray this feeling with a warming scene from Suidōbashi Station in Tokyo, where some friends are eating ramen before taking the subway. _ Kenji Lambert is an asian-brazilian illustrator and motion designer, born and raised in Brazil. He's currently working with TV shows at Rede Globo, a local TV channel, but has also worked for HBO, Ogilvy, animation studios and magazines. He's true passion is at studying the subtle details of backgrounds and landscapes, and trying to apply that to his drawings _ www.kenjilambert.com @kenjilambert https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1624456135292-75IA81BLGFAODXT5J8NB/The-TOKYOITER--Mike-Hughes.jpg Collection II _ This image is based on our first time eating out in Tokyo at the well known Afuri ramen bar. We had an Incredible meal and It was a sign of things to come, everything we tried was fantastic during our trip. (except the fish flavoured crisps I accidentally bought, ha!) _ Mike Hughes is a UK based freelance Illustrator who’s biggest influence is golden era Anime. Much of Mike’s work looks like a freeze frame from an animation you can’t place but you’re sure you’ve seen. Expressive larger than life characters in dynamic situations are the hallmarks of his work. _ www.m-hughes.com @badnewsmikehughes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1626252769336-SVCG7JEXE8JKF36BK101/The-TOKYOITER_Molly-Maine.jpg Collection II _ I’ll never forget the first time I visited Tokyo. I arrived on the train from Nagoya and was eager to find a good view of the city. I treated myself to a cocktail on the 52nd floor of the New York Bar in Shinjuku and found myself gazing out in awe across a dazzling blanket of neon; a solitary moment of electric beauty. Tokyo instantly had me hooked, and Japan became my haven. _ Molly Maine is a British illustrator and designer from London, who studied illustration at Nagoya University of Arts in Japan. She has spent the past five years working as a freelance illustrator whilst living and travelling throughout Asia. She is now based in Lisbon, Portugal and runs Molly Maine Creative, a remote design and illustration studio. _ www.mollymainecreative.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1627651627729-ZG56B7PLCK5VKFL29OZT/The-TOKYOITER-Papoulas-Douradas.jpg Collection II _ I remembered how plushies and pachinkos was something that was so fun when I went to Tokyo as a child. One day my dad got 3 cinnamon plushies on these machines, and we have them until now. I decided to put a lot of characters like Sanrio's, Domo, and others, to look a little bit chaotic, like the streets in Tokyo. _ My name is Paola Yuu Tabata and i sign like Papoulas Douradas since 2014. I am the third generation of japanese immigrants in Brazil, and i have already visited Tokyo once, after many candle wishes on birthday cakes when I was a kid! It was as magical and different as I imagined and I really want to be able to go back one day. I currently work as an illustrator and I have a shop of illustrated products, among things I love, are vegan food, cats and creative things. _ www.papoulasdouradas.com.br www.behance.net/papoulasdouradas @papoulasdouradas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1628409579592-TTC3W1MQITLW3TR459LE/TwilightInTokyo-Dao_Pampululu.jpg Collection II _ Twilight In Tokyo : Whenever I'm in Tokyo, I love looking at every little detail of daily routine. I would like to stop time to remember every detail that I see. Especially at nightfall, in this special twilight, which gives this city the mood of a surreal painting. _ Dao Nguyen (Pampululu) is a French illustrator based in Montreal. She is a former animation designer, passionate about traveling in Japan. Her work is based on everyday life’s scenes with patterns and vegetal ornaments. _ www.daoartwork.com @pampululu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1634735062707-5OWI1U6BVYMHMPL0ZP9C/The-TOKYOITER_cropped.jpg Collection II _ ’Summer Night’ - A traditional Japanese festival "the summer festival" is the inspiration for me to create this cover. Especially the 'goldfish catching', which is a classic activity of the festival. the swimming red fishes, the reflection of the lights, the ripples in the pool, all of these elements construct a beautiful and mysterious picture.This drawing offers a fresh perspective--underwater, to look at this wonderful summer night. _ Miki Xu, an illustrator base in Shanghai, China. Most of her works are created with the watercolor texture by digital device. She uses colors and special composition to invite audiences into an illusion or a magical world that she build. _ @mkrosemiki https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1647262793903-OMUPLJMRTDHZ3BDIMXRN/The-TOKYOITER-solveigsauvage.jpg Collection II - I realized this one because of the nostalgia I feel about Japan. I am waiting since 2019 to go back here and recently, I saw so much pictures about cherry blossom that started here. I wish I could be right now in japan, and feeling everything around me like the light of the sun that become warmer, through the tree's flowers. This feeling is pretty hard because I finished 5y of studies in october 2021and was waiting since few months to go back to Japan. Today I have to accept that it will be not for this year again, and that I have to look for a job in France now, and rely on my future free time. So I'm still drawing these scenes with the hope that I will be able to live in them as soon as possible. - https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1649412935809-XPUJ4OIRUJXW3CVKC88P/Kenn%27s-The-TOKYOITER-Templates.jpg Collection II _ Drinking whisky highballs has been one of my many ways of reminiscing my time spent in Japan. I sought to pay homage to this beloved spring/summer beverage through the perspective of humble salarymen, celebrating life's small victories while anticipating better days and Spring. _ Kenn is an illustrator and visual artist with a deep interest in food and culture. My inspirations range from classical Japanese Ukiyo-e art to traditional Chinese medicine labels and Victorian headstones. I have had the pleasure of working with clients such as the Independent and Vittles, as well as having my work displayed in the New-York Historical Society Museum. _ @kennlam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1651213666830-5252LK1X82Z5GJNZLY75/image-asset.jpeg Collection II - Jalcalara _ I was in Tokyo in November/December 2019 for a week. This is about a picture I took at the first japan metro