Miyata Masayuki

Miyata Masayuki was a renowned Japanese artist from Tokyo, best known for his exceptional mastery of kiri-e, the traditional Japanese art of paper cutting.
Largely self-taught and without formal artistic education, he began his career in 1954 as an illustrator for Charles E. Tuttle Co., working under the pseudonym Masakazu Kuwata until 1965. During this time, he also contributed to the founding of Kodansha International, marking his early influence in both art and publishing.
Miyata`s refined paper cutting skills soon drew the attention of acclaimed author Jun`ichirō Tanizaki, who invited him to illustrate literary works. This collaboration led Miyata to create illustrations for modern editions of celebrated Japanese classics such as The Tale of Genji and The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. Among his most iconic pieces is Red Fuji, which was distributed in 184 countries and cemented his status as a globally recognised artist.
In 1995, his international reputation was further solidified when he was named the official artist of the year by the United Nations. While kiri-e remained his signature medium, Miyata also explored traditional Japanese woodblock printing and silkscreen techniques. His thematic series often featured women from various historical eras of Japan and scenic portrayals of Mount Fuji, blending classical motifs with a contemporary sensibility.
Through his unique fusion of tradition and innovation, Miyata left a lasting legacy in the world of Japanese art, earning acclaim both at home and abroad.