Each bookstore will act as a concierge, recommending "the book you should read now" to FASHION HEADLINE readers. Every Thursday, each branch of the art bookshop "NADiff" will introduce a recommended book. This time, we'll be introducing the Aichi/Nagoya branch, NADiff Aichi (1-13-2 Higashisakura, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Aichi Arts Center B2F).

■ "Illustrator Mizumaru Anzai"

Mizumaru Anzai (1942-2014) was an illustrator whose work spanned a wide range of fields, including book design, magazine and poster design, picture books and manga, and novel and essay writing. After working for Dentsu, ADA (a design studio in New York), and Heibonsha, he worked as a freelance illustrator for many years from the 1980s until his sudden death in 2014. While numerous memorial features have been published in magazines and mook magazines, this is surprisingly the first time a collection of his works has been published. This book surveys approximately 600 works by Anzai Mizumaru, who says he "always loved drawing from a young age." It's a substantial volume worthy of being called a permanent collector's edition, complete with a chronology at the end. Throughout, the artist's stripped-down images, simple lines, relaxed, soft drawings, and humorous, witty perspectives combine to create a consistently strong sense of amateurish charm. Interspersed throughout the numerous works are words by Anzai Mizumaru himself, as well as texts by Anzai Kaori, Arashiyama Mitsusaburo, and Murakami Haruki, sharing memories of his life. This book offers a glimpse into the attitude of the man known as Anzai Mizumaru and the essence of the era he lived through. A must-have for fans, the exhibition of the same name is currently running at the "Eki" Kyoto Art Museum (located inside JR Kyoto Isetan) until July 10th. A special exhibition titled "Personal Treasures (Favorite Items)" is also on display, and is included in this book.
[Book Information]
"Illustrator Anzai Mizumaru"
Authors: Anzai Mizumaru, Anzai Kaori, Arashiyama Mitsusaburo, Murakami Haruki
Publisher: Clevis
Language: Japanese
B5 size / 240 pages / Full color
Published: June 2016
Price: 2,500 yen
[Exhibition Information]
"Illustrator Anzai Mizumaru" Exhibition
Venue: Museum "Eki" KYOTO
Address: Inside the Kyoto Station Building, adjacent to the 7th floor of JR Kyoto Isetan
Dates: June 17th to July 10th
Time: 10:00-20:00
Admission: Adults 800 yen, High school and university students 600 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 400 yen
Open every day during the exhibition period