station I saw (in Shinjuku). Actually, I still like the symmetry of it, like a Wes Anderson movie, specially the telephone in the middle, a weird urban object you don’t understand at these days with an occidental vision. I visited the Imperial Palace that morning and Shibuya in the afternoon. This strong duality and contrast gave me the idea of playing with it, since this is one of the main things I really love about Tokyo. A contemporary and fashioned young girl full of colors walking in front of a traditionally old man with sepia color filter. Like Uma Thurman in Kill Bill 1 and Ryu Chishu in Tokyo Story. _ Jalcalara (Juan Alcalá) grew up in the 90’s amongst Wally books, Beatles’ songs or spending the afternoon drawing before studying architecture. Actually, he combines his knowledge of architecture with his work as an illustrator, collaborating with companies such as Alfa Romeo or Red Cross. Jalcalara’s creations are generated at a crossroads of elements, anywhere from architecture, everyday life and popular culture; European comic books from the second half of the 20th century, his vinyl collection or Wes Anderson films. _ www.jalcalara.com @jalcalara https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1651650900601-LWA1KNJ7R5VZQBMKSC5Q/Screen+Shot+2022-05-04+at+10.52.10.png Collection II - Benjamin Mills _ This cover is based on an encounter I had in Ryōgoku, before a day at the sumo. I had queued early for my ticket the morning after a monsoon storm. The lower division wrestlers began to arrive, hopping out of taxis and into the convenience stores for a quick onigiri. The details hint at some of my favourite snippets of Japanese culture (and beverages!) _ Benjamin Mills is an illustrator, painter and creator of narrative GIFs. His work is inspired by ecology, animated film and life’s mundane little moments. He works from his loft studio in north London. _ www.benjamintmills.co.uk @benjamintmills https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1655203501805-WIZAVY7RIME0C5LATLCH/Yuki-Uebo-The-TOKYOITER.jpg Collection II _ When I first saw a sumo match at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, I experienced a mystical atmosphere that was different from everyday life. The large, robotic wrestlers, their shiny skin in the spotlight, the colourful Mawashi (belt), the audience packed into the seats. I illustrated the sacred and lively scene of the event. _ Yuki Uebo is a Japanese illustrator based in Tokyo. Her work is heavily influenced by the the culture of the city; such as the busy streets, use of colours, and general messiness. Through her work she also aims to depict people whose conversations, characters and stories can be imagined. _ www.yukiuebo.com @yukiuebo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1658332751451-WQ4FHXAOARDWOI38BR7U/The-TOKYOITER-Template_Amy.jpg Collection II _ For this piece I wanted to portray vending machines, which you can find practically everywhere in Tokyo and that I particularly find fascinating, as an encounter of the more modern side of Japan with the traditional. Tokyo is known for its tall buildings, busy streets and also as a technological hub but if you wander enough, you can still find a vestige of old stores, restaurants, and other less-touristy spots that seem to have stopped in time. I think this combination is what makes Tokyo so interesting and what I wanted to portray through my drawing. _ Designer and illustrator, Amy Maitland mixes digital and manual techniques to create playful compositions that tell stories. She likes to use vibrant colors, experiment with different textures and always seeks to evoke a little of her experiences and personal trajectory through her illustrations. _ www.amymait.myportfolio.com @amymait https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1664367772530-U4NB6GVGL47X7CB5EES5/WEBSITE.jpg Collection II _ This piece was inspired by all of the hidden shrines scattered across Tokyo in the quiet little corners of the bustling city. I had seen many of these over the course of the time I spent during my residency in Tokyo, and one afternoon after it had rained I saw one covered in dew and it had a really magical feeling. I imagined a sort of goddess that enjoys these hidden, often overlooked shrines and takes care of them. I wanted to paint what that looked like in my imagination. _ Alexandria is an illustrator and muralist from the United States. She splits her time freelancing from her studio in Nashvillle, TN and traveling for on-site mural projects. Aside from painting and illustration, her biggest passions are digging around in her garden, making whimsical ceramic pieces, and learning Japanese. _ @alexandriaolivia www.alexandriahall.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1664865455066-9KB86VCZ72SW0PSCSGG3/The-TOKYOITER-Emma-Li.jpg Collection II _ This cover is inspired by the time I spent in Tokyo working for a Japanese company. Despite being in the fashion industry, leadership was often dominated by men, yet my female manager still navigated her way up successfully. I tried to represent her journey through this cover. _ Emma Li is a London based freelance illustrator from China. After studying Fashion Design at the Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo, she worked as a fashion designer at a Japanese clothing company for 3 years. In 2020 Emma Li moved to London and has since been working as a freelance illustrator. Apart from drawing, Emma Li is also a big cat and plant lover. _ www.emmali.net @emmali_illustration https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1668475622043-WIVCE41QWMPUJAQY34I1/The-TOKYOITER-Paolo.png Collection II _ My illustration is a heartfelt tribute to Japan and the passion I share with the Japanese people, Golf! In the background, a golfer has just made an excellent shot in the direction of the hole, symbolically depicted by the crater of Mount Fuji. The instant is blocked just before the ball enters the hole, leaving the doubt of the goodness of the shot. In this still image, the red golf ball takes on the appearance of the classic Japanese rising sun. _ Paolo Metaldi (Verbania 1980) freelance Italian designer/illustrator based in Milan. After one year at the Faculty of Architecture of the Politecnico di Milano, his interests focus on the graphics, product and interior design: in 2006 he graduated at the European Institute of Design in Milan. He is currently in charge of the design studio for the Excélsa and Viceversa brands. His connection with the territory and the attention to craft activities are typical of his training. He focuses his interests on the unexpressed potential of forms and materials to give them a new life. He strongly believes in the attractive value of an object: a good product design must be pleasant even regardless of its function. Honored with several prizes at national and international competitions, in 2015 he won the Compasso d'Oro for the mincing knife Shy and in 2017 the Good Design Award. _ @paolometaldi paolometaldi.