Why Grown-ups Love Shinzi Katoh's Kawaii Stationery & Designs
February 19, 2018
While browsing through our emporium you’ll notice our range of Shinzi Katoh-designed stationery. We’re fans for good reason. For over 40 years the Japanese Zakka artist of international acclaim, Shinzi Katoh has created more than 10,000 designs from stationery to books, homewares, fashion, toys and jewellery to even digital media products.
‘Zakka’ is a term of Japanese origin to describe ‘the art of savvy’. Shinzi Katoh’s work is strongly associated with a style known as ‘Zakka-kawaii’ (kawaii means ‘cute’). Hardly any iconic animated brand has not been touched by his creative adaptations in the form of collaborations with: Disney, Hello Kitty, Pokémon, Popeye®, Winnie the Pooh, Anne of Green Gables, Astro Boy, Moncchichi, Paddington Bear™ and more.
He is well-known for his signature children’s art illustrations that instill a playful sense of childlike wonder and imagination. His art illustrations have graced more than 25 books including children’s and adults’ picture books. The international exhibition works of Shinzi Katoh include the Maison & Objet in Paris and NYIGF in New York. Shinzi Katoh is based in Aichi in the central region of Japan where he has his own gallery, shop and museum.
His designs advocate environmental issues and sustainability; having supported awareness campaigns on global warming by his creation of Sorabear which won the first Solar Energy Award in 2012. His creation of his line of Shinzi Katoh Banana Washi Tapes (available at Mic Moc) is another contribution to environmental sustainability.
No collection of art for young people is complete without Shinzi Katoh’s Zakka merchandise for children, and we are proud to offer a spotlight on some of his range of stationery products which are well-loved even by adults around the world, much like the Hello Kitty adult-fans phenomenon. You will recognise many well-loved fairytale themes in addition to his penchant for sprightly and delightful animated characters who will bring back a sense of childhood wonderment and joy.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
