Japanese Literary Awards

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Yuki Sasameya

ささめや ゆき

Sasameya Yuki

Aliases: 細谷正之
Pen Names: Masayuki Hosoya（Artworks (prints and oil paintings) published under this real-name during 1970s–1980s）

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1943-08-02 （Hasunuma-cho, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan）
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese
Residence History
Hasunuma-cho, Ota-ku, Tokyo (birthplace) → Zushi (raised) → Paris (study, c.1970) → New York (study, c.1971) → Cherbourg (studied at Cherbourg art school, 1972)

Career

Occupations
printmaker, illustrator, picture book author/illustrator, painter
Active Years
1973-
Influenced By
Folklore and traditional folk tales, Kenji Miyazawa (illustrated his works)
Influenced

Education

Ochanomizu Art Academy
Period: 1968（入学）
Country: Japan
Entered in 1968; selected for the Nikaten exhibitions while studying
Paris (art study)
Period: 1970（短期研修）
Country: France
Short-term stay to study painting
New York (art study)
Period: 1971（短期研修）
Country: United States
Stay for painting study
Cherbourg School of Art
Period: 1972（留学）
Country: France
Studied at Cherbourg art school in 1972

Awards

Shogakukan Painting Prize
1995
Work: Gadolf's Lily
Organization: Shogakukan
Result: 受賞
Kodansha Publishing Culture Award (Illustration Prize)
1999
Work: Illustrations for 'Masaki Ku Araba', 'Aki ga Nioitte', 'Nemureru Mama no Onna' (selection of works)
Category: さしえ賞
Organization: Kodansha
Result: 受賞
Japan Picture Book Award
2000
Work: Tomorrow a Cat Comes to Our House
Organization: Japan Picture Book Award Committee
Result: 受賞
Akai Tori (Red Bird) Illustration Award
2009
Work: Spider Lily Is the Fox's Hairpin
Organization: Akai Tori editorial committee
Result: 受賞
JRA Award — Equestrian Cultural Prize
2017
Work: Satta's Black Foal
Organization: Japan Racing Association (JRA)
Result: 受賞
Domelhof International Print Competition — Silver Prize
1985
Work: The Day Lou Came (etching)
Organization: Domelhof International Print Competition
Result: 銀賞

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Gadolf's Lily

1996 Children's book / illustration

A volume illustrated for a work by Kenji Miyazawa; noted for its dreamlike, tranquil print-like illustrations.

naturefantasyfolkloric elements

Tomorrow a Cat Comes to Our House

2000 Picture book

A warmly depicted picture book with approachable lines and colors, focusing on everyday life for children.

familyanimalseveryday warmth

Spider Lily Is the Fox's Hairpin

2008 Picture book / fairy tale illustration

Illustrations evoking Japanese folktales and landscapes; praised for traditional motifs and delicate rendering.

folktalesnaturesense of season

Satta's Black Foal

2016 Picture book

A gentle story about the bond between a horse and people; received JRA award for highlighting equestrian culture.

animalsbondsgrowth

Bibliography

  • Signboard Stories
  • Tinplate Notes
  • Gadolf's Lily
  • Tomorrow a Cat Comes to Our House
  • Spider Lily Is the Fox's Hairpin
  • Satta's Black Foal
  • Hesse's Night, Camus' Morning
  • Truly Like and Falsely Like

Style & Themes

Literary Style
delicate, print-like flat touchcalm, restrained color palettefolkloric and allegorical expression
Recurring Motifs
animals (cats, horses, etc.)nature (seasonal flowers and landscapes)folktale / fairy-tale elements

Legacy

An artist combining printmaking techniques with warm picture-book illustration. Exhibited domestically and abroad; highly regarded in children's literature and illustration.

Museums

  • Izumi Art Museum (exhibition of Yuki Sasameya) Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture (hosted exhibition)
  • Bunkamura Gallery (exhibition) Shibuya, Tokyo (hosted exhibition)

Quotes

  • Although I began creating picture books at publishers' requests, even now I don't really feel like a 'picture book author.'
    Source: MOE magazine, issue 291 (2004) (2004)

Trivia

  • Previously published prints and oil paintings under the name 'Masayuki Hosoya'.
  • Studied at Cherbourg School of Art in 1972.
  • Won the 6th Japan Picture Book Award in 2000 for 'Tomorrow a Cat Comes to Our House'.