Whilst celebrities from Victoria Beckham to Leonardo DiCaprio have been buying Japanese contemporary art for years; the pandemic saw a more recent uptick in collectors who have wised up to the value in investing in modern legends such as Takashi Murakami. For those keen on elevating their collections and/or interiors, here are five pieces of work from today’s most sought-after Japanese artists, according to the experts at Kumi Contemporary.

KORPOKKUR IN THE FOREST, TAKASHI MURAKAMI

This follow up to Takashi Murakami’s hugely successful piece, Open Your Hands Wide, currently resides at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas; however, a few limited edition signed prints remain on the market. Of course, Murakami is the pioneer of the ‘superflat’ movement, and his works are collected by A-Listers worldwide. Korpokkur In The Forest is his 2021 must-have.

LE BUSTE III, HUSH

Street artist HUSH’s artwork explores the representation of women in traditional and modern eras in Japan. Le Buste III is one of his most popular pieces as his stateside following grows, bringing together exquisite portraiture and pattern. 

BUILDING HEAD CHAMELEON, CHIHO AOSHIMA

Japanese pop artist Chiho Aoshima has stunned audiences with her heavenly yet horrific visions of surreal dreamscapes. She has completed famous art installations at Union Square subway station in New York City and Gloucester Road Tube station in London. Building Head Chameleon is one of her most recognizable and stands out works.

DANCE PARTY, TOMOO GOKITA

Tomoo Gokita’s black and white paintings resemble scenes from film noir. His works have enjoyed a monumental rise in desirability thanks to several sell-out shows and outstanding auction results. Dance Party evokes a sense of drama and nostalgia, made even more compelling and mysterious with Gokita’s expressive figurative style.

THE GOLDEN AGE: KORIN – KANSEI, TAKASHI MURAKAMI

Murakami has a big affinity with Gold Prints. The Korin series pays homage to Murakami’s training in traditional Japanese arts known as Nihonga. These exquisite pieces pair beautifully with traditional interiors.