Taiko Matsuo – Artist / Illustrator
Instagram : taikomatsuo
Old and new. Liveliness and stillness. Dreams and reality. I create artworks that move gently between these contrasts, offering quiet comfort to the hearts of those who view them.
With soft, colorful palettes and a flat yet dimensional style, I love to portray landscapes, people, and animals—capturing the nostalgia and hope hidden in everyday life.
I treasure staying true to myself while embracing change with joy. Rather than letting age define me, I aim to keep painting well into my 100s, always evolving and welcoming new challenges.
Born in Kure, Hiroshima, I moved to Tokyo after working in the automotive industry, and began my career as an illustrator in 1998. Since then, I’ve illustrated over 300 book covers and created many works inspired by Japanese mythology and Shinto shrines. Using acrylic gouache, I express the idea that “we are never truly alone” through color and form.
Lately, I’ve been exploring more urban scenes and the atmosphere of modern life—creating works that resonate with younger generations. Bridging the past and present through what I call “emotional landscapes” is one of my unique strengths.
I am currently based in Tokyo, Karuizawa, and Fukui.
Photo by Hiroshi Hatano
< Selected solo exhibition>
2024 "Today is a gift" YUGEN Gallery FUKUOKA, Fukuoka, Japan
2024 "Love is everywhere" Shinjuku Takashimaya, Tokyo, Japan
2024 "Shining and coloring" ART SITRE 25, Fukui, Japan
2023 "Find my color" Tamagawa Takashimaya, Yokohama, Japan
2021 "TOKOWAKA" SPEAK FOR SPACE,Tokyo,Japan
2019 "in the forest" ROPPONGI Roppongi Hills,Tokyo,Japan
2012 "Books love illustration" DAIKANYAMA TSUTAYA BOOKS,Tokyo,Japan
2011 "Layered" POLA MUSEUM ANNEX,Tokyo,Japan
2006 "Be Happy Xmas" SHIBUYA PARCO LOGOS GALLERY,Tokyo,Japan
2002 "Flower garden" AOYAMA BOOK CENTER TOKYO,Tokyo,Japan
1998 "SCENERY" GALLERY ROCKET,Tokyo,Japan
<Group exhibition>
2022 "ASYAAF&Hidden Artists Festival" Seoul , Korea
< Selected work>
2022 "8 million Gods of God Card" was published by Kawade Shobo Shinsha
2020 Tsuruga City "Design Manhole" illustration
2020 "Book Card NEXT" illustration
2020 Picture book "I'll Be There for Sure" was published by shueisha
2016 Special Exhibition Commemorating 30 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Bhutan "Tips for Living Happily in Bhutan" (Ueno Royal Museum) Art Direction
2016 Fukui Bank "passbook/cash card" illustration
2014 "Kojiki yuru-kami zukan" was published by Kodansha
2012 Suntory "Tennensui Billboard" illustration
2010 NHK "Top Runner: Illustrator Taiko Matsuo" appearance
2010 Lion "Soflan Alloy Rich Bottle" Package Design
2008 Coca-Cola "2009 Calendar" illustration
2005 "Presents" was published by Futabasha
2003 House Foods "Curry Marche TV-CM" illustration