"TAKUROMAN is expanding beyond the framework of a Digital Artist to broaden activities as an 'Expresser' (表現者)."

Thank you for your continued support.

March is graduation season. I, TAKUROMAN, have made a certain decision that I would like to share with you here.

From now on, TAKUROMAN will be moving beyond the framework of a Digital Artist to embrace the role of an "Expresser" (表現者) in Japanese, while continuing to use the term "Artist" in English contexts.

Since beginning my artistic journey in 2021, four years have passed with various experiences along the way.

These include holding solo exhibitions, participating in group exhibitions, activities in the NFT art world, live painting on stages and at events, creating merchandise based on my artwork, launching online art courses, publishing marketing articles, performing as an erhu player in street performances, and various business activities.

Initially, the title "Digital Pop Artist" felt appropriate as my activities centered around creating digital art. However, as my range of activities gradually expanded, I realized that I could no longer adequately express who I am with this title.

When considering what expression would be appropriate, I decided to return to my roots.

By roots, I mean reflecting on why I wanted to become a manga artist when I was young.

At 35, I pursued my dream of attending manga school, but soon discovered that I couldn't draw for more than two hours at a time, making me realize that aspirations and professions don't always match.

However, through my subsequent artistic activities, I discovered something important: there is a desire within me "to express and communicate something."

This raises a simple question: Did this desire exist when I was a child?

I can answer that. Yes, I believe it did.

Even as a child, I knew the beauty of the world.

This wasn't from traveling the world or having special experiences that led to some revelation.

I felt it through time spent with family, siblings, and childhood friends.

Another important point I'd like to mention is my activities beyond the artistic realm. I spend much of my daily time on business.

However, I had almost completely separated my business activities from my artistic ones, as if I were an entirely different person in each role. I rarely spoke about one while in the position of the other. Dramatically speaking, it was like having another version of myself in a parallel universe.

Nevertheless, I am still one person, and experiences from one activity can benefit the other. Also, when someone speaks about something, understanding what they've done in the past makes it easier to comprehend their perspective.

Therefore, including all activities—art, erhu performances, seminars, and business—I will continue to expand my range of activities as one individual going forward.

I look forward to your continued support for "Expresser TAKUROMAN" (表現者・TAKUROMAN).