2. Super-Fun Japan Time! Featured Artist: Takashi Murakami Presenting: Superflat Pop Art By Patrick Michaelis

3. Behind the Art: Childhood Story Takashi Murakami was born in Tokyo, Japan on February 1 st, 1963. That’s Here! He attended the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, where he pursued a degree in Nihonga, a style of art combining Western and Eastern culture. That’s Also Here! However, he did not find this to his liking and instead took up otaku, a style used primarily in manga, anime, and video games. Takashi Murakami Himself!

4. Behind the Art: Influences Murakami was influenced by classic Japanese art, such as Nihonga, combined with modern Japanese art, such as otaku, and adding in pop art. The result: Poku.- (POp art) + (otaKU.) Some of Murakami’s other influences include Warhol, Oldenberg, and Lichtenstein. Nihonga Otaku Warhol Oldenberg Lichtenstein

5. Some of his work!