Amin Abbas

Akinori Oishi is an internationally acclaimed and multiple award winning multimedia artist from Japan. He won the New Talent Competition Award at MILIA (International Multi-media Fair in France) in 2001. After serving as a guest lecturer at the University of Art and Design Lausanne, Switzerland he returned to Japan in 2004 and has been actively involved in the Japanese art scene, illustrations and advertisements with Mitsubishi Electric, Uniqlo, Coca Cola Japan, among others. 

In recent years, his work has widely spanned across China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In an exclusive interview with Arab News Japan, Oishi shared how he has been working in the field for 20 years. In 2001, he won the new talent award “Milia2001” in Cannes, France.

“20 years later, there has been no changes, my signature design is smile (I call it “Aki Smile”) and I have been drawing tiny characters every day on my sketchbook as well,” he said. 

About the establishment of his career as graphic artist, Oishi said: “I see that graphic arts represent infinite possibilities” and intends to pursue his passion for art throughout his entire life. 

“The first best work of my early days is an interactive CD-rom work. In the late 90’s, CD-roms were at the forefront of that era. The time was changed as the internet came and the personal computers became individual tools. When I studied painting at my art university in the 90’s, everything was too classic there and I was strongly interested in developing my own drawings with the future technology. Therefore, I entered another college for the media designs (IAMAS) in Japan,” he said. 

About the challenges that he faced during his projects, Oishi said that artists who partner with others, like clients or a team should communicate well to ensure success.  

Artists should be open to their mind and create real work that is enjoyable, to value your work and to persevere even despite challenges or obstacles.

About his opinion of the Middle East region, Oishi said:” My first visit to the Middle East was about 12 years ago and it was to Dubai. I heard that Dubai is a city that has developed rapidly in recent years and attracts everyone. I had been very interested to see the true city with my own eyes and meeting local people there,” he said.

In 2011, he was given the opportunity to work on the cover illustration design of Emirates Airlines inflight magazine.

“So, my Aki smile and tiny character artwork had been seen by the people from all around the world who fly with Emirates Airline. That was my big pleasure!” he said.

He also expressed enthusiasm at being able to experience Middle Eastern culture, including the architecture of mosques and Islamic decorative designs, which he describes as “very respectful.”

In 2012, he “was honored to be invited to stay at the art residence in Abu Dhabi’s ‘Art Hub’ for a month.  It was more meaningful to have the opportunity to actually interact with many locals in UAE. During the residency program, I could discover more about the Islam.”

He shared how the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi impressed him, outlining how the Middle East “is a totally different world compared to my life in Japan.”

During his lecture at the ALHOSN University and he was able to meet with the university students, which connected him with young talent.

Speaking of Oishi’s upcoming projects, he shared how he hopes to continue working on big projects, and keep his art alive.

About his recommendations for those who want to be artists, Oishi encourages them to believe in yourself, “do the best for your dream, enjoy your art and be happy.”