Silver Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design · 2023
Japanese Kumano Kodo Calendar
- A' Design Award 2023 Silver Winner in Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design
- Awarded April 15, 2023
- CLIENT: Kiyoka Yamazuki
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 50,086
- Verification code 38E0BAAA9A · Verify this award
About Japanese Kumano Kodo Calendar
Japanese Kumano Kodo is a hand-drawn illustration created for a corporate wall calendar. The calendar theme is the old highways of Japan, including the Oshu Highway, the Tokaido, the Sanyo Highway, the Kumano Kodo, the Nagasaki Highway and the Minoji. The Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route used since about the year 908 and still walked today. The illustration brings the Nachi Fire Festival and Nachi Falls together in one colorful scene. The artwork is painted with acrylic paint on illustration board. The calendar has six sheets and measures 420 by 595 millimeters.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- I drew an illustration for a corporate calendar (Nippon Paint) with the motif of an old Japanese highway.
There are many old roads in Japan such as Oshu Highway, Tokaido, Sanyo Highway, Kumano Kodo, Nagasaki Highway and Minoji. With these themes, we have created a colorful corporate calendar (Nippon Paint). Among them, the Kumano Kodo is located in the center of Japan and was used by the Kumano worship (a place of nature worship) since the Heian period (around 908), and is still maintained by people (also used as a living road). It is a highway that is carefully used. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
I finished it in one picture with the motif of "Nachi Fire Festival" and "Nachi Falls" which are the festivals of Kumano Shrine that live in life. - Dimensions & Packaging
- Calendar (6 sheets spelled) / 420 mm x 595 mm
- Production Technology
- Illustration board Hand-drawn illustrations with acrylic paint
- Project Duration
- Illustrations used in the 2003 corporate calendar (Nippon Paint: Kaido Roman) / Japan
- Inspiration
- I drew an illustration with the motif of an old Japanese highway.
In particular, Kumano Kodo was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
It is located in the center of Japan and has been used by the Kumanosanzan (a place of nature worship) since the Heian period (around 908). It is a highway. I finished it in one picture with the motif of "Nachi Fire Festival" and "Nachi Falls" which are the festivals of Kumano Shrine that live in life. - Image Credits
- Illustration: Illustrator / Kiyoka Yamazuki
Main image: Image # 1 Illustration / Illustrator Kiyoka Yamazuki
Optional image: Image # 2 Illustration / Illustrator Kiyoka Yamazuki
Optional image: Image # 3 Illustration / Illustrator Kiyoka Yamazuki
Optional image: Image # 4 Illustration / Illustrator Kiyoka Yamazuki
Optional image: Image # 5 Illustration / Illustrator Kiyoka Yamazuki - Patents
- Copyright / Kiyoka Yamazuki
Colors of Japanese Kumano Kodo Calendar
Get Japanese Kumano Kodo Calendar
Hand-Drawn Corporate Illustration Services
We specialize in creating vibrant hand-drawn illustrations for corporate calendars, magazines, and marketing materials. With over 35 years of experience serving clients like Toyota and Sony, we bring cultural depth and artistic excellence to every project.
G0E3 ShopDesign Interview about Japanese Kumano Kodo Calendar
This theme was decided before production. I received a request from Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. to create an illustration of my colorful world with the theme of "Spinning History and Connecting Culture" and "Romantic Road." The elements of my designs (illustrations) are inspired by Japanese culture, traditional designs and invisible things.
n 2002, I received a request for a calendar for the first time as an illustrator. The most important thing (because it's a 6-page calendar, you can use one illustration for 2 months without getting bored) is that I wanted to make a calendar.
Every time I look at it, I discover something new, and I wanted it to be something that people who use it can enjoy every day.
I also wanted to create a different image for each month by changing the color variations.
Every time I look at it, I discover something new, and I wanted it to be something that people who use it can enjoy every day.
I also wanted to create a different image for each month by changing the color variations.
I'm not a designer, so I don't have a design plan. By receiving this award, I feel that I have gained a new step (confidence) as an illustrator.
I would like to start a new production.
I would like to start a new production.
Since the concept was decided, I didn't think much about the design of the illustration based on that at the rough stage. The first illustration I worked on was the Nagasaki Highway.
This was because the illustration of the Nagasaki Highway was also used for the order leaflet. I think it took about two weeks to draw the illustration of the Nagasaki Highway. However, the delivery date suddenly became shorter, and the remaining 5 pieces were made in 10 days. It was especially difficult to draw an illustration using the neutral colors of March and April. Even now, when I look back on this job, I remember not only how much I enjoyed it and how happy I was, but how difficult it was because I didn't have enough time.
I finished it in 10 days and it was a miracle.
