Kenji Miyazawa World: Kunio Sato

April 24- April 30, 2018

Although Kunio Sato has had numerous exhibitions in Japan since the 1980s, this will be the first exhibition for the artist abroad.  Renowned for his woodblock prints of Kenji Miyazawa’s stories and poems, such as “Night on the Milky Way Train” and “Strong in the Rain,” Kunio Sato’s works powerfully express the traditional spirit of Japan, emphasizing harmony with all nature.

Japan has a long tradition of woodblock printing or Ukiyo-e ranging from Katsushika Hokusai to Shiko Munakata.  Kunio Sato’s original style of woodblock prints are forthright and simple, combining rural Japan with the imaginary realms and beings of Kenji Miyazawa. Through Kunio Sato’s work, Miyazawa’s childlike passion and spirit leaps to life, turning the observer into the dreamer.

About the Artist

Born 1952 in Hokkaido, Japan, Kunio Sato wanted to be a painter and an archaeologist in his childhood.  He studied Buddhism at college while working as a carpenter. He began woodcutting with pieces of wood he found at construction sites where he was working. Since 1987 Sato’s woodcut prints have appeared in many editions of Miyazawa’s stories.

Besides illustrating Miyazawa’s books, Kunio Sato has published books about the Jomon period. He also writes essays and regularly submits humorous articles to the Hokkaido Newspaper which have been anticipated and enjoyed by the people of Hokkaido for many years.