Kyoto-based artist Masanori Ushiki builds a vivid cast of characters that feel both playful and meticulously designed. Drawing on the visual language of 80s and 90s Japanese anime, tokusatsu, and toy culture, his work layers bold color palettes with textile-like repeating patterns. The result is a quiet rhythm that moves the eye across each composition.

Ushiki’s focus on fashion as an useful storytelling tool gives each figure a distinct personality without the need for context. While his references are rooted in the past, he avoids nostalgia, aiming for characters that feel like they’ve stepped out of a future we haven't seen yet. His ongoing 'Fighters' series is a compelling showcase of this approach.