The Attic

© Yanoman

Mt. Fuji from Lake Motosu

On a still, clear day, Lake Motosu lies like a sheet of glass beneath Fuji's snow cone.

As Mount Olympus was the home of the Greek gods, so Mt. Fuji (3776 metres above sea level) has its place as the symbol of Japan. Although most popular tourist pictures show the view from the south, with the bullet train passing below Mount Fuji, the best views are from the north and east sides.

© Charles Wysocki

Rally at Dandelion Mill (Wysocki)

The 4th Annual Gathering of the United Root Beer Lovers of New England. (To someone like me who grew up in Old England, root beer is something of a mystery, but this certainly makes it look fun.)

The American artist Charles Wysocki (1928-2002) was born in Detroit, but spent almost all his working life on the West Coast of the USA, in Los Angeles, and in Lake Arrowhead where he settled, just to the east.

His rather charming primitive style is instantly recognisable: full of warm wit, but rigidly refusing to comply with any conventional "rules" of perspective.

© Hoshi-no-techo / Kagaya

Starlight Fantasy (non-hexachrome) (Kagaya)

Kagaya's rendering of the traditional signs of the zodiac - truly a starlit fantasy.

Born in Saitama (just north of Tokyo) in 1968, Kagaya spent his childhood in wonderment of the stars in the sky, and never stopped painting them. He has had a successful career as an illustrator for astronomical books and magazines, and many of his works have been turned into jigsaw puzzles, among other products. Since 1996, he has worked exclusively in the digital medium, using a Macintosh. Perhaps that is why he does not appear to sign his pictures.

He goes by his family name; his given name appears to be Yutaka, but in English you will also find him called Joh Kagaya (Jô is the Chinese reading of his name).

© Yanoman

Garden of the four seasons (Norio)

This particular style of painting is very old, having originally been taken from China in the Muromachi period (around 1400). It features flowers representing the four seasons - winter camellias, spring irises, summer bellflowers, autumn maples; and auspicious birds - peacocks (arch-enemy of snakes, and warder-off of evil), cranes (symbol of longevity), and a pair of mandarin ducks (representing fidelity).

The artist, Hikabe Norio, follows tradition by signing his painting with his given name, Norio. (But note that the reading 'Norio' is only an educated guess: these characters could have a quite different pronunciation.)

© Yanoman

Unganji

Autumnal foliage surrounds the entrance to this temple in the wilds of northern Tochigi. It is famous as the first temple visited by Bashô (the "Wordsworth of Japan") on his travels around northern Japan.

Another of Bashô's temples: Yamadera

© Charles Wysocki

Sleepy Town West (Wysocki)

The Colorado Springs Cripple Creek railroad passes this little town: real estate, felt hats, beer, wine, steam heated rooms, and a hairclip & shave are among the items on offer.

The American artist Charles Wysocki (1928-2002) was born in Detroit, but spent almost all his working life on the West Coast of the USA, in Los Angeles, and in Lake Arrowhead where he settled, just to the east.

His rather charming primitive style is instantly recognisable: full of warm wit, but rigidly refusing to comply with any conventional "rules" of perspective.

© Yanoman

Sagano teahouse

This traditional teahouse is in Sagano, an old suburb of Kyoto. We look down through the glorious red maples, and glimpse guests enjoying refreshment.

© Ozuma Kaname

Lucky white horse (Kaname)

A most auspicious painting. We have the white winged horse looking rather handsome, and surrounded by the four gods, with a red Fuji in the background. In case you have difficulty counting the four gods, you have to know that one of them, Genbu, often appears as a snake intertwined with a turtle.

The painter Ozuma Kaname was born in 1939, in Niigata. He studied traditional Japanese art, and his pictures are generally based on traditional themes.

Ozuma is his family name: he signs paintings with the single character of his given name only.

© Teppei Sasakura

Portovenere (Teppei)

An atmospheric evening view of the waterfront of this historic town in Liguria - at the eastern end of the Italian Riviera. Founded around two thousand years ago, it was named originally after the goddess Venus: this explains the original title Viinasu no minato, or "Port of Venus". There are some variations - the version on the box is "Porto Vénere" which also appears to be genuine.

Wikipedia article

Born in Hyogo prefecture in 1954, Teppei earned a degree in commercial design from Musashino Art University, to begin a successful career as an illustrator. He has also had many exhibitions of his own work, in which European scenes in particular are prominent.

Sasakura is his family name - he signs his pictures "Teppei S."

© Ozuma Kaname

Four gods (Kaname)

In Chinese mythology these four gods occupy the four corners of the cosmos: the white tiger in the west, the blue dragon in the east, the red phoenix (Suzaku) in the south, and the mysterious Genbu in the north. Mysterious, because Genbu apparently turns up as a snake and a turtle entwined together, which is why there are five heads in the picture. These deities are associated with feng shui, and have also appeared in Japanese animations, so they are easy to find on the Web.

The painter Ozuma Kaname was born in 1939, in Niigata. He studied traditional Japanese art, and his pictures are generally based on traditional themes.

Ozuma is his family name: he signs paintings with the single character of his given name only.

© Mizuno Katsuhiko

Konpuku-ji (Mizuno)

This ancient temple fell into disrepair, but was restored in 1684-88. We see here not the main temple, but Bashô-an, a simple building for contemplation or whatever, which is just one of the many places visited by the famous travelling poet Basho (1644-1694). His peregrinations around Japan and poems in praise of the wonders of nature make him a sort of Japanese predecessor to Wordsworth.

