Horyukaku
Inspiration for the illustrations come from Japanese classic literature Nanso Satomi Hakkenden. Horyukaku is a popular scene in Kabuki. The theme of designs is harmony of traditional Japanese and European designs. Traditional Japanese motifs were drawn by incorporating the styles of Art Nouveau and Art Deco. First hand-drawn painting was made and then colored in Photoshop to get closer to the quality of a real vintage design. Even though people who see the design didn't live in that era, they can feel familiarity and nostalgia.
Horyukaku Illustration by Aihara Nico has been identified as an exceptional example of communication design by the A' Design Award. Horyukaku Illustration received the Bronze A' Design Award in Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design in 2023. The A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award is an international, juried, academic and meritocratic design recognition program which rewards superior design of logos, posters, infographics, brochures, packaging designs, business cards, book covers, billboards and more.
