Misako Osaka

Osie (raised cloth) is a kind of the art of creating a figure of human character, flower, bird, or animal by making the prototype with card board, stuffing cotton inside sheets, and wrapping the contents with cloth by using rice flour called Kanbaiko as a glue.

For the surfacing