What does the name mean?

gold

fortune

temple

Ba-

sho's

retreat

Born in Kyoto in 1941, Mizuno Katsuhiko earned a degree in literature from Doshisha University in 1964. Since 1969 he has worked as a freelance photographer, in a lifelong quest to capture the essence of Japanese tradition in his native city, and resulting in publication of some one hundred books of his photographs.

© Ozuma Kaname

New warrior (Kaname)

"With his back to the dawn, the new warrior cuts a heroic figure, heralding a manly future." The colourful armour looks quite a burden, but makes a splendid emblem for the Boys' Festival of May 5th.

The painter Ozuma Kaname was born in 1939, in Niigata. He studied traditional Japanese art, and his pictures are generally based on traditional themes.

Ozuma is his family name: he signs paintings with the single character of his given name only.

© Ozuma Kaname

Moon and five monkeys (Kaname)

Under a full moon, five monkeys (a family?) play in a cherry tree. Apart from 2004 being the Year of the Monkey, what significance does this have? It's a play on words: the characters for "five monkeys" can be read go-en, which could also mean "Good fortune", or refer to the presence of an honourable guest. Well, by tradition this is deemed to be a Good Title.

The painter Ozuma Kaname was born in 1939, in Niigata. He studied traditional Japanese art, and his pictures are generally based on traditional themes.

Ozuma is his family name: he signs paintings with the single character of his given name only.

© Shu Mizoguchi

Luminario (Shu)

Fantasy carousel - but the only rider gazes back into the distance.

Born in Hiroshima in 1972, the artist developed his talent for original art while working as a graphic artist for a game company. He is now an independent creator of fantasy works.

Mizoguchi is his family name; he signs his work "Shu", the short form of his given name. On the box his name is given as "SHU Mizoguchi", somewhat confusingly, given the recent trend to writing the family name first capitalized.

© Beverly Enterprises

Hokkaido sunflowers

Hokkaidô, the northernmost large island of Japan, is typified by gentle landscapes that give it a much more "European" feel than the other islands. Vincent van Gogh would surely have felt at home in this field of sunflowers, outside the town of Biei.

The official Biei town website (in Japanese)

© Beverly Enterprises

Karasawa falls

One of Japan's many medium-sized waterfalls, with a drop of about 15 metres. Actually not the only one called Karasawa-no-taki, either - I found two in Nagano prefecture alone, but it's fairly clear that ours is the one at Sugadaira. The splash of golden yellow in the foreground is the very common yamabuki, well-known to Western gardeners as the shrub Kerria.

Japanese sites with photographs of Karasawa-no-taki: The one in the puzzle - Another one (further south: Kiso-Fukushima)

© Beverly Enterprises

Takayama

A splendid display of wisteria in the old part of Takayama, in the northern Alps. This is a preserved part of the town, but the businesses are real: the wisteria graces the front of the Hisadaya restaurant, which displays the day's fare on individual wood shingles on a row of little hooks. The next building is the Takashima crafts (kôgei) gift shop. (The enlargements on the right will help you to read the signs.)

Randy Johnson's travel notes on Takayama

© Beverly Enterprises

Fuji rosy dawn

Yet another view from Oshino. There are touches of pink on the mountain, but reflected in the icy pond we see the whole face of Fuji as a rosy glow.

As Mount Olympus was the home of the Greek gods, so Mt. Fuji (3776 metres above sea level) has its place as the symbol of Japan. Although most popular tourist pictures show the view from the south, with the bullet train passing below Mount Fuji, the best views are from the north and east sides.

© Tanabe Zigen

Four gods (Zigen)

An exhuberant interpretation of the Four Gods theme - Suzaku in particular is a dazzling crimson.

The artist was born in Toyama in 1970, and specialises in showy images, in his own reinterpretation of traditional Japanese themes.

Tanabe is his family name; he signs his paintings with his given name Zigen. Note that the usual Romanisation of this would be "Jigen", but it seems that Zigen may be the artist's own preference.

Detail shows the two heads of Genbu, the snake/turtle.

This is a "Glow-in-the-dark" puzzle.

© Noda Sesson

Four gods of feng-shui (Sesson)

In this version, the four gods surround a rustic scene, in rather delicate forms: the tiger and dragon look fierce enough, but Suzaku the red phoenix provides a delightfully contrasting filigree.

snow

village

No biographical details available. Conventionally, artists are known by their "given names", though the 'son' character in particular clearly indicates this as a "brush name."

© Sesson

Akafuji (Sesson)

A modern painting in the traditional style. The title simply means "red Fuji" - occasionally at dawn in late summer the whole mountain seen from the East can appear red, and this has been taken as a good omen. This picture is full of good-luck symbolism: a pair of faithful cranes augur domestic harmony, and the evergreen pines promise longevity.

snow

village

The artist is not named, but the painting is signed 'Sesson', and it seems it may be the contemporary painter Noda Sesson. Unfortunately, I have not been able to confirm this. Conventionally, artists are known by their "given names", though the 'son' character in particular clearly indicates this as a "brush name."

© Beverly Enterprises

Mt. Fuji swans

Swans feed on Tanuki-ko, a small lake to the west, as the sun rises over Mt. Fuji.

As Mount Olympus was the home of the Greek gods, so Mt. Fuji (3776 metres above sea level) has its place as the symbol of Japan. Although most popular tourist pictures show the view from the south, with the bullet train passing below Mount Fuji, the best views are from the north and east sides.

© Beverly Enterprises

Mt. Fuji peach blossom

Fuji as seen from a peach orchard to the west.