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1668475777323-74J1880BMY54LZC4Q8HB/Cover_IrisvandenAkker_01_.jpg Collection II _ This fishbowl was the first thing I drew at my residency at Almost Perfect in Tokyo. It was my first time in Japan, and I wanted to inspire myself by walking around and getting to know the city. The ceramic fishbowls are all over Taito-ku, creating little gardens at peoples doorsteps. The kingyo (goldfish) was based on a lantern I saw waving in the wind in Asakusa. _ Iris van den Akker is an illustrator, 2D animator, enthusiastic art collector and overall supporter of creative women. She works from her studio in an 1892 warehouse located next to the IJ in Amsterdam. She loves to surround herself with her creative friends, her collection of plants and wine on Fridays. Iris loves colorful, graphic images that take reality with a grain of salt. She is happiest when fiddling with color and dragging with shapes, until she is satisfied. She works mainly for ad agencies, magazines, animation studios and publishers, but has also created work for architecture festivals, international popstars, tiny house communities and design retreats. _ @irisakka irisvandenakker.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1668596361455-VQUI7PYQR3YMM6VLP3FS/LISA.jpg Collection II _ The inspiration behind this cover is my first solo trip to Tokyo. I particularly fell in love with Asakusa and its mix of both tradionality and kookiness. Tokyo is for me a city of senses. There are so many sights to take in, it’s quite honestly baffling. I was fascinated by the smells and many food stalls. Dango, mochi, melonpan, senbei,-a dream for the palate. Asakusa really hit my sweet spot. _ Lisa AKA Kiku Lines is a self-taught artist from Luxembourg. My artworks are mostly influenced by 90s pop culture, old Hollywood and Japan. _ Instagram: @kiku_lines Twitter: @kiku_lines https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1669265719928-XT6J6QOGD5B0GOQM7IZR/The-TOKYOITER_MarcMartin.jpg Collection II This illustration is inspired from my time wandering the streets along the Sobu and Chuo train lines The small shops and cafes below the train line were frequent points of interest in my walks and a welcome contrast to the larger department stores found throughout Tokyo. _ Marc Martin is an artist and illustrator based in Melbourne/Naarm, Australia. He splits his time between commercial illustrations, editorial work, illustrating children’s books and making fine art for gallery shows and commissions. _ @marcmartinillo www.marcmartin.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1670984819180-GHLR0BGA8QVYW70LU98Y/_Michael-Towers-TOKYOITER-taxi.jpg Collection II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1677481498246-ZCPDD95LO11BKMMF0D6W/TheTOKYOITERbySAEL.png Collection II _ I had the opportunity to travel to Japan in 2016 and 2019. A trip that has changed me deeply, that's why I have created this symbol that I have called Emoji_on Tokyo. This icon is inspired by torii arches, which are doors that give way to another state of consciousness and in kawaii culture. Tokyo has made me go through that sacred door of its culture and has made me a more positive, friendly and respectful being with my creativity and with everyone around me _ SAEL is a celebrated multidisciplinary artist and designer born in the city of Mar del Plata. Today based in Buenos Aires, Argentina he radiates his universe from the inside out where he constantly infuses the world with imagination, beauty and inspiration. His multidisciplinary work bridges the gap between different genres and is a powerful and graphic hybrid of fine art, illustration, graphic design, public art interventions, murals etc. His lines, colors and geometry are instantly recognizable and a unique language that translates seamlessly from two dimensions to three dimensions through different scales throughout all his productions. In 2020/21 he was selected as the only Argentine in *The Flag Project* at Rockefeller Center New York City, exhibiting his EMOJI_ON NYC Flag design alongside prestigious international artists such as Jeff Koons, KAWS, Marina Abramovic, Shantel Martin, Christian Siriano, Laurie Anderson among others. His work is part of the permanent design collection of the Museum of Modern Art in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the archive-collection of the Rockefeller Center New York and the Musashino Art University Tokyo archive, Japan. In 2017 and 2018 he was awarded the Latin American Design Award. _ @saeluniverse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1682684285604-0X4X2JL9R0VY0WLXFHAK/thetokyoiter_macrocarpa.png Collection II _ It depicts a strange retro TOKYO _ Macrocarpa is a Japanese illustrator in Tokyo. _ @macro_carpa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1685107948709-YTFDJI9HS71AHU9QM97L/The-TOKYOITER-Sento-Joanne.jpg Collection II _ _ Joanne is a Chinese digital illustrator currently based in Bangkok, Thailand. She believes in narration and imagination as the most powerful creative forces. Drawing is at the center of her interpretation practice and provides constant reflection and observation of the world. _ www.joannejoo.com @joannejoo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1686711081809-86VMRFX3Q4AB99QKRWX5/The+TOKYOITER+Esoteric+Dust.jpg Collection II Through this illustration I wanted to sublimate the nature, design and traditional iconography of Japan through my own vision & style. _ As a child, I drew every day by copying my big brother's mangas. Coming from a family of artists, I headed for a creative profession while keeping my passion for Japan. I had the opportunity to participate to an international design competition at Osaka in 2010 and I won first prize. It was a childhood dream to visit this country and this trip changed the rest of my creative life deeply. Whether for music, video games, books, art, culture & history, I am very involved in everything that transpires from this country. _ @esoteric_dust https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1690796951093-1TU3PXRAW5KSAPGBQDK0/Naomi+Sun+The+TOKYOITER.png Collection II _ This illustration was inspired by my first trip to Japan in 2019. Tokyo’s flashing neon lights and crowds of people at night made me feel like the protagonist of Lost in Translation. At that moment, I felt very small in this giant city at first but then became excited about the surrounding possibilities. I hope that this illustration will also bring you the unique charm of Tokyo. Naomi Sun is a freelance children’s book illustrator from China. She likes to explore textures of mixed media and printmaking. She enjoys exploring the particular textures of mixed media and printmaking. She has an insightful eye that allows her to take inspiration from subtle detail of nature and everyday life. She also likes to use metaphors to express narrative with delicate emotions and atmospheres. _ www.naomisun-illustration.com @naomi_sun_illustration https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1692108984471-270EYAR98MEM1C7H67CY/The+TOKYOITER_OSMOZE.png Collection II _ First of all, I wanted to express how incredible Tokyo is for me as an artist, as an animation fan. On the other hand, I wanted to show how extraordinary things in a city like Tokyo can be "normal" for many people. It's amazing how the incredible can seem banal to some. This kid walks with a "ROBOTO" as a friend and all around, people living their normal life do not pay attention to it. I hope people will try to see the beautiful all around, everyday, anytime they can, because it is the way to dream forever. _ Alexandre Osmoze Brakha is a multidisciplinary Director & Artist, Art Director and Concept Writer based out of Tokyo, Japan. AOB believes it is essential that the substance and the form come together, as is the key to creating a consistent and astonishing project. Above all, he always strives to create compelling visual styles that enhance the storytelling. As a post-graffiti and contemporary artist, Alexandre exhibits his vision and artistic commitments on various supports, from simple paper to a large wall. Solo exhibitions or group exhibitions, drawings, and paintings, also photographs and digitals, are the way to express other stories and emotions. _ www.alexosmoze.com @osmoze_art https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1650968862477-HZZEMGR9LS9YFNP8OZO6/Screen+Shot+2022-04-15+at+10.58.23.png Collection II - Ariane GÉRARD - Iriya _ "Peaceful street, Daikanyama" : located in the Shibuya district, the hilly district of Daikanyama is striking by its peacefulness...It was wonderful to stroll through its narrow tree-lined and colorful streets. This particular street caught my attention because of its many charming restaurants, slightly crooked buildings and the little Tanuki posted on the balcony, the whole tied together by the background of jumbled electric wires that is so common in Tokyo. _ Ariane is a french watercolor artist and pattern designer. Deeply moved by her travels to Japan and eager to share the emotions the country of the rising sun sparked in her, she created her own brand and studio, called IRIYA, through which she is developing her creative, sensible and poetic artistic vision. She seeks to convey through her art an invitation to travel to Japan tinged with a feeling of serenity and gracefulness : each watercolor revealing a memory, a story, a fleeting moment, an emotion. _ iriya.fr @iriya_paris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1693918784933-2KX3DOK7AJB1XK4KETQE/TESS_ROBERTS_FOR_WEB.jpg Collection II I went to Tokyo in November last year and it was the most incredible place! The colours & lights were really inspiring, so I drew this street scene from a photo I took In Shibuya. _ Tess Smith-Roberts is a freelance Illustrator based in London. She approaches her work with humour, bold shapes, and lots of colour. Still life paintings, bad dance moves, and food (especially fruit!) are the main inspiration for her drawings. _ www.tesssmithroberts.co.uk @tesssmithroberts - Instagram @TessSmithRobert - X https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1679621767152-UUMV58MVK4HTAF7230LE/The+TOKYOITER_JOSEPHINEGRENIER.png Collection II _ The ubiquitous presence of level crossings in Tokyo always fascinated me. But it wasn't until my daughter learned to wave at the passing trains that I was reminded of the charm of Tokyo's railway network. As the Hanami season is here, I tried to capture the essence of this rail culture during this special time of the year. _ Joséphine Grenier is a french graphic designer working from Tokyo for 5 years. Deeply inspired by Japanese aesthetics, she blends it with her French roots to create colorful and graphic visuals. _ @josephine_grenier_furukawa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1696004537779-6CA45968U8TRBJQ0Y3W3/ROXANNE.jpg Collection II After my trip to Tokyo, I was left with a feeling of immensity, with a mix of tradition and modernity vibrating in concert. I also felt a sense of joy and wonder as I walked through this capital. I wanted to express that emotion in this cover. _ Roxane Campoy is a 2D director and illustrator from France. During her studies in both illustration and animation in Paris, she has developed the ability to work right from the concept of a film to its direction. She likes to focus her work, to consistently obtain each time, a harmonious mix of colors and composition. She also keep practicing gouache to achieve illustrations full of life and vibrancy. _ @roxanecampoy www.roxanecampoy.com Shop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1697941735830-OV8R5GWW07OPSUGHAVTZ/Yo+Hosoyamada.png Collection II _ The piece is inspired by the neighbourhood of Tomigaya where I grew up. Around 5 pm the sky turns into what we call "夕焼け小焼け" meaning "little burned sunset", signaling the time that children go home after school. _ Yo Hosoyamada is a London-based illustrator from Tokyo working across editorial, commercial, advertising and publishing projects. Her work often explores playful compositions, set within dynamic cityscapes and architectural spaces. Having graduated from the Bartlett School of Architecture in 2018 and Camberwell College of Arts in 2021, she has since worked with clients such as WIRED, Youtube JP, ELLE Magazine, Monocle Magazine, and NHK. _ instagram: @heyitsyoyo_ website: https://www.yo-hoso.com/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1701427832290-G8JCFCUDXZS13W15NXWD/The-TOKYOITER_CROPPED.jpg Collection II _ I work close to Tokyo's Icho Namiki, lined with beautiful ginkgo trees that change with the seasons. My favorite time of year is autumn, where the leaves turn yellow and later, drop to the ground creating a golden path. But, spending many late nights at work, I also began to appreciate the path under a different light. For this cover, I was inspired by the lunar eclipses of early 2023 and the ginkgo leaves - tinting the nightscape with a lovely red glow. _ Laura Hernandez is a Costa Rican graphic designer and painter based in Tokyo, Japan. Drawing inspiration from everyday life, she enjoys working with color and texture to bring her ideas to life. A curious traveler, she enjoys exploring new places, reading,dancing and creating. _ www.laurahc.