Junichi Nakahara 中原淳一 (1913-1983)

A beautiful girl who has a white skin and big eyes. It was quite innovative style at that time. He was influenced by foreign culture. However, as you can see, it was a totally different style from any painters’. He putted prettiness of Japanese in his works. I think it was the original ‘KAWAII’ ! In fact many girls wanted to be like the girl he painted.

I’d like to say that he wasn’t just a painter. He was also a guide who led Japanese girls to make their life shinier. Just after the end of the war, everyone didn’t have much money and hope. Then he started to publish a magazine to suggest many ways to live beautifully (not only abount appearance!)without money for women. For example, an easy way of remaking clothes, how to live comfortably in a small room, basic manner, and etc. He reminded them the importance of making small effort to be happy by themselves.

His advices sound very small scale. But at that time, Japanese women need this small happiness. He said, “ even if someone say a magazine like this is worthless, we are human.” That’s why I like him!