星々(Hoshiboshi)

星々

A tribute to six major figures of Japanese popular culture, whose worlds have inspired generations and deeply influenced the work of Alex Alice.

Display the Spirit of Japan!

Created as an alternative poster celebrating the 25th anniversary of Japan Expo, Hoshiboshi brings together six artists who helped shape the modern Japanese imagination. Manga creators, directors, animators and composers appear here as stars gathered within the same constellation.

Six Masters of Japanese Culture

The figures represented in the artwork, starting at the top and moving clockwise:

“Japan Expo was born in the early 2000s - I was there! &mdash but modern Japanese popular culture first reached France through television in the 1970s and 1980s.

Like many children of that generation, I dreamed and travelled through the characters and stories created by great artists: manga creators, directors, animators and composers. They have had a tremendous influence on my work as an author, especially now, as I embark on creating my first manga.

Without them, Japan Expo would be very different, and I probably would not be here. Some of my heroes have passed away in recent years, and I wanted to pay tribute to them for the twenty-fifth anniversary of this wonderful event &mdash a unique meeting place for two cultures that have always had so much to share with one another.”

Original artwork: watercolor and ink on paper, 50 × 70 cm

Graphic design: Benjamin Brard