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1704635327457-QWI8989SUIEI26L6NVKT/The+TOKYOITER_SundaeKids.png Collection II _ Tokyo experiences through the eyes of Sundae Kids, from food to art to architecture to culture. _ Sundae Kids are two people who enjoy every kind of art. They are currently living and working in Bangkok, Thailand. They are best known for their comic strips with simple lines and wholesome stories. Their works are usually about relationships and moments in everyday life. They work across a variety of media, including illustrations, comics, graphic novels, and animations. _ @sundaekids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1707473108816-SNW4WU4UXWA1TLR67NEE/The-TOKYOITER-Emile_crop.jpg Collection II _ The toy stores at Manarake, Nakano are one of the most inspiring places I've ever been to, and one of my favourite areas in Tokyo. In a recent photo memory on my phone, some images of the toy cabinets at Manadarake, Nakano Broadway showed up. I remembered how seeing them for the first time blew my mind ~ these amazing collections of toys spanning decades, often juxtaposed together. Some designs being the strangest things I'd ever seen, while others works of art. I find the place so inspiring that illustrating it in some way for the cover finally felt right. _ I'm Emile, a kiwi illustrator and animator living in Japan. Before becoming a freelance illustrator, I studied and worked as a graphic designer. Before living in Japan, I lived in the U.K. My main inspiration lately has been nostalgia and I'm currently exploring the concept of anemoia (nostalgia for something that doesn't exist.) _ www.emile.work @emiletheillustrator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1710929471922-WENM1GHHX00QXQS16I2N/Christian_romano_web.jpg Collection II _ I would like to convey the concept of Mono no Aware, always finding the transience of things around us fascinating. Each time, with a hint of sadness, I pondered why beautiful things always appear to last so briefly. Beautiful things are fleeting because, otherwise, they would be just ordinary things, much like the blossoming of Sakura, a brief moment of beauty to be savored because its time is limited. Embracing this awareness allows us to attain a bit of inner tranquility, recognizing that nothing is forever, and that's okay. _ I’m 28 years old, and I love drawing! I started my career as a graphic designer, the love for drawing has been with me since childhood, as I studied and emulated Japanese cartoons. Currently, I'm taking my first steps into the world of illustration. I enjoy conveying concepts through attention-grabbing images, blending a pop style with a subtle Japanese influence. I'm fascinated by strong contrasts, the manipulation of perspectives and anatomies, all seasoned with a touch of humor. _ @ucci_ucci_christianucci https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1714483787178-0OXBI87V2A7E7IEK9KZQ/The_TOKYOITER_handowin.png Collection II _ I'm an illustrator who is passionate about creating visual stories. Tokyo, a city of diverse energies, seamlessly blends static and dynamic vibes. In this visual, I aimed to capture the harmonious fusion of these contrasting feelings. The inspiration struck me during the final moments of my trip to Tokyo last month, when I encountered a breathtaking sunset view from a quiet street. As I stood there, the sky transformed into a myriad of oranges, each passing second etching a familiar, serene moment into the fabric of this vibrant metropolis. In Tokyo, the metro is a lifeline for its residents, a constant hum beneath the surface of their daily lives. While taking metro, I can observe these coming-and-going people who strive to live in this competitive environment. For this particular illustration, I chose to highlight the metro as the foreground, a symbolic representation of the city's pulse. The radiant sunset serves as the backdrop, a visual testament to the dichotomy of Tokyo's tranquility amidst its relentless dynamism. Nestled within the intricacies of the drawing is a subtle Easter egg – a reflection in the window reveals my presence as a silent observer. Through this, I become the storyteller, narrating the tales of the city's denizens in a visually captivating manner. The illustration is not merely a snapshot but a poetic interpretation of the countless untold stories that unfold daily in this vibrant urban tapestry. _ Handowin HE is an award-winning author-illustrator based in NYC/Shanghai. Her passion for the arts drove her to land in the illustration industry in 2019. Keen on a storytelling approach to serving her various whims, Handowin holds a strong desire & ability to create artworks in which each one could feel her extraordinary imagination with a funky soul. _ @handowin handowinhe.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1718228936461-UL3RIK6YCTQKCMJW21PR/MIKA_AGO.jpg Collection II _ This is the first japan themed illustration I have done since I came back to Japan from NYC. The first big event for me is to see my sister and her husband’s kimono photo shoot for their wedding. This illustration is inspired by their photos and to celebrate everyone starting a new life. _ AgoMika is an award winning illustrator from Japan and China. She grew up in a Japanese-Chinese-American environment and has loved art ever since she was a child. She also won an award in the society of illustrators student competition. She received a scholarship to study illustration at SVA, an art college in New York City. _ @agoagart www.agomikart.