Japanese fan artists and cosplayers give their best versions of the Bowsette meme. If you’re into video games, you may have noticed that your Twitter feed for the past couple of days has been dominated by artwork of a sexy hybrid of Nintendo’s Bowser and Princess Peach. While many are familiar by now, here’s a quick refresher course on the origin of the meme. In the port of New Super Mario Bros. Wii U for the Nintendo Switch, Toadette can use an item called the Super Crown that transforms her into a more human-looking character called Peachette, like so: Toadette's transformation into Peachette upon collecting a crown in New Super…

Avogado6 (アボガド6) is a talented Japanese artist doesn’t offer much information about himself other than their fondness for chemistry and creating video works, but there is a ton of conversation to be had about their dark and though-provoking artwork. Avogado6’s illustrations, which we’ve had the pleasure of introducing before, often use powerful imagery and symbolism to reflect on societal problems, but also personal depression and trauma. All of Avogado6’s work can be seen on their official website and Twitter account, but below are some recent standout pieces that will leave you thinking! Hollow Avogado6 Responsibility Source: Avogado6 Affirmation Source: Avogado6 Disassociation Source: Avogado6 Powder Avogado6 Path of Humanity Avogado6 Changing…

Japanese artist Keigo illustrates the sad but funny life of a Crocodile in human society Japanese illustrator Keigo has a talent for depicting absurd fictional situations in a comical and quirky style. While the artist doesn’t have a lot to say about himself, his simple but eccentric work has gained quite the following of fans looking for slice of life humor on Instagram and even been compiled into an art book. Many of his illustrations show bleak but humorous in a creative way that despite their silliness, capture an element of frustration just easy enough to relate to. keigoさん(@k5fuwa)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 7月月12日午後3時38分PDT keigoさん(@k5fuwa)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 7月月28日午前6時48分PDT One of Keigo’s most…

Shonen Jump Exhibition Is A Must-See For Manga and Anime Fans Many manga and anime fans probably know that Weekly Shonen Jump has consistently published manga series that have become mega-hits with fans around the world. Captain Tsubasa, Fist of the North Star, Dragon Ball and City Hunter mostly in the 1980s, Slam Dunk, Yu-Gi-Oh, Yu Yu Hakusho, and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure mostly in 1990s, and then Death Note, The Prince of Tennis, Bleach, Naruto, One Piece and recent favorites like Assassination Classroom and My Hero Academia in the 21st century. While the earlier works of the 80s and 90s are still popular (some due to ongoing or recent adaptations…

While it may be painting with too broad a brush to describe a style as “anime”, there are certain qualities and characteristics that many associate with art styles found and shared in Japanese animation. Perhaps one of the most nostalgic aesthetics is the art style many associate with the 1980-1990’s breakthrough of Japanese animation overseas with classic like Akira or Ghost in the Shell. Freelance artist Dmitry Grozov (also known as Ahriman) perfectly captures such a style with his ability to illustrate iconic scenes from classic films with a retro anime flavor. Grozov adds a new charm to some of your favorite movie scenes from Aliens, Jurassic Park, Blade Runner,…

While Japan’s fascination with all things “kawaii” has expanded into a culture of cute that covers aesthetics, merchandise, and fashion, one might suspect that horror movies to be the stopping point, but even that would be too strong an assumption. As today marks the ominous Friday the 13th in Japan, many are taking to Twitter to celebrate the classic horror film of the same name. What may surprise some, however, is the unapologetically adorable way in which people are tipping their hat to the iconic hockey-mask wearing slasher, Jason. Below are a few highlights of Japanese Twitter’s take on “celebrating” Friday the 13th, whether it be cat cafe cosplay, sexy…

Japanese illustrator re-imagines Disney Princesses using different anime art styles. Whether it’s turning fast food chain mascots into anime characters or drawing Japanese Kit-Kat flavors as handsome men, it’s clear that illustrators can have a lot of fun applying an anime aesthetic to popular characters. Japanese Twitter user, illustrator, and lover of cute things Miochi (@mio_ney) has given the trend a lovely twist, however, by drawing Disney princesses in the different styles of various popular anime–perfectly replicating each artist’s personal designs! Source: @mio_ney The illustration, titled “Disney Princess in Japanese Cartoon” by Miochi mimics the instantly recognizable styles of Hayao Miyazaki, Osamu Tezuka, and Akira Toriyama, while also turning Mulan…

The following content is very much NSFW. Illustration series of girls showing off their underwear while giving you disgusted looks to become an anime. Sooner or later, there may be an anime for everything. And with doujinshi (self-published art works) as an endless well to tap, that even includes the very niche subject of girls showing you their panties with disapproving looks. Popular doujin series Iya na Kao Sare Nagara Opantsu Misete Moraitai (“I Want You To Make a Disgusted Face and Show Me Your Underwear”) by Shimahara is being turned into an anime. 「嫌な顔されながらおパンツ見せてもらいたい」2018年にアニメ化。豪華声優陣が発表 https://t.co/3QmS4ukIsz #嫌パン #嫌パンアニメ pic.twitter.com/moy1XnUxNh — ごえモン (@goemon_fgo) 2017年12月29日 The doujin project began as a series…

