A Little Hops, A Lot of Happiness
I've always been fascinated by Japan's ability to make chaos look intentional. Having spent so much time there, I've developed a particular affection for its contradictions: centuries-old traditions coexisting with eccentric modern culture, meticulous craftsmanship alongside unapologetic absurdity. That contrast has become a recurring theme in my artwork, and this Suntory campaign is essentially my interpretation of it—with a rather overweight cat stealing the spotlight.
I wanted to create something that felt distinctly Japanese without taking itself too seriously. The oversized calligraphy pays homage to traditional brushwork, while the loose, imperfect ink illustrations introduce a sense of spontaneity and mischief. In deliberate contrast, the Suntory can is rendered detail, creates a playful coexistence between two-dimensional artistry and contemporary commercial design. And the cat? Well, he's living the dream. No deadlines, no responsibilities, probably unemployed, and somehow having a better Tuesday than the rest of us.
There's a certain philosophy behind the humor. I'm obsessive about the smallest details, but I've always believed that great design doesn't have to be painfully serious to be sophisticated. Every deliberate imperfection, exaggerated expression, and bit of negative space contributes to that balance. This piece is a reflection of how I experience Japan: beautifully disciplined, wonderfully bizarre, and full of little moments that remind you to loosen up and laugh. If my artwork can make someone stop, look twice, and crack a smile, I'd consider that a pretty successful advertisement.