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1724551280385-LJ5HC2HH5PRDSNU0ENU7/ALEJANDRO.jpg Collection II - Alejandro Carsillo _ The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about the trip to japan, is this, the first night, after 3 planes, like 20 hours on then, a night in LA, we went with two friends to walk around the neighbourhood a bit, ginza, and ended up in this tiny bar, ichigoya, drinking a few beers. i remember Yuka, the bartender I believe, she was really nice, and also a university professor, that drew a tiny map on his business card, showing us how to get to another bar that he recommended us. _ @carsillovinci https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1728055173976-HYNNSW89QPI2046VJAJF/SamBREWSTER.jpg Collection II _ I visited Japan in Spring of 2018. It was the best trip abroad I’ve ever made. Indelible images will forever remain in my memory of the moments that soothed my soul. This particular image is based on a photograph that I took of a street corner in Tokyo on my day night there. I have since tried to create my own tranquil microcosm in my small London garden to capture the mood and feel of this particular place. _ I’m a freelance artist working in London, UK. My practice focuses on articulating abstract ideas using visual mediums; when I’m not illustrating I write and direct films, develop creative ideas, sometimes paint and often draw from life. I’m also a co-founder of the indie DIY publishing platform Supermarket Sushi. _ www.sambrewster.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1729602393220-ISF4M5JAOIEM0RRJY2V3/The+TOKYOITER+Abhishek+Dhynais+copy.jpg Collection II _ Tokyo welcomed my solo adventure, and Flip Flip coffee supply at Yoyogi, Shibuya City, pampered me with my first breakfast. This unique cafe had a garage where patrons could enjoy food and admire vintage cars. This felt like a retro thrill, blending seamlessly with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. _ UX Design lead|80s kid|Plant dad. When not designing digital products, can be spotted in a corner doodling and drawing all kind of things. _ @dhyaniatwork https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1731083689757-73VEG94DBKXP7QS0X0MO/The+TOKYOITER_Jakub_Mikulastik_IG_mikujak.jpg Collection II _ My first experiences after coming to Japan were trip to Kamakura and visit of sento in Tokyo. What a perfect cure for a jetlag, not to mention that cold beer after hot bath never tasted better! Since then I had a pleasure of visiting different onsen and sento across Japan, but this first experience will stay with me forever. _ Inspired by artist like Kawase Hasui or Takahasi Shotei, I create graphics depicitng contemporary Japan, as I experienced it in years before pandemic, using digital painting and riso-printing methods to create a modern take on traditional Ukiyo-e prints. _ @mikujak Behance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1732025495032-8QA86DODO5JW27J0MSTC/The+TOKYOITER+Adrien+Lopes.png Collection II _ Japan, a fascinating country where ancestral traditions coexist with the most audacious modernity. It's this striking duality that I wanted to capture on the cover of this magazine.The first thing you see is a samurai in a kimono, an emblematic figure of feudal Japan. In his hand, a striking anachronism: a smartphone. This striking contrast symbolizes the meeting of two eras, two worlds that are a priori opposed.Behind the samurai, a vibrant megalopolis takes shape. This urban jungle represents today's Japan, a country on the cutting edge of technology and with a dynamic economy. This cover invites the reader on a fascinating journey through the contrasts of today's Japan, a country where old and new meet and constantly reinvent themselves. _ Adrien Lopes, a passionate French artist, discovered his love for Japan from an early age. The captivating aura of the Land of the Rising Sun has left an indelible mark on his soul, inspiring his artistic journey. Graduating in France, Adrien chose to dedicate his art to Japan, exploring vibrant color palettes and folkloric motifs. His creations, infused with the Japanese spirit, tell enchanting stories that blend tradition and modernity. Adrien shares his work through conventions and exhibitions in Paris, inviting the audience to delve into his captivating interpretation of Japanese culture. Through illustrations imbued with poetry, Adrien Lopes continues to celebrate his passion for Japan, offering an artistic window into this fascinating world. _ @adrienlopes www.lopesadrien.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1734600941059-6U9Y8VA36FSIBUTUMG7I/TRUDY_WONG.jpg Collection II _ I was inspired to create this illustration at an Izakaya because I am a foodie and when I visited Japan for the first time in 2023, eating at an Izakaya was quite memorable. They were surprisingly different than the ones back home and it was nice to relax there after a long day of exploring and soak in more of the fun Japanese vibes. Izakaya is also a popular place for locals to eat and bond with coworkers or friends. So for this illustration, I wanted to capture the cozy feelings of eating with good company. The particular story I had in mind for this illustration is of four close friends who regularly eat at an Izakaya after work. As they eat, they share all kinds of stories of their day. _ Trudy moonlights as a freelance illustrator. She aspires to create beautiful illustrations that bring delight and have meaning. Over the years she has dabbled into different artistic hobbies and design specialties and finds illustration the most fun and rewarding. _ Behance Linktree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1737047020459-DE1X2T2PNNZU8HMFGBWL/JORDI_WEB.jpg Collection II _ I have been inspired by my trip to Japan and the walks, this time through the streets of Tokyo, a day we visited stationery stores, a Tamiya store (a paradise for me) and we got lost in some streets that I remember sunny and quiet. And of course, those characteristic electric cables that populate the streets and that I love. _ Jordi Ferrándiz is an illustrator and designer born in Barcelona, who studied graphic design at the Llotja School of Applied Arts (1992-1997). Jordi's works stand out for their vivid colors and the elegance of their forms. He creates powerful compositions, using powerful colors, and bold landscapes influenced by pop art. He has worked on illustrations for press (national and international), book covers, adverti- sing posters and packaging, some of them awarded with gold and silver in the prestigious Pentawards awards. _ www.bestiola.es instagram: @_jordibestiola_ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1742987568966-P8G55QYNJ3QKY95VL4YX/The+TOKYOITER+-+Koko+Lee.jpg Collection II _ This cover was inspired by my visit to Shinagawa Aquarium seven years ago. It was the place where my husband and I had our first date. Although we don't live in Tokyo now, Shinagawa Aquarium still remains one of my favourite places in Japan. _ Koko is a Taiwanese Canadian illustrator based in Osaka, Japan. For her illustrations, Koko combines hand-inked calligraphy brush strokes with contemporary digital colours, weaving together Eastern and Western cultures - much like her own diverse background. She specializes in editorial, branding, and advertising illustrations, with a portfolio that spans magazines, newspapers, books, packaging, branding, advertisements, and commercials. Fluent in Mandarin, English, and Japanese, Koko has had the pleasure of working with clients from all over the world. In her spare time, she likes to solve the crimes of criminal TV dramas (before the detectives). She also likes to daydream about creating a rival to Hello Kitty featuring her own cat, Miko. _ @kokolee.illustration www.kokoleeillustration.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1744098783830-60SE7MDCWZEYOV8BH6UZ/The+TOKYOITER+Faith+Sycaoyao.png Collection II _ This piece was inspired by the first time I saw cherry blossoms in my life, at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo during the spring years ago. Witnessing the simplicity and quiet strength of such blossoms felt deeply grounding, reminding me of the beauty in life's fleeting moments. It's a memory I've held onto, and it continues to influence how I perceive existential moments in my life. _ Faith Sycaoyao is a young self-taught Asian-American artist, critically acclaimed by Anthony Fawcett, former personal British curator to John Lennon of The Beatles, and Japanese multimedia artist and songwriter Yoko Ono. She is also the Communications Director and Deputy Graphics Director for Climate Cardinals and a muralist for the 128th Boston Marathon. Additionally, she recently illustrated works for Kyoto Journal, the longest-established independent English publication in Japan, specializing in Japanese and Asian cultures. Her work has earned recognition across 14 countries and 8 U.S. states, amassing millions of views, and features in publications from UPenn and UT Austin. _ @faith_sycaoyao tiktok.com/@faith_sycaoyao linkedin.com/in/faith-sycaoyao/ threads.net/@faith_sycaoyao https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1748947437384-5JGAC6C6WJ3ZZLDF4P4O/The+TOKYOITER+-+Nelson.jpg Collection II _ Ruei Syndrome is a Graphic Design student at Shih Chien University in Taipei, Taiwan. After attending a Tokyoiter workshop in 2024, Ruei decided _ After attending The Tokyoiter workshop, as part of my university course, in 2024 I noticed a row of gas meters on a nearby street corner. The sight reminded me of the individuals I had seen on the streets of Tokyo, prompting reflections on urban life and human presence in city environments. _ @nelsonsyndrome5 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1738587146076-4NW5EOY15758O6KNM8ES/Vincent+Kilbride+-+The+TOKYOITER.png Collection II _ I visited Japan on my honeymoon in 2018. The first stop on our trip was Tokyo, where we arrived at night. I remember vividly the ride from the airport to our hotel in Shinjuku, and seeing the bright neon lights of the city for the first time, through the taxi window. It was such a colourful assault on the senses, like nothing I'd ever seen before. I wanted to portray that sense of amazement at seeing Tokyo for the first time, in my cover illustration for The Tokyoiter. _ Vincent Kilbride is an illustrator and GIF maker based in London. His work uses bold colours, pared back compositions and playful characters to help communicate ideas clearly and with a sense of humour. He takes inspiration from everyday life, the mundane moments that occur and the funny, awkward interactions people have with each other. _ vincentkilbride.co.uk instagram: @vincent_kilbride _ Buy this cover https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1615199810752-PTUSZLZIREDQMFPUUHXY/The-TKYOITE-eve_1.jpg Collection II - I was inspired how 和 (Japanese style clothing) style naturally blended in nowadays Japanese daily wear in a fashionable way. I like the fact how people chill with this new combination. - Eve is an illustrator based in New york. She is an lifestyle illustrator and product designer with dreams of becoming a dog groomer. Recently, she is experimenting with animated artworks. - www.eveliu.com _ Buy this cover https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1750079014803-HD3J9MJ7ED8AMUFCLA9G/Iryna-korshak-cover.jpg Collection II I spent around 2 weeks in Tokyo during my month in Japan, and I was truly amazed by this city. Depending on when and where you are, it can feel either cozy and approachable or busy and fast-paced. This cover reflects one of my last days there, in a cafe with a beautiful window overlooking a children’s playground. The light and sounds were incredible! I hope I was able to capture that moment to share it with you. _ Iryna is a Ukrainian-Polish illustrator with a background in graphic design, animation, and editorial projects. Inspired by her experiences in New York, Porto, Tokyo and Athens, she crafts visuals that feel both distinctive and intimate. Her work balances elegance with vibrant energy, using color, detail, and composition to create calm yet expressive scenes. _ @iryna.korshak www.irynakorshak.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1754214522185-I64JE8IQDFDUH2AQN1RN/The+TOKYOITER+Shisakanko+%28Pointing+and+calling%29+by+onewaytie_7+Feb+2024.jpg Collection II I’ve always been fascinated by Tokyo’s trains, seeing them as unmatched symbols of Tokyo’s hustle and bustle. Profiling the orchestrators of these vehicles of efficiency–the train conductors–as the central theme of my artwork soon became an obvious idea to pursue. I was quickly intrigued by their hand signals, guessing that there had to be a purpose to their actions. As it turns out, pointing-and-calling has a corresponding phrase in Japanese, shisakanko (指差喚呼). It helps train conductors with increasing focus on the environment, which ultimately helps prevent accidents and ensures safety. As they always say, the little things in life matter, and it is in these little things that our safety as passengers are upheld, one station at a time. _ Onewaytie is a Singaporean illustrator currently based in Tokyo. Through crisp linework and harmonious colour palettes, he aims to tell vivid stories and share personal reflections about everyday life. _ @onewaytie www.onewaytie.