As Mount Olympus was the home of the Greek gods, so Mt. Fuji (3776 metres above sea level) has its place as the symbol of Japan. Although most popular tourist pictures show the view from the south, with the bullet train passing below Mount Fuji, the best views are from the north and east sides.

© Beverly Enterprises

Thailand - Phi Phi Islands

A scene made famous by the film "The beach"...

© Beverly Enterprises

Mt. Fuji sweetcorn

Sweetcorn cobs drying in the cold but bright winter sun. This is the view from Oshino, a village to the north-east of Fuji.

As Mount Olympus was the home of the Greek gods, so Mt. Fuji (3776 metres above sea level) has its place as the symbol of Japan. Although most popular tourist pictures show the view from the south, with the bullet train passing below Mount Fuji, the best views are from the north and east sides.

© Beverly Enterprises

Night blossom (Takato Castle)

A striking night view of the cherry blossom inside the ruins of Takatô castle, in Nagano Prefecture. The season here, in the mountains, is from mid to late April, and although spring brings warmer weather, the nights are still long, and many sites are lit up for evening "flower-viewing" parties.

There is enough pink that this puzzle will not be the easiest (though not too much of the jet-black sky), but the result is a very striking picture.

© Beverly Enterprises

Kanshûji and waterlilies

This lotus pond lies in the grounds of Kanshûji, one of the temples of Kyoto founded more than 1000 years ago. The small pagoda, dedicated to Kannon, may be a minor building, but together with the fringing irises sets off the pond in a perfect picture.

© Epoch

Ozegahara

Ozenuma, or "Oze swamp," is another name for this wetland area, right on the junction of Tochigi, Niigata, and Gunma prefectures. It's also an easy train ride from Tokyo, and a popular destination for hikers, hence requiring a twin boardwalk. This is early summer, when the wetland is covered with yellow lilies.

© Epoch

Tashiroike

High in the Japan Alps, the highest chain of mountains running north-south across the main island, the banks of this winding lake are fringed with wild azaleas.

More about wild azaleas in Sano Gallery

© Epoch

Shirakawa - late autumn

Late autumn, and ripening persimmons: another of the gasshôzukuri houses, named after a supposed resemblance between the roof and hands at prayer. These were built to house extended families of up to forty people.

Randy Johnson's travel notes on Shirakawa-go

© Epoch

Seiganto-ji and Nachi falls

Near the southern tip of the Kii peninsula below Kyoto, this pagoda, just part of the temple complex, enjoys a commanding view of the impressive Nachi falls. Although the falls are actually across a valley, a suitable viewpoint brings them into the same picture.

© Epoch

Massed azaleas (Osaka)

Azaleas bloom in profusion in this park in Misaki, just south of Osaka. Puzzles like this are never too easy, but there is plenty of variation in colour: white, variegated pink, and deeper shades of red.

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Adesugata (Haruyo)

I first translated the title, Adesugata, as "allure" - feeling I ought to be polite, but a bit puzzled since this actually means something like "sexy pose". I really couldn't see why, until it was pointed out to me that the figure is a courtesan (since she has the bow tied at the front), and moreover she is besporting herself in her undies! The black kimono hanging in the background is her overgarment, and we are seeing the next layer down. (I think it's just Haruyo's excuse to paint more kimonos...)

Note that this puzzle also appears on the back of some boxes, but with an older product code: 1000-609.

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Shishinomai (Haruyo)

The "Lion dance" - strictly though, this kimono is decorated with a Shishi, the mythical beast that reached Japan from China and Korea.

More about the shishi in Mark Schumacher's Buddhist Corner
And my photographs

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Hokusai

Fuji 36 views (Hokusai)

The famous thirty-six views, complicated by the fact that apparently there are forty-six views in total. There seem to be many different collections, and no standard system of numbering: this set has the "Wave" (properly "In the Hollow of a Wave off the Coast at Kanagawa") as number 19, and does not include "Red Fuji" (properly "Mt. Fuji in clear weather").

The artist Katsushika Hokusai is best known for his series of 36 views of Mount Fuji, in the bold and simple style of the Ukiyo-e (or "floating world") style. He changed his name several times, so this is only the best-known of his brush names; as is the tradition, Hokusai is his given name (a fact that has plainly confused at least one art reference book). On the puzzle boxes, his name is written backwards, as is the relatively recent Japanese custom, in a further effort to confuse everyone.

Brief bio of Hokusai

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Dôjôji (Haruyo)

This is a portrayal of the dancing girl of Dôjôji, a temple in Western Japan. This very traditional story has origins in Noh theatre, but also exists in a more recent Kabuki version. In a nutshell, she captivates the priests with her dancing.

We see Haruyo's character dancing with a fan, though her expression (and the ornate costume) suggests the dance is rather sedate. The background is reminiscent of traditional Japanese theatre scenery, with its highly stylised pine trees and cherry blossoms.

Synopsis of the kabuki version - for more sites, try Google, and search for "Musume Dojoji".

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Epoch

Kannon Mandala

This is Avalokitêsvara, the Buddha of eleven faces and 1,000 hands. Somehow, the original character is a Tibetan god, but by the time he reached China, he had become female, with the name Guanyin, which became Kannon in Japanese. Though often known as the "Goddess of Mercy," strictly she is not a goddess, but a Bodhisattva, an incarnation of the Buddha.

In the detail below you can see half a dozen or so of her hands: the white circle around her consists of most of the remaining one thousand packed into a tight fan.

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Floral (Haruyo)

A somewhat pensive lady displays this sumptuously florid kimono. The background gives a semi-abstract impression of clouds and plants, simultaneously reflecting the artist's enthusiasm for textile design.

