#Japan #Tokyo #Kinutani Koji #Yurika Asano #Shinobu Daito

The 3rd Kinutani Koji Art Award: Celebrating Young Talents

The Kinutani Koji Art Award, established in 2023 to support emerging artists under 40, has once again spotlighted the dynamic contributions of young creatives in the art scene, following the legacy of renowned painter Koji Kinutani, who passed away last year.

The award has gained recognition for its robust selection process, which involves the judgment of distinguished figures in the art community, including Atsuhiko Shimada, the director of the National Museum of Modern Art, and Takashi Kenbatake, the director of the Yayoi Kusama Museum. This year, the grand prize was awarded to Yurika Asano, while Shinobu Daito received the Encouragement Award, and Haruka Matsumoto was honored with the Jury Special Award.

Spotlight on the Winners

Yurika Asano - Grand Prize Winner

Yurika Asano, born in 1990 in Miyagi Prefecture, has captivated audiences through her vibrant works focused on flora and the cultural significance of plants. Her innovative approach merges traditional Japanese painting materials with oil painting, resulting in stunning pieces that explore themes of coexistence with nature and the cyclical aspects of life. Her work, showcased at major exhibitions like the Aichi Triennale 2025, has been critically acclaimed, earning her multiple awards including the OHARA Museum Prize at VOCA 2020.

Shinobu Daito - Encouragement Award

Shinobu Daito, another rising star born in 1993 in Aichi Prefecture, delves into the ethereal beauty of nightscapes using charcoal to render hauntingly monochromatic vistas. His works encompass reflections of forgotten places and the remnants of human activities, redefining landscape painting through a meditative lens. Daito’s recent accolades include a recognition at the VOCA Exhibition 2024 and his works are set to be featured prominently in exhibitions such as TOKAS-Emerging 2023.

Haruka Matsumoto - Jury Special Award

Born in Kyoto in 1993, Haruka Matsumoto has made waves as a courtroom artist while simultaneously transforming real-life events into powerful lithographs. By reenacting scenes from criminal cases and converting personal experiences into visual narratives, he unveils layered truths about human nature and societal perceptions. His work has garnered praise, highlighted in prestigious exhibitions like Distance from Events at the Machida City International Print Museum.

Award Ceremony Highlights

The award ceremony celebrated the exceptional talents of these artists, with each winner receiving a certificate and prize money—¥1 million for the grand prize and lesser amounts for the other categories, along with artist materials as supplementary awards. The event attracted approximately 100 attendees, who enjoyed the exhibited works of the winners.

Included in the event was a special appearance by Her Royal Highness, Princess Kiko, who engaged with the awardees and admired their artworks, wishing them success in their artistic endeavors. Her presence not only lent the ceremony prestige but also shone a spotlight on the importance of cultivating young talents for the future of Japanese art.

Mission and Future Outlook

The Kinutani Koji Art Award, supported by Sankei Shimbun and the Kinutani Koji Art Foundation, aims to discover and promote innovative emerging artists committed to advancing the arts. With the next award cycle already on the horizon, anticipation builds for the emergence of another wave of talented individuals poised to reshape the landscape of contemporary art. The award continues to serve as a beacon for youthful creativity, nurturing a new generation of artists who represent the voice of their time while honoring the legacy of Koji Kinutani.

The award's aim to inspire and promote highlights its vital role in the ongoing narrative of art in Japan—a narrative that intertwines tradition with contemporary expressions, ensuring that the spirit of artistic exploration thrives for years to come.