Cotoh is a painter and illustrator. His work often explores the essence of urban life, identity, and the evolving human connections within city landscapes. He oscillates between traditional analog techniques and digital technology to create portraits.
The characters he depicts carry emotions— rebellion against society, dissatisfaction, and joy. Therefore, at first glance, the seemingly cute characters possess an unusual quality.
Tokyo has always been a source of inspiration for Cotoh. The endless contrasts between the old and the new, quiet and chaos, organised spaces and chaotic areas subtly yet powerfully influence his creative process. From its architecture to neon lights and the people, Tokyo's energy provides a diverse palette of ideas.
He feels that the city's unpredictability stimulates my creativity and constantly urges him to adapt and innovate. For Cotoh, the atmosphere of this city is not just a backdrop; it is a significant element that greatly influences my thoughts and creations. Although he doesn't live in Tokyo, he has succeeded in viewing the city objectively. He has interacted with many people who reside in Tokyo, but Cotoh senses that most of them seemed somewhat ungrounded. He speculates that this may be due to the many people coming from regions outside the city. However he thinks that this may also allow them to be free from constraints and shackles, potentially giving birth to more liberated ideas.