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1764003911426-QA0G0OO39J6CS744EKZX/FABIOLA_WEB_JPEG.jpg Collection II Past looks at Future, is an art cover inspired by the city of Tokyo, focusing on its balance between tradition and innovation. A Geisha composes the new Tokyo as in an architectural model, by adding elements that are part of the modern city. The illustration pictures two souls coexisting in harmony: one is rooted in Japanese heritage and culture represented by the geisha, temples and artisan shops, on the other side there is the futuristic soul projected towards technological innovation and represented by the Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, the Shibuya metro station and the 7 eleven convenience store, symbols of contemporary society. The writing “Harajuku station” represents the fashion and innovation district, which is why it fits perfectly into this mix of tradition and cultural innovation. Tokyo is, therefore, a city that not only looks forward, but also keeps its ties with the past close, representing the perfect example of how the two souls, tradition and innovation, can not only coexist, but nourish each other. _ Fabiola Sangineto is an Architect and Visual Artist. Her artworks are a bridge that connects imagination with architectural design. Influenced by the Japanese culture after living in Tokyo, she created pieces that mix together cyber elements with traditional scenarios. After graduation in Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan, she moved to Tokyo in 2019 collaborating with an architectural Japanese studio. Back in Italy, she won the 1st prize at the Architecture Venice Biennale 2021 with the isometric illustrations “Le Stanze del Tempo Ritrovato” (the rooms of the time found) Since then she worked as a visual artist, designing for the sport brand FILA and collaborating with Swarovski to create celebrative illustrations and exhibition map for event. She started to develop video art for public exhibitions with outdoor site specific installations. Her art was shown in Paris, Milan, Belgium, New York, Tokyo, Dubai and Rome. She recently created art for digital screens, exhibiting in the main airports and train stations around Italy. _ @fabiolasangineto www.fabiolasangineto.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1765201695697-A8K6U2A1SPNA1UTRCUSM/Jonathan+Edwards.jpg Collection II _ I’ve been coming to Japan for 20 years (this year was our 10th trip) but I knew from my very first trip that it had gotten under my skin unlike any other place I’d ever visited. I love the serenity and green areas of Japan but I also love the crowded urban environments just as much - overhead power lines, the abundance of signage and air con units, etc. This section of Ameyokocho had a lot going on and when I was walking down that alley in May I knew I had to paint it and thought that it might even make a good Tokyoiter cover. I hope I’ve done it justice. _ Jonathan Edwards is an illustrator and comic artist with a long and diverse career. His work originally appeared in Deadline magazine in 1993 and since then has worked for, amongst others, NME, MAD Magazine, Tank Girl, Mojo, Q, The Radio Times, produced record sleeves for artists such as The Black Eyed Peas and The Jungle Brothers and created concept artwork for films and animation. He’s been a regular contributor to the Guardian since 1999 and illustrated the Hard Sell column in the Guardian Guide for 10 years. He also publishes regular collections of his travel sketchbooks and paintings from his trips to Japan and Europe. His character design work includes the vinyl toy Inspector Cumulus and many collaborations with his partner, Louise AKA Felt Mistress. _ www.jonathan-e.com https://www.instagram.com/jontofski _ Cover available as a limited edition print. Shop now https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1770721427164-784TS71K6YPUZAQAQE1R/BARBORA_CROPPED_2.jpg Collection II _ This illustration was inspired by Gōtokuji Temple in Tokyo - a peaceful place known as the home of the maneki-neko, the "beckoning cat." It was a warm day, and I set off on a long walk through the city. When I arrived at the temple, I was lucky to find it almost empty for a few rare moments. I stood quietly among the hundreds of white cat figurines, all silently lined up and gently glowing in the soft afternoon light. Even though Gōtokuji is a well-known spot, it felt intimate and calm that day, a little pause in the middle of Tokyo’s rhythm. I wanted to capture that quiet atmosphere in the illustration _ Barbora Srp Žižková is a Czech illustrator working under the name NEOBARA. Her work is inspired by travel, traditional culture, and everyday beauty – especially in Asia. Through her art, she tells poetic visual stories that celebrate quiet moments, urban life and nature, often drawing from her long-term stays in Japan. _ @neobara https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1774791627006-H3TKM83Z5BPW62KPMP70/The+TOKYOITER+Katya+Egorenkova.jpg Collection II _ Tokyo Reflections - “This cover was inspired by my spring visit to Tokyo. It captures the blend of serenity and vibrancy I felt in the city — magical moments intertwined with everyday urban life” _ Katya is an illustraor from Turkey. Her work is focusing on semi-realism with subtle anime influences, often exploring themes of folklore, cultural memory, and the quiet magic of everyday life @jetkate_arts https://www.thetokyoiter.com/2016-2020 daily 0.75 2023-09-11 https://www.thetokyoiter.com/about daily 0.75 2025-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1455725586107-JMXIWSE5NPCUQKDUFDAU/27ef868543abf9c4e16439c1aeb8f0bd.jpg About https://www.thetokyoiter.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-06-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1464675623989-8185IN4SMH2WQJ6SAGZM/image-asset.jpeg Contact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1455787163098-O7PGSHQUWQKXMZC2QKKX/image-asset.jpeg Contact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1458375864095-DO0VUQVVELHE0Y1Z0TG0/image-asset.jpeg Contact https://www.thetokyoiter.com/shop-coming-soon daily 0.75 2025-12-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5642f955e4b07810c0ac5658/1465306279271-CP3Y6A68Q9G2EQWL39XY/NIC_ALSTON.jpg SHOP - Make it stand out Cover by Nick Alston