A selection of original characters from an ongoing series by artist Masanori Ushiki. Based in Kyoto, Ushiki draws inspiration from Japanese anime, tokusatsu, toys, and graphic culture of the 1980s and 1990s. In “Fighters”, Ushiki’s characters are distinguished by unique colour palettes and intricate textile-inspired patterns. His work has been exhibited internationally, including in Paris and Hong Kong.

“I’ve always been fascinated by character design. I want each character to feel complete through its visual design alone. Fashion is an essential element of my work, and the repeated patterns inspired by textiles create a sense of rhythm across the picture plane. By allowing motifs to recur, I hope the viewer’s eye naturally moves through the composition, giving each image a quiet sense of movement. While my visual language is rooted in the culture I grew up with, I’m not interested in nostalgia. I want to create original characters that feel as though they have arrived from the future.”