Original title: Shôka ("Syoka" on the box)

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Two ladies (Haruyo)

The original title, Futarimai, literally means "a dance of two people" and the two figures are posed as if in a swirl of fallen cherry blossom.

Remember (see detail below) that traditionally the feature of a kimono regarded as sexiest was the revealed back of the neck.

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Lovelorn (Haruyo)

The young beauty looks wistfully from the bridge - Haruyo sets her off against a background of camellias and the clump of chrysanthemums in the foreground.

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Tanaka Seisui

Auspicious compendium

A very traditional representation by the artist Tanaka Seisui of the jûzen, literally "ten goodnesses": one Red Fuji, two hawks, three aubergines (eggplants), the four gods represented by the nanten plant, five jumping carp, six gourds, seven gods of fortune, the eight-headed dragon (?), nine horses, Jizo of the ten virtues (total 55).

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Flower thoughts (Haruyo)

"Flower thoughts" indeed! Haruyo has gone almost over the top here: the subject has an almost quizzical expression, as if to say "Me? Overdressed?" In addition to her elaborate obi and headwear, petals from the cherry tree flutter down all over her, leaving absolutely no blank areas in this puzzle!

Original title: Kasou

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Yoshitaka Amano

Moon cavalier (Amano)

Classic Amano gothic - swirling lines, and a slightly mysterious composition. If this is a cavalier, where is his horse? And are we on the moon? The first word in the original title, Gekkû no kishi, is made-up: "moon-sky". What does it mean? ...Ah! Could that be the moon in the background? Surely it is.

Anyway, there is plenty of black for people who don't like their puzzles too easy!

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.

© Yoshitaka Amano

Albinone (Amano)

The original title is Shiroi honô, or "White flame" - I can't see the connection with the "Albione" name. Or is it "Albinone"? The box has both versions on different sides...

Although this puzzle has a large background area, it's full of subtle texture, so there should not be any really hard bits.

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Evening (Haruyo)

The wearer of this luxurious kimono - with a crane motif - has the obi (sash) tied at the front, a sign that she is a courtesan. Under thin moonlight filtering through the cherry blossoms, she has playfully wrapped the long sleeves around her hands.

Original title: Yoi

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Moonlight (Haruyo)

Another sumptuously clad, but demure beauty - Haruyo has lost no opportunity to show us as many layers as possible.

Original title: Tsukiakari

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Sugiyama Kasen

Good luck monkeys (Kasen)

Five rather playful monkeys in a cherry tree carry the usual "Good luck" significance, and they are surrounded by other auspicious elements: in the lower left corner Shouchikubai, the trio of pine, bamboo, and plum, represent longevity, wealth, and an abundance of progeny; and in the background carp battling gravity to climb the waterfall represent "coming up in the world." Even the plants in the foreground have special significance: the little yellow flowers are called "fukujusô", or "fortune flower" (scientific name Adonis amurensis), and Nandina domestica, the plant with the red berries, is called "nanten", a pun on "overcoming difficulties."

The artist Sugiyama Kasen signs his paintings with his given name, Kasen, as is the tradition. No information about him is available, except that he was born in Gifu.

© Hideki Yoshioka

Mykonos Resort (Yoshioka)

The original title is "Resort Mansion in Mikonos", somewhat obscure because this is the Japanese usage of "Mansion" to mean (in this case) "holiday apartments." Each "room" features a number of cute characters in front of it, with a caption in Anglo-Japanese: some of the words are Japanese ('buta', for example, is 'pig'), others are English, but the grammar is Japanese (no plurals to be seen). One curiosity is the expression "Love²", pronounced raburabu; for example "Love² rabbit" means approximately "Rabbits in love".

The location, of course, is the Greek island - it seems that 'Mykonos' is the usual spelling.

Born in 1956, Hideki Yoshioka is an airbrush artist who has had a successful career in fantasy illustration. Yoshioka is his family name.

© Kuroiwa Toyotaka

Smiling Jizo (Kuroiwa)

The six figures of Jizô here look very happy indeed, surrounded by equally happy-looking sunflowers. Here's my translation of the poem:

Akarui / egao wa / shiawase-gokoro wo / sodatemasu
A bright smile - makes for a happy heart

The artist was born in Nagano in 1947, and specialises in Buddhist themes, with a distinctive whimsically warm style. (Kuroiwa is his family name - he signs his pictures with a stylised seal of his given name, Toyotaka.)

© Epoch

Itsukushima Jinja

The classic view of the Itsukushima shrine, looking out into the bay at the great torii. This Shinto ceremonial gateway was completed in 1875, and is unusual in being sited in the tidal part of the bay.

This is famous as one of the traditional "Three sights of Japan" - and since 1996 has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

See also: Cherry blossom time (1000 pieces) and Ama-no-hashidate (1000 pieces), one of the other "Three sights"

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

The garden of the four seasons (Haruyo)

Here we see the four ladies, representing the seasons, gathered together in a lawn party somehow reminiscent of a scene from the French impressionists. One dances with a fan, another accompanying her on the koto; a third reads, while the fourth is content to watch.

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Ikehara Shôji

Musashino Mandala (Ikehara)

A straggle of children wend their playful way through the woods, surrounded by various cute animals. Beyond are fields (not paddies; perhaps tea?), a clutch of houses, and distant mountains.

Musashino is the old name for the area west of Tokyo, so perhaps this "mandala" is not the usual representation of a Buddhist other world, but just a childhood memory.

