Kuniyoshi Kaneko's "Love for Cats," created by the artist who passed away in 2015, is now a BE@RBRICK! We spoke with Osamu Kaneko, representative of STUDIO KANEKO, about the background of this project and the artist during his lifetime.

Painter Kuniyoshi Kaneko, known for his bold compositions, captivating expressions, and unique individuality, particularly through his "Alice in Wonderland" and "Maiden Blooming" series. Even after his passing in 2015, his remaining works continue to shine brighter and captivate people.

During his life, Kaneko deeply loved cats, and they would take turns modeling for his paintings at home. One of these works, "Love for Cats," is the first collaboration for BE@RBRICK. To commemorate its release, we interviewed Osamu Kaneko, representative of STUDIO KANEKO, which manages the artist's works and oversees exhibitions, events, and publications.

Kuniyoshi Kaneko
Born July 23, 1936, in Saitama Prefecture. Studied under stage artist Motohiro Nagasaka while attending Nihon University College of Art.
Began painting oil on canvas independently in 1964. The following year, he met Tatsuhiko Shibusawa and was responsible for the cover design and illustrations for "The Story of O."
Debuted in the art world with his solo exhibition "Maiden Blooming" (Aoki Gallery) in 1967.
He forged and matured a unique aesthetic alongside pioneers of the avant-garde art scene in Japan, such as Shibusawa, Yukio Mishima, Kara Juro, and Simon Yotsuya.
His published works include the picture book "Alice in Wonderland" and the art collection "The World of Kuniyoshi Kaneko."
His activities were diverse, extending beyond painting to kimono design and photography, and this passion did not wane in his later years. He designed the art for the ceremony announcing the succession of Kankuro Nakamura VI, following the succession of Kanzaburo Nakamura XVIII.
Passed away on March 16, 2015, in his bedroom at home due to ischemic heart disease.

—We understand that you are not related by blood to the artist Kuniyoshi Kaneko, but became his adopted son, taking the name Osamu Kaneko, after working as his assistant. In addition to management, you handle exhibition operations and some design work for book covers and kimonos. Since the artist's passing, you have been managing his works and overseeing exhibitions, events, and publications.

Osamu KanekoI joined as an assistant in 1994, and was responsible for everything related to his daily life, including cleaning, laundry, and cooking, as well as posing for paintings and other tasks besides the actual painting.
We went through the adoption process in 2002. It mainly simplified administrative procedures at the government office, and my work remained the same until his passing in 2015.

—We've heard that the artist had a great fondness for cats during his lifetime. Could you share any memorable anecdotes?

Osamu KanekoOn one occasion, two of the cats gave birth simultaneously, and there was a period when we lived with 15 cats.
We had created an entrance and exit in the kitchen door for them to use the garden for their toilet. Other neighborhood cats started coming over through that entrance, and he found amusement in our living room being filled with cats.
Vacuuming was the start of my day.

—The artist left behind many works titled "Love for Cats." What was the intention behind this series of works?

Osamu KanekoHe said that the cats he lived with were his models, and he wanted to capture their likenesses in his art. None of the cats would stay still while he was painting, so he would hold a stuffed animal to determine the pose, and then paint the cats afterward.

—Could you tell us about the work that served as the motif for this BE@RBRICK?

Osamu KanekoIt's based on Lily, a pure white cat we actually owned. The name was inspired by a cat from Junichiro Tanizaki's novel "A Cat, a Man, and Two Women."
It was painted in 2004 in aサムホール (227x158mm) size.

—What kind of discussions did you have with Medicom Toy regarding the BE@RBRICK creation? Could you also tell us about any specific aspects you focused on, such as the selection of the artwork or requests for the design?

Osamu KanekoThey chose "Love for Cats" from several of his works.
Translating a flat surface into a three-dimensional object presented challenges with the size and placement of the eyes, nose, and mouth. I spent time meticulously placing enlarged parts, scaled to the nearest percent, onto a printed template with tweezers, but I hit a wall.
At that moment, I remembered a madam who walked past the exhibition venue at a department store and declared, "She looks like Naoko Ken." Imagining Naoko Ken helped me find the right placement.

—What aspects did you focus on during the supervision? And what are your impressions of the finished BE@RBRICK?

Osamu KanekoIt's not about making a painting three-dimensional, but about creating a BE@RBRICK.
The finished product is incredibly cute; its expression changes depending on the angle, whether viewed from above or slightly from below.

—Are there any other projects you would like to pursue with Medicom Toy in the future, including other BE@RBRICK collaborations?

Osamu KanekoI'd like to take on the unique characters from "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass."

—Many people have likely encountered the artist's work through books and record jackets. In recent years, the artwork he created for Hyde's (vocalist of the rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel, performing solo as Hyde) third solo album, "FAITH" (06), garnered significant attention.

Osamu KanekoWe released a limited edition giclée print of "FAITH" as a memorial project for the first anniversary. Hyde kindly signed all 666 copies, which was deeply moving.
Recently, a kimono featuring Kuniyoshi Kaneko's bat pattern design has appeared as an in-game costume in the smartphone game "HYDE RUN" (until September 28). In conjunction with this, a plush toy of the "HYDE RUN" character wearing the bat-patterned kimono is available atRakuten Books.

—In what ways do you hope to share Kuniyoshi Kaneko's work with future generations?

Osamu Kaneko: I hope to engage in various collaborations with a flexible mindset.
We are currently developing products with the skincare brand "ALICE BELLE.

—As the representative of STUDIO KANEKO, what do you consider to be the appeal of Kuniyoshi Kaneko's work?

Osamu KanekoHis range is vast, from heartwarming expressions to works with a sensual undertone, but what they all share is a sense of refinement.

—Managing a vast collection of works as the representative of STUDIO KANEKO must be challenging. What aspects do you find rewarding amidst these challenges?

Osamu KanekoWe moved to our current location in 2019, and with 48 tons of material, our top priority is to create an environment that prevents mold from developing in the future.
Even though no new works are being created, I find joy in the visitors who come to the exhibitions.

—For those who will encounter the artist's work in the future, could you recommend a museum?

Osamu Kaneko: TheShimose Art Museumin Hiroshima has a collection of oil paintings spanning various periods, from his early works before he became a painter to his representative pieces from recent years.

BE@RBRICK Kuniyoshi Kaneko "Love for Cats" 100% & 400%
Size｜Approx. 70mm / 280mm (height) each
How to Purchase｜Pre-orders accepted from Sunday, September 24, 2023, 0:00 to Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 23:59 JST at MCT TOKYO (http://mct.tokyo). Scheduled for release at Medicom Toy's directly managed stores, online stores, and other select retailers.
Release Date｜Scheduled for release and shipping in January 2024
Price｜¥16,500 (tax included)
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