This was because the illustration of the Nagasaki Highway was also used for the order leaflet. I think it took about two weeks to draw the illustration of the Nagasaki Highway. However, the delivery date suddenly became shorter, and the remaining 5 pieces were made in 10 days. It was especially difficult to draw an illustration using the neutral colors of March and April. Even now, when I look back on this job, I remember not only how much I enjoyed it and how happy I was, but how difficult it was because I didn't have enough time.
I finished it in 10 days and it was a miracle.
In 2002, I was commissioned to create a calendar illustration with the theme of "heartbeat".
The locations of the 'old roads' (such as Nagasaki Kaido and Minoji) were decided from the beginning.
Other than that, I made everything freely based on my own ideas.
I came up with all the composition, colors, and ideas myself.
The locations of the 'old roads' (such as Nagasaki Kaido and Minoji) were decided from the beginning.
Other than that, I made everything freely based on my own ideas.
I came up with all the composition, colors, and ideas myself.
This illustration that I designed is not used by other companies. There are no plans to sell the production rights at this time.
I would like to create an illustration (work) if there is a request.
We look forward to hearing from you.
I would like to create an illustration (work) if there is a request.
We look forward to hearing from you.
That's all I can do, and since it's a calendar (and I'll be seeing the same work for two months), I think it's because I wanted people who use it to enjoy it every day.
I wanted to draw illustrations that would not bore the viewers and users.
I wanted to draw illustrations that would not bore the viewers and users.
When I was studying design, I studied various things other than graphics. I also took a coloring class. At the graduation exhibition, I made a folding screen using Japanese paper with doroe, yuzen, and stencil dyeing.
She remembers when she became an illustrator (because she wanted to draw something that only she could draw).
I think that the design of dyeing is probably also influenced.
I don't remember being particularly influenced, but I liked the works of Keisuke Serizawa, a dyeing artist.
She remembers when she became an illustrator (because she wanted to draw something that only she could draw).
I think that the design of dyeing is probably also influenced.
I don't remember being particularly influenced, but I liked the works of Keisuke Serizawa, a dyeing artist.
I don't know who he is, but I think he targets all customers.
I'm not sure myself.
I think that is my service spirit.
Whether it's a printed matter or a single illustration, I want to make it something that viewers and users won't get bored of.
I think that is my service spirit.
Whether it's a printed matter or a single illustration, I want to make it something that viewers and users won't get bored of.
This design name was decided from the beginning.
It was decided from the moment I received the job request.
Our client: (Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.) has built a long tradition while aiming for a color culture.
In 2002, aiming for a further leap forward, I drew an illustration on the theme of "old roads" that connect history and culture.There are many roads that people have walked in Japan. This theme is probably because the culture and history are deeply engraved there.
It was decided from the moment I received the job request.
Our client: (Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.) has built a long tradition while aiming for a color culture.
In 2002, aiming for a further leap forward, I drew an illustration on the theme of "old roads" that connect history and culture.There are many roads that people have walked in Japan. This theme is probably because the culture and history are deeply engraved there.
This work was made in 2002, so I don't think there were many people who could draw illustrations on a computer like now.
My design tools haven't changed a bit since then. It is a style that draws a lot of sketches with paper and pencil, and then draws on an illustration board using brushes and acrylic paints.
This is still my go-to style.
Now I need a computer to digitize, but I'm not good at it.
My design tools haven't changed a bit since then. It is a style that draws a lot of sketches with paper and pencil, and then draws on an illustration board using brushes and acrylic paints.
This is still my go-to style.
Now I need a computer to digitize, but I'm not good at it.
Isn't it an idea and a unique color scheme?
If possible, I want to draw illustrations that I have never seen before.
If possible, I want to draw illustrations that I have never seen before.
I didn't work with anyone on the design.
We do not work with people with technical expertise.
However, through the introduction of Mr. Ogawa of the planning company Scope Co., Ltd., I was offered a job offer (I received the materials for the theme).
I proposed and produced the design proposal, color usage, and composition by myself.
We do not work with people with technical expertise.
However, through the introduction of Mr. Ogawa of the planning company Scope Co., Ltd., I was offered a job offer (I received the materials for the theme).
I proposed and produced the design proposal, color usage, and composition by myself.
I don't really need it. Hand-drawn is enough.
But with technology, I think it would have been easier and cleaner to create my work. But I don't think it was fun.
But with technology, I think it would have been easier and cleaner to create my work. But I don't think it was fun.
In order to complete this design, I collected materials on the theme of the "road" of the place, and researched what kind of culture had been nurtured in that place, and the traditions and festivals held there. , I inflated my thoughts. I will create an illustration design based on it.
I didn't do anything special.
I didn't do anything special.
It was my first time making a calendar illustration, so it took me a while (to decide on the color scheme for each month of the calendar).
It was difficult because I didn't have time to make it.
After all, I made 5 works in 10 days. It was hard.
It was difficult because I didn't have time to make it.
After all, I made 5 works in 10 days. It was hard.
