onigiri(2023)

Sawako Kabuki, a Japanese illustrator and animator based in New York and Tokyo, blends vibrant colours with playful yet subversive themes, often exploring female sexuality, body image, and societal norms.

Her work draws from 1970s Japanese graphic design and the bold compositions of Ukiyo-e, creating a fusion of tradition and modernity. Known for her intricate textures and dense compositions, she frequently incorporates tiny nude figures—what she calls “butt therapy”—a repetitive, meditative practice that adds humour and depth to her explorations of the human body.

While studying at university, her animation projects were nominated at four major international animation film festivals, and she was recognized as one of “100 Japanese People Who Caught the World's Attention in 2023” by Courrier Japon. Since then, she has continued to gain recognition on the global stage.