The best artists in Japan to follow on Twitter. In Japan, many famous artists have strong social media followings on Twitter, but recently lesser known illustrators and creative talents have been recently using a hashtag to gain more attention and hopefully strike it big. The hashtag, #私の作品もっと沢山の人に広がれ祭り, translates to “A festival to spread my work out to more people!”, and it’s certainly worked to showcase a variety of hidden artistic gems. While several of the artists introduced below are already acclaimed in their own right, many gained popularity via the hashtag and routinely put out truly fascinating work. Here are several examples of artists in Japan making a name for…

Japanese character designer impresses with stunning artwork. Many of talented Japanese artists that have gained popularity on social media tend to explore larger themes through their artwork, whether it be the need for animals to comfort humans in trying times or the darker aspects of societal and mental issues. Sometimes, however, the depth of an artist’s work can be found in the originality and scale of the design and world they can imagine. That seems to be exactly the case with PALOW, an illustrator and character designer that creates original universes and characters in a stunning blend of fantasy and science fiction. Source: PALOW Born in Fukuoka, PALOW has worked…

In recent years, an abundance of talented Japanese artists have begun to share their work on Twitter, to the appreciation of many. Whether it’s mind-blowing 3D art, dark and deep thought-provoking illustrations, or animals transformed with fantasy-inspired anthropomorphism, there seems to be no end of new styles and artwork to discover. イラストボードやキャンバスにアクリルとガッシュで描いてます。美しいカワイイを伝えるのが目標。5月に個展やりますのでお願いだから来て#私の作品もっと沢山の人に広がれ祭り pic.twitter.com/og4orqm8Ez — 撫子凛 (@nadeshicorin) 2018年3月10日 Born in Chiba prefecture, illustrator and graphic designer Nadesico Rin’s style focuses on more traditional aspects of Japanese art and culture. On her official website, she cites a love for Japanese art and culture, the aesthetic of which has raised her and led her to the focus of her artwork. The primary focus…

There might not be a friendlier subject to artists than animals. With their adorable charm and fascinating quirks, they can provide a creative inspiration for everything from giant creatures that console people in trying times, to super-realistic and creepy masks. Japanese illustrator Tobihachi (@tonbippo08), however, seems to find the expressive nature and striking aesthetic of animals as a point of interest, specializing in giving them human characteristics and even nationalities in an ongoing series of brilliant artwork. Source: @tonbippo08 As an illustrator, Tobihachi focuses on animals and anthropomorphism. It’s a little different from the gijinka we have looked at before (where Japanese Kit Kat flavors were turned into handsome anime…

Japanese Twitter user and artist Avogado6 doesn’t offer much of a self description, saying only that “I’m an ordinary person who likes chemistry. I create video works,” in their Twitter profile. The nearly daily illustrations that Avogado6 posts have been resonating with people from around the word, however, and communicating such an avalanche of emotions and thoughts, that perhaps there isn’t really much needed to be said. Avogado6’s powerful illustrations are presented only with a title, and while many seem to share a common theme of dark satire, layered symbolism leaves their meaning open to interpretation. Avogado6 has published two collection books, available at their official website. Below are several…

Most people seem to only refer to spirit animals when watching a viral video of a particularly lazy pug or hungry otter, but Japanese illustrator Kubota (@13033303 embraces the concept as source of comfort in hard times expressed through art. Kubota specializes in drawing larger-than-life animals and mythical creatures, but a recent series of gigantic cuddly animals consoling humans who have had a bad day has been warming the hearts of thousands on Twitter. Source: @13033303 つらい人のところに現れてとりあえず元気づけようとしてくれる生き物 pic.twitter.com/wXJ7VzISU6 — もの久保 (@13033303) 2018年2月10日 Source: @13033303 疲れた人のところに現れてとりあえず添い寝してくれる生き物 pic.twitter.com/8dqT9eQ6JT — もの久保 (@13033303) 2018年2月7日 Source: @13033303 がんばっている人のところに現れてとりあえず胸（お腹）を貸してくれる生き物 pic.twitter.com/QbCv2k6q50 — もの久保 (@13033303) 2018年2月13日 Each Tweet comes with a tagline of a “a creature that suddenly…

Sometimes, the mere thought of opening a spreadsheet instills an overwhelming pang of mundane work-related thoughts in a human being. However, as we’ve seen before with the Michelangelo of Microsoft Excel, certain creative geniuses can use the office tool to produce amazing artwork. Japanese Twitter user and Excel wizard @Maruraba_2 might just be the very best going at, making incredible anime artwork using Excel! 素人「絵描きソフト、いっぱい種類あるから分からない…どれがオススメですか？」 ｷﾁｶﾞｲ「Excel」#Excelアート pic.twitter.com/KdgaAuZKHb — まるらば@Excelアート (@Maruraba_2) 2018年1月21日 The original Tweet that’s garnered attention references a conversation @Maruraba_2 has probably often had, where people ask “There are so many art software programs, I don’t know where to start–do you have a recommendation?” to which they wryly reply…