Last year I received an email from Me A' Design.
I was a little hesitant about submitting it to the competition, but I wonder if I wanted to do something. In addition, her older sister said, "If you try, you can do it," so I tried it.
(I didn't know it would be this hard)
I was a little hesitant about submitting it to the competition, but I wonder if I wanted to do something. In addition, her older sister said, "If you try, you can do it," so I tried it.
(I didn't know it would be this hard)
The joy of making and completing it yourself, the joy of completing a printed matter called a calendar with your own ideas.
It made me want to make better things.
It made me want to make better things.
Nothing in particular. We had a lot of questions. It was a good experience. thank you very much.
Grand Interview about Japanese Kumano Kodo Calendar
The client requested us to create a work that overlaps their company history (company history) with the pilgrimage route (Kumano Kodo). The ancient roads that carry the traditions and culture of each region have something in common with passing on the client's company's work to the next generation.
The Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route to the Kumano Sanzan shrines. The illustrations for the July and August calendars are based on the Kumano Kodo.I created the illustrations centered on the 133-meter-high Nachi Falls and the annual Shinto ritual (fire festival). I think the design is typical of the Kumano Kodo, fusing the opposing elements of ancient tradition and modern business (the waterfall festival and the fire festival). At the time, I also drew many illustrations of Japanese mythology and festivals. It was fun to express history and culture from ancient times to the present on a single road.
Drawing illustrations by hand for many years can be stressful, but it's fun. I create illustrations by repeatedly coming up with ideas and making drafts (for a six-page annual calendar, the same illustration appears for two months), so I wanted to draw something that I would never get bored of.There's a sense of tension that digital doesn't have (the fun of a one-shot deal) and the fun of inaccurate and ambiguous shapes.I've been doing calligraphy since I was a child (the fun of a one-shot deal), so I think that's also an influence.There are things that digital can never imitate. The thickness and texture of the paint, the distortion and ambiguity of the shape, and accidental uneven coloring are also drawbacks, but there's also the warmth of the human hand. Things that can only be conveyed through hand-drawn illustrations.
The road connects history and culture, and is not outdated, but rather conveys information that continues to this day (festivals, historical buildings, culture, etc.), and is finished in colors that match the four seasons of Japan.
I would like to say that I created this work by actually walking along the Kumano Kodo, but unfortunately the production period was short, so I referred to articles in the weekly magazines "Japan's Highways" and "Japan's Festivals" that were published at the time. I also picked up cultural elements such as the history, culture, and festivals of the region, and designed it to stand on its own as a single picture. I had previously worked on the cover of an information magazine with the theme of "Japan's Festivals." I was also interested in Japanese mythology and imaginary animals, so I think that helped me create the illustrations.
The Kumano Sanzan pilgrimage route is a steep road paved with stone and lined with cedar trees from the Kamakura period that people walked on as a pilgrim to the three shrines. I'm not sure if this size was appropriate to compose the iconic Nachi Falls and the annual fire festival into one piece of work, but I think this size was the best if it conveyed the image well enough.
In 1992, I created an illustration for the West Japan Railway's "Tottori, Shimane" campaign poster, using the Yamata no Orochi, a snake that appears in Japanese mythology (Kojiki), as its motif. I experienced the fun and excitement of imagining fictional animals.Next, I had many opportunities to create covers for Nagoya City's public relations magazines, mainly using Aichi Prefecture festivals as motifs. I was exposed to a culture I was unfamiliar with.Until then, the color combinations were consistent, but for the Kumano Kodo calendar, I was conscious of the four seasons of Japan and drew them in a way that expanded the color variations.I also think I gained the ability to combine many elements (motifs) into one.
The six illustrated calendars were created with the idea that people would not get bored of seeing the same pictures for two months. We also paid particular attention to the use of color in the illustrations to express the four seasons of Japan.We wanted the illustrations to have a dynamic design. We also composed the colors and materials so that each of the six illustrations would be a different color (spring colors for spring), and made the other main (impactful) elements the main focus of the picture, expressing the characteristics of each one.
Showing your own characteristics means being Japanese, for better or worse. You may not notice it while you're in Japan, but when you go abroad you notice Japanese culture and traditions. Knowing the world actually means knowing your own country. You also realize that you can't explain your country to people around the world. There are many interesting things in Japanese culture that I don't know yet. I want to go to various places in Japan, see and experience festivals and architecture that I haven't seen before with my own eyes, and express them.
Through this work, I would like people to not only become interested in Japan (Japanese old roads), but also in old roads (pilgrimage routes) around the world, and to learn the importance of preserving them. I also want people to realize that their own country also has wonderful cultural heritage and traditions, and that they are very interesting and fascinating. Because they are surprisingly close to us, we often take them for granted and don't notice them. If possible, I would like to travel the world, experience the cultures and traditions of each place, and express them in my illustrations.