Born in Kagawa Prefecture (Shikoku) in 1939, Ikehara is an artist specialising in illustration for children's story book, but whose work has also appeared in TV manga versions of traditional tales, and on postage stamps. His style is simple, but effective.

He signs his pictures with a hand-drawn "seal", which is hard to decipher, but looks like the second character of his given name.

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Cherry (Haruyo)

A young girl, her kimono decorated with delicate pink origami cranes, shelters under her diaphanous umbrella - the wind gusts a shower of cherry blossom petals. Haruyo has completed the scene with Mt. Fuji in the distance.

Original title: Yumezakura, literally "dream cherry"

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Shimada Kôhô

The Year of the Dog (Koho)

A mother with three playful puppies. As befits their place in the twelve-year cycle, the surroundings are full of auspicious flowers: camellias, ume plum blossom, nanten, and more.

The artist Shimada Kôhô was born in 1952, in Gifu, and specialises in painting birds in the traditional style.

He signs and seals his paintings with his given name, Kôhô only.

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Rose (Haruyo)

The rose - symbol of love and pain; Haruyo has drawn this beguiling figure surrounded by red roses, and has written a subtitle by her signature. Atsuki-omoi-wo - "with passion"...

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Yoshitaka Amano

Ghost-moon (Amano)

A mysterious horseman: the original title Yûgetsu, literally "Ghost-moon", has an air of mystery in Japanese, and the puzzle also has an apparently unrelated English title - "The Beauty Black". Could this be the horse's name? Anyway, dark swirling drama...

This puzzle has a lustrous "lamé" finish.

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.

© Hideki Yoshioka

Happy aquarium (Yoshioka)

Yoshioka's cute feline characters enjoy a visit to the aquarium, though perhaps their curiosity is more gastronomical than biological.

This is a "Glow-in-the-dark" puzzle.

Born in 1956, Hideki Yoshioka is an airbrush artist who has had a successful career in fantasy illustration. Yoshioka is his family name.

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Gold (Haruyo)

The original title, Kogane Miyabi, says it all: "Golden elegance." The young model is ornately dressed in a silver and floral design kimono, but is still outdone by the backdrop - her outer robe of a golden peacock design.

This puzzle is printed on a special foil surface.

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Epoch

Tibetan mandala

A veritable cornucopia of little personages (Buddhas?) doing their own things - sitting on tables, growing extra arms, riding tigers, doing the lotus position, or just being geometrically arranged.

The original title, Kongôkai Mandara (or Kongoukai) is the Japanese way of reading the Chinese characters which are the translation of the Sanskrit "Vajradhatu mandala", which means something like "The Mandala of the Indestructible Realm". This Vajra, sometimes called "Diamond" or "Adamantine," is apparently a feature of the Tibetan version of Buddhism; it also appears to refer to four guardian warriors that protect the Buddha, and sure enough, within the big circle of this design, there are four principal surrounding figures. A complicated story, a complicated image, and a puzzle that is only for those who really want a challenge!

This is exactly the same design as the 2000-piece Tibetan mandala, but the foil printing allows halos and other features to appear in gold, silver, and deep copper tints.

© Epoch

Om mani padme hum

Kannon sits in the four-armed pose associated with this, the most famous of Buddhist mantras: "Om mani padme hum." The six syllables appear in the Tibetan alphabet in various places through the picture, together with a cornucopia of details, from snakes and vultures to peacocks in trees. The detail on the left shows the mantra at the base of one of the stupas - it seems that the six characters are the part within the pink rectangle.

© Yoshitaka Amano

Tenma no yume (Amano)

"The dream of the horse of heaven" - A maiden, totally unencumbered by clothing, is whisked away by her hero.

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.

© Yoshitaka Amano

Dream on the moon (Amano)

This English title (that appears on the box) probably isn't the best translation of the rather poetic Japanese original, Yume-mi-zuki, which consists simply of the words "Dream-view-moon".

The large area of white border will make this quite a challenge for jigsaw beginners.

This image comes from the Vampire Hunter D novel and movie - check out the VHD Archives

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.

© Yoshitaka Amano

Swordsman of moonlight (Amano)

A gothic touch to this classic Amano illustration: the original title is Tsukikage no kenshi.

This image comes from the Vampire Hunter D novel and movie - check out the VHD Archives

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.

© Ichiro Tsuruta

Crane (Tsuruta)

Here the subject holds an origami paper crane (tsuru) on her outstretched fingers; this may be a play on the artist's family name, Tsuruta, which is literally "crane - paddy-field". This picture is dated 1999.

Somewhere to buy origami: Lauraine Origami Paper Store

Ichiro Tsuruta is a contemporary artist, with a distinctive style of powerful simple drawing. He signs his art "Ichiro T", emphasising his given name, as is traditional, but writing in Roman letters.

© Yoshitaka Amano

Nightmare (Amano)

The original title, Kokui-no-kenshi is rather more prosaic - "The black-cloaked swordsman".

This image comes from the Vampire Hunter D novel and movie - check out the VHD Archives

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Firefly (Haruyo)

The Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari) is said to be the world's first novel, written in around 1000 AD, by the Lady Murasaki Shikibu (978-1016). Haruyo has chosen vignettes from the story, to illustrate the opulent fashion of court life in the Heian era.

Koihotaru is the original title - simply "fireflies of love". In this episode of the story, Genji's foster daughter, Tamakazura, is having emotional problems with her suitors, and when visited at night by one of them, Prince Hotaru ("the Firefly Prince"), Genji helps things along by releasing a cloud of fireflies by whose glow her true beauty is revealed.

