#Japan #Tokyo #Umi #Enjoy Fish Festival #Design Cafe Kagawa

UMI: A Young Fish Illustrator Making Waves

Introduction to UMI

At the tender age of 13, UMI, a budding fish illustrator from Kagawa, Japan, is set to showcase his mesmerizing artwork at the highly anticipated "Enjoy Fish Festival". This event will take place on September 26-27, 2026, at the Tokyo Dream Island Marina. As part of his participation, UMI will lead a workshop, titled "Fish Quiz and Drawing Class", where he shares his artistic insights and love for marine life with attendees.

The Journey to Fish Illustration

UMI’s fascination with fish began in the first grade when he was gifted an encyclopedia. His passion for the vibrant underwater world was so intense that he brought it to school and dedicated countless hours to drawing fish. It was in second grade when a friend taught him how to draw fish scales that his skills rapidly improved. UMI’s keen observation allows him to capture the subtle expressions and personalities of fish, a uniqueness that has become the cornerstone of his artwork. "When I look at a fish, I can see its eyelids," he explains, emphasizing his deep understanding of these creatures. His ultimate goal is to share the beauty of fish with the world, aspiring to someday have his artwork displayed in a local aquarium in Kagawa.

UMI's Noteworthy Artwork

One of UMI's striking pieces is a detailed portrayal of a black bass, showcasing his meticulous attention to detail and passion for fish. His illustrations have garnered attention and acclaim, not only in Japan but also internationally. Each artwork reflects UMI’s commitment to accurately representing the various aspects of fish, from their scales to their subtle features, infused with love and admiration.

UMI's Achievements

UMI is not just a talented young artist; his accolades speak volumes about his burgeoning talent. In 2026, he received the distinguished Ibaraki Prefectural Governor’s Award at the 10th National Children’s Painting Competition. This recognition builds on numerous previous awards, including:

• - 2025: Excellent Award at the Takamatsu Junior High School Environmental Conservation Poster Competition
• - 2024: Grand Prize at the Kagawa "Satoumi" Creation Picture Diary Contest
• - 2023: Selected for the Kagawa “Satoumi” Composition Contest

UMI’s achievements highlight his dedication and ability to resonate with audiences through his art.

Upcoming Enjoy Fish Festival

UMI’s participation in the "Enjoy Fish Festival" on September 26-27, 2026, marks an exciting step in his young career. This experiential event focuses on fishing, eating, playing, and learning about marine life. UMI will be a core member of the Learning Zone, where he'll facilitate his workshop, guiding participants through the joys and challenges of drawing fish. Attendees young and old will have the opportunity to gain insights from UMI, who is eager to ensure that every participant enjoys the experience and has fun.

UMI shares, “Drawing is so much fun, and I want everyone who comes to the venue to enjoy it. If kids find it difficult and get upset, I’ll make sure to help them understand better, and I hope we can all have a great time together!”

Comments from the Organizers

A representative from Issheisha, the company overseeing UMI’s activities, remarked on the artist's talents. "We were immediately captivated by UMI's artistry and his profound love for fish. Despite his young age, he is expanding his network across Japan and actively engaging in various activities, embodying the vision of Design Cafe Kagawa to showcase local talent. We hope this event brings more awareness to UMI's journey and the initiatives of Design Cafe Kagawa."

Event Details:

• - Name: Enjoy Fish Festival 2026 at Tokyo Dream Island Marina
• - Date: September 26-27, 2026
• - Time: 10 AM to 5 PM
• - Venue: Tokyo Dream Island Marina, Koto City, Tokyo
• - Admission: Free
• - Organizer: Enjoy Fish Festival Executive Committee

In the Learning Zone, UMI will conduct his "Fish Quiz and Drawing Class", enticing attendees to deepen their love for marine life through art.

Design Cafe Kagawa

Design Cafe Kagawa, operated by Issheisha, serves as a business matching platform connecting Kagawa-based creatives and companies, striving to showcase regional talent across various creative sectors. Since its inception in August 2024, this initiative has enrolled 26 creators and aims to enhance the visibility of Kagawa’s allure through creativity.

UMI’s story is just beginning, and his journey highlights the essence of youthful creativity, passion, and the impactful bridge between art and nature.