Through his paintings, Jun Sato depicts the world of plant and animal life in vibrant, lively fashion. His novel depictions incorporate lucky omens, customs, and auspicious signs related to animals, delivered in bright and creative ways. Sato gives careful attention to detail, right down to the paper used—handmade washi (traditional Japanese paper) made with 100-percent bamboo material. This exhibition will showcase approximately 30 of the artist’s works, including some of his latest pieces We look forward to seeing you there!

「ポーラベア」No. 8 / Bamboo Paper

「波兎」No. 3 / Bamboo Paper

「方舟路屏風」1300×1300 / Mistograph

「縁起尽し 立身」each 355×60 / Mistograph

◆Jun Sato

He depicts endangered animals, as well as auspicious symbols and lucky charms associated with animals, on handmade bamboo paper through his unique artistic vision.

1970 Born in Osaka
1992 Graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Kyoto Seika University
1995 Held his first solo exhibition in Kyoto
Since then, he has held numerous solo exhibitions every year at art galleries in department stores across the country
2009 Signed a contract with a major U.S. puzzle manufacturer
Since then, several of his works have been commercialized and released by U.S. companies
2013 Donated an 8-meter-long Buddhist painting titled “Nigawa Hakudo” to a temple in Fukuoka City; the following year, donated a 3-meter-long Buddhist painting
titled “Nirvana”
Held a solo exhibition in Montmartre, Paris
2014: Jigsaw puzzles featuring his artwork were released by Yanoman
2015: Held a solo exhibition in Paris, France / Published a commemorative art book marking the 20th anniversary of his artistic career
Participated in a Japan-Italy cultural exchange program / His artwork was featured in the book *Bijutsu Plus*
2016 Exhibited at the 6th Daibi Special Exhibition
Featured on MBS Mainichi Broadcasting’s “Kyoto Chishin” as an artist inheriting the spirit of Jakuchu
Work featured as the cover illustration for the July issue of “Bungei Shunju”
2017 Held a solo exhibition in Paris, France
2018 Participated in the Daegu Art Fair 2018 (Korea)
2019: Work featured in Juken Kenkyusha’s *Middle School: Learn Japanese by Looking*
Appeared on NHK World Japan’s “CORE KYOTO”
2020: Published a commemorative art book marking 25 years of artistic career; held exhibitions nationwide
2021: Appeared on NHK General TV’s “Kyoto Koto Hajime”
2022 Published a notebook with the Swiss publisher “nuinui”
Created a limited-edition Year of the Tiger ema for Sukunabiko Shrine in Kitahama, Osaka (and every year since)
2023 Eight types of capsule figures released by Kaiyodo
2024 Featured in the May issue of Shogakukan’s “Sarai”
2025 Held a nationwide exhibition to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his artistic career