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Fujimusume (Haruyo)

Fujimusume is a traditional character from Japanese dance - her name comes from fuji, wisteria (nothing to do with Mt. Fuji) and musume, means "daughter" or simply "young woman". Typically she dances on a stage set with exuberantly stylised hanging blossom. The wide black hat is another standard accessory: perhaps Haruyo's character holds it in her hand to give us a better view of the decorations in her hair.

Kaname's version of Fujimusume (1000 pieces)

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Epoch

SL Kifujin

This C57-180 steam locomotive, built in August 1946, was restored, and in 1999 started a regular tourist run on the Ban'etsu-nishi line from Niigata on the west coast to Aizu-wakamatsu; by 2002 it had carried a quarter of a million passengers. It has been given a new name - Kifujin - or "Lady", preceded by the universal Japanese abbreviation "SL" for Steam Locomotive

View the Timetable (in Japanese)

© Epoch

Hida paddy fields

The famous preserved village of Shirakawagô has its extended-family houses surrounded by paddy fields, showing that rice can be grown even in the high valleys of the Japan Alps. The Hida name is the ancient kuni name of this area; it's now part of Gifu.

Photo note: I hesitated about this puzzle. It's a good close up view of paddy fields, but even given today's fashion for highly saturated photographs, I find the colours exaggerated. It is a fun puzzle to do, though, because of the reflection symmetry.

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Sachi (Haruyo)

The title, Sachi, means "happiness" or "blessings". There is a simple, classical elegance to this portrait of a lady with two doves.

There's a bonus with this puzzle: on the back of the box appears the whole range of Haruyo puzzles as of around the year 2000 - unfortunately only a very few of these are still available.

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Studio Morita / Studio Oz Inc

Oborozuki (Haruyo)

The title is somewhat difficult to translate: "the (spring) moon, shrouded in haze," a common motif in both art and song. Haruyo has placed the moon right at the top right corner, and given her model a striking diagonal pose. (Incidentally leaving quite a large plain area for a puzzle!) Although the colours here are restrained, the courtesan holds her outer robe to give us a good view of the picture on it - a crane, over woods and waves.

There's a bonus with this puzzle: on the back of the box appears the whole range of Haruyo puzzles as of around the year 2000 - unfortunately only a very few of these are still available.

The artist Morita Haruyo studied both Japanese art and kimono design, and she combines these with elements of her own Western-influenced technique. (She travelled to London in 1977, exactly the year I [Brian Chandler] first came to Tokyo.)

Morita is her family name: she follows the tradition of signing - and sealing - paintings with her given name only.

© Kimiya Masago / Kensin

Zhang Fei (Masago)

These sombre fantasy images by Masago Kimiya portray characters from the old Chinese story of the Three Kingdoms. This is based on the true history of the split in the Chinese empire around 1800 years ago, and the original record of events was written not long after, but the various later adaptations as novels have considerably embellished the true facts. The fourteenth-century Chinese novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, is the version best-known in English translation, but there have been a number of independent adaptations in Japanese, most notably by the novelist Yoshikawa Eiji (1892-1962), which has probably been a major influence on these images and the current round of role-playing games based on the story. Somewhat confusingly, Yoshikawa used the title of the original historical record (Sangokushi, or Sanguo-zhi in Chinese), instead of the "Romance" title of the Chinese novel.

More background information: start with Sanguo-zhi at Wikipedia.

The image is presented within a wide black margin, with the character's name in gold Chinese characters at the centre bottom, and the romanised (Pinyin) form underneath in dark grey. Don't be confused (as I was) by the legend 'ART OF WAR' in crimson in the lower left corner: this is not a reference to the (completely different) Chinese history book, but appears to be a brand name of the company licensing Masago's work.

Born in 1960 in Okayama, western Japan, Masago followed graduation from university in physics by working for the manga artist Terasawa Buichi, a pioneer of computer graphics in manga illustration. Masago went solo in 1989, and has made a career as an illustratore specialising in Chinese historical themes. His latest role is that of costume designer for the blockbuster movie "The Promise" (2006) by the Chinese director Chen Kaige.

Masago is his family name, so he is also known as Kimiya Masago.

© Kimiya Masago / Kensin

Zhao Yun (Masago)

These sombre fantasy images by Masago Kimiya portray characters from the old Chinese story of the Three Kingdoms. This is based on the true history of the split in the Chinese empire around 1800 years ago, and the original record of events was written not long after, but the various later adaptations as novels have considerably embellished the true facts. The fourteenth-century Chinese novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, is the version best-known in English translation, but there have been a number of independent adaptations in Japanese, most notably by the novelist Yoshikawa Eiji (1892-1962), which has probably been a major influence on these images and the current round of role-playing games based on the story. Somewhat confusingly, Yoshikawa used the title of the original historical record (Sangokushi, or Sanguo-zhi in Chinese), instead of the "Romance" title of the Chinese novel.

More background information: start with Sanguo-zhi at Wikipedia.

The image is presented within a wide black margin, with the character's name in gold Chinese characters at the centre bottom, and the romanised (Pinyin) form underneath in dark grey. Don't be confused (as I was) by the legend 'ART OF WAR' in crimson in the lower left corner: this is not a reference to the (completely different) Chinese history book, but appears to be a brand name of the company licensing Masago's work.

Born in 1960 in Okayama, western Japan, Masago followed graduation from university in physics by working for the manga artist Terasawa Buichi, a pioneer of computer graphics in manga illustration. Masago went solo in 1989, and has made a career as an illustratore specialising in Chinese historical themes. His latest role is that of costume designer for the blockbuster movie "The Promise" (2006) by the Chinese director Chen Kaige.

