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Drawing a line in the sand, Takashi Murakami said on Twitter, “”Cool Japan” is a program supported by the Japanese government and various companies that promotes modern Japanese culture such as anime and manga abroad. Murakami stated that he has “absolutely no connection to ‘Cool Japan.’” He goes further, “”I can’t understand why artists get involved with the gimmicks of ad agencies who are simply trying to turn a profit with ‘Cool Japan.’” Murakami called for advertising agencies and administrators to stop inviting him to events and interviews related to the initiative.” (Animenewsnetwork – Takashi Murakami) Cool Japan is a government initiative. A little more is explained here. (Brand Channel – Cool Japan)
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Peter Norton, from Norton Utilities fame did an “Ulrich” and sold some of his art collection. The sculpture above fetched 2.7 million. The Economist does a round about article introducing Murakami, but then gets into other artists including Makoto Aida (that’s myself and Aida in a Tokyo Subway) His works are represented by Mizuma Art and although doesn’t command Murakami like prices, it’s still in the half million and more range. The article goes on to explain that Japanese folks don’t buy art as much as some of the rest of the world. That old argument of small apartments, small houses, etc might be part of it, but it’s just not part of the culture just yet. The odd thing is, in an article that’s sort of round about, not one mention of Yoshitomo Nara. Strange. [Economist - More than Murakami]
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Daily Picks It’s expanded a bit for today, but the fun products still ring out loud. We’d like to think we have something for everyone. You simply browse the store as well.
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Available at Giant Robot online. They’re sort of like new looks on some of his most classic paintings that helped build his empire. It’s a great chance to break into the Murakami collection.
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Stolen: TAKASHI MURAKAMI IF I COULD DO THIS 176/300 Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) ID: I1107062106063301 Stolen: TAKASHI MURAKAMI AND THEN CREAM 158/300 Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) ID: I1107062057358711 Both commited via Wire Fraud and shipped to Montreal, Canada. Any information via email info@giantrobot.com will be much appreciated and reported.
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