Masago is his family name, so he is also known as Kimiya Masago.

© Kimiya Masago / Kensin

Huang Zhong (Masago)

These sombre fantasy images by Masago Kimiya portray characters from the old Chinese story of the Three Kingdoms. This is based on the true history of the split in the Chinese empire around 1800 years ago, and the original record of events was written not long after, but the various later adaptations as novels have considerably embellished the true facts. The fourteenth-century Chinese novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, is the version best-known in English translation, but there have been a number of independent adaptations in Japanese, most notably by the novelist Yoshikawa Eiji (1892-1962), which has probably been a major influence on these images and the current round of role-playing games based on the story. Somewhat confusingly, Yoshikawa used the title of the original historical record (Sangokushi, or Sanguo-zhi in Chinese), instead of the "Romance" title of the Chinese novel.

More background information: start with Sanguo-zhi at Wikipedia.

The image is presented within a wide black margin, with the character's name in gold Chinese characters at the centre bottom, and the romanised (Pinyin) form underneath in dark grey. Don't be confused (as I was) by the legend 'ART OF WAR' in crimson in the lower left corner: this is not a reference to the (completely different) Chinese history book, but appears to be a brand name of the company licensing Masago's work.

Born in 1960 in Okayama, western Japan, Masago followed graduation from university in physics by working for the manga artist Terasawa Buichi, a pioneer of computer graphics in manga illustration. Masago went solo in 1989, and has made a career as an illustratore specialising in Chinese historical themes. His latest role is that of costume designer for the blockbuster movie "The Promise" (2006) by the Chinese director Chen Kaige.

Masago is his family name, so he is also known as Kimiya Masago.

© United Feature Syndicate

Beagleway (Peanuts)

Snoopy's name in lights! Not Broadway, but even his own name on the street - Beagleway...

For fifty years Charles M Schulz (1922-2000) drew the Peanuts cartoon strip, featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the gang, who have become some of the best-known characters all over the world.

© Toshikazu Yoshida

Summer fireworks (Yoshida)

All the elements of a traditional festival (matsuri) are here - the fireworks, of course, but also the street sellers of various delicacies (including beer!), and lots of people in their summer wear. The scene is being watched by a guitarist, perched precariously on the window ledge.

(Note that the white frame is part of the puzzle.)

Born in Tokyo in 1963, the artist portrays nostalgic glimpses of the world of his childhood.　In addition to being a prolific illustrator, he is a keen mountaineer in his spare time.

He paints in a distinctive pointilliste style: closely-packed blobs of bright colour. Yoshida is his family name - he does not seem to sign his pictures.

© David Lee

Dancing blossom (Lee)

A traditional yet dynamic composition of blooms (tree peonies?) is set against a sumptuous gold background.

Born in Canton, China, in 1944, David Lee grew up in Hong Kong, the son of a doctor. His father told him he could be an artist instead of a doctor, as the family hoped, if he could win the Chinese National Painting Competition - which he did, being the youngest winner ever.

He trained in traditional painting techniques, earning a fine arts degree from Taiwan University. He now has a home in Hawaii, and his works are exhibited in art galleries around the world.

© David Lee

Royal irises (Lee)

Sumptuous purple-shaded irises are set agains an equally rich gold background.

Born in Canton, China, in 1944, David Lee grew up in Hong Kong, the son of a doctor. His father told him he could be an artist instead of a doctor, as the family hoped, if he could win the Chinese National Painting Competition - which he did, being the youngest winner ever.

He trained in traditional painting techniques, earning a fine arts degree from Taiwan University. He now has a home in Hawaii, and his works are exhibited in art galleries around the world.

© Keyphotos

Paradise

No map showing paradise is available, but it looks like somewhere in the pacific!

© Road

Kinkakuji

Perhaps the most famous of Kyoto's temples, this is the "Gold pavilion." It was originally built in the 1300s, and given to the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397, but was destroyed in an arson attack in 1950. Rebuilt in 1955, the gold leaf covering was only completely restored in 1987. Like the "Silver pavilion," this is only a nickname, and the formal temple name is Rokuonji.

What does the name mean?

gold

pavilion

temple

Photo note: This photograph is not up to Road's usual (extremely) high standards. It looks around twenty years old, at least, but this may be because the building had become rather shabby before getting a new coat of gold leaf at the beginning of 2003, in which case perhaps this is a photo from its previous restoration. At least the building itself is in an excellent state here.

© Fumihiko Murakami/amana images

Kômyôji, Kyoto

The main entrance to this temple is a famous spot for autumn colours. ("Fall colors" if you like: Japan is blessed with many of the red maples that remind me more of scenes of New England than of the older England I come from.) The first temple on this site is said to have been founded in 1198, but the current building dates from around 1750.

What does the name mean?

light

bright

temple

© Orion Press

White beach

Somewhere under the tropical sky...

© Disney

Pooh and the magic tree (Ellenshaw)

All the classic Pooh characters gaze at the magic tree...

Born in England in 1913, Peter Ellenshaw is a successful landscape painter whose work in the film industry spans seven decades. He has lived, and painted, in California, and now Ireland - when already in his eighties he was commissioned to paint scenes from films produced by Disney Studios.

© Disney

The Little Mermaid: Triton's castle (Ellenshaw)

This mysterious edifice appears to emerge from the very depths of the ocean - as the characters from the movie look on.

This painting is a collaboration between Peter Ellenshaw and his son Harrison.

Born in England in 1913, Peter Ellenshaw is a successful landscape painter whose work in the film industry spans seven decades. He has lived, and painted, in California, and now Ireland - when already in his eighties he was commissioned to paint scenes from films produced by Disney Studios.

© Escher Holding BV

Day and night (Escher)

This is a woodcut, created in 1938, and showing Escher's combination of geometrical imagination and and naturalistic drawing technique. From the abstract pattern in the centre, white birds fly right into night, and black ones left into day, while metamorphosing down into the chessboard pattern of fields in the Dutch landscape.

Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) was a Dutch artist, who produced many well-known images of mathematical fantasies, though he had no formal training in mathematics. Animals and birds metamorphose into geometrical shapes and back again - buildings follow geometrical rules, yet defy reality.

© Escher Holding BV

Reptiles (Escher)

Lizards escape from one of Escher's animal tilings, for a quick trip around his desk, then back to the 2-D world of paper...

Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) was a Dutch artist, who produced many well-known images of mathematical fantasies, though he had no formal training in mathematics. Animals and birds metamorphose into geometrical shapes and back again - buildings follow geometrical rules, yet defy reality.

© Shogo Kariyazaki, Masayuki Hayashi

Waraku (Kariyazaki)

A modern ikebana master presents a profusion of autumnal flowers and fruits - chrysanthemums and daisies cluster under red maple leaves, while persimmons hang low. And all this to a backdrop of ornate gold-leaf decorated fusuma, the sliding dividing screens.

The title, Waraku, might be loosely translated "Peaceful pleasure".

Kariyazaki's website

Born in Tokyo in 1958, Kariyazaki (his family name) studied in the Sogetsu school of ikebana, or traditional flower arranging, then developed his own style of "space arrangement". He has been responsible for interior decoration at many VIP events, notably the tenth anniversary celebrations of the current Emperor's enthronement, and President Clinton's visit to Tokyo. While running his own studio, he still finds time for frequent TV appearances.

© Morita Toshitaka

Fuji floating (Morita)

Cherry blossom and a (distant) view of Mt Fuji. This is taken from Izu Peninsula to the south, looking across the bay of Numazu. Just the snowcap floats mysteriously above the spring haze.

© Ozuma Kaname

Fujimusume (Kaname)

Fujimusume is a traditional character from Japanese dance - her name comes from fuji, wisteria (nothing to do with Mt. Fuji) and musume, means "daughter" or simply "young woman". Typically she dances on a stage set with exuberantly stylised hanging blossom; the wide black hat is another standard accessory.

Haruyo's version of Fujimusume (1000 pieces)

The painter Ozuma Kaname was born in 1939, in Niigata. He studied traditional Japanese art, and his pictures are generally based on traditional themes.

Ozuma is his family name: he signs paintings with the single character of his given name only.

© Kagaya / Trans-Modern Art

Everlasting song (Kagaya)

"She has set her boat on a lake echoing to the murmurs of the ice.

"The aurora beams down the harmony of the sun and earth's breathing.
"Sometimes peaceful, sometimes tempestuous, the song has lasted from time immemorial.

"She reads from a score written in the celestial globe to play a melody, an irreplaceable moment in time.
"Never to be repeated."

Celestial exploring... Kagaya's fantasy world

Born in Saitama (just north of Tokyo) in 1968, Kagaya spent his childhood in wonderment of the stars in the sky, and never stopped painting them. He has had a successful career as an illustrator for astronomical books and magazines, and many of his works have been turned into jigsaw puzzles, among other products. Since 1996, he has worked exclusively in the digital medium, using a Macintosh. Perhaps that is why he does not appear to sign his pictures.

He goes by his family name; his given name appears to be Yutaka, but in English you will also find him called Joh Kagaya (Jô is the Chinese reading of his name).

© Kagaya / Trans-Modern Art

Reflection (Kagaya)

"On her way home,
"The beauty of the setting sun was such that she set her boat on the shore.
"And, listening to the lapping of gentle waves against the bottom of the boat,
"She dreamed of the joy that another day would bring.
"The still, warm sea reflected the ever-changing colours of the sky.
"And as the sky turned to a starry orb, the sliver of a two-day-old moon appeared."

Celestial exploring... Kagaya's fantasy world

This puzzle is printed with a special Hexachrome process for extra-vivid colours (not glow-in-the-dark).

Born in Saitama (just north of Tokyo) in 1968, Kagaya spent his childhood in wonderment of the stars in the sky, and never stopped painting them. He has had a successful career as an illustrator for astronomical books and magazines, and many of his works have been turned into jigsaw puzzles, among other products. Since 1996, he has worked exclusively in the digital medium, using a Macintosh. Perhaps that is why he does not appear to sign his pictures.

He goes by his family name; his given name appears to be Yutaka, but in English you will also find him called Joh Kagaya (Jô is the Chinese reading of his name).

© Kagaya / Trans-Modern Art

Tranquillity (Kagaya)

"The sea is calm inside the coral reef around the island.
"Listen to the gentle sea with a quiet ear, and you will hear the song of porpoises, and the breathing of the fish and coral.
"The water of the oceans reaches around the planet, giving life to myriad creatures.

"Thus she felt at one with every being on the planet, floating in her happiness."

Celestial exploring... Kagaya's fantasy world

This puzzle is printed with a special Hexachrome process for extra-vivid colours (not glow-in-the-dark).

Born in Saitama (just north of Tokyo) in 1968, Kagaya spent his childhood in wonderment of the stars in the sky, and never stopped painting them. He has had a successful career as an illustrator for astronomical books and magazines, and many of his works have been turned into jigsaw puzzles, among other products. Since 1996, he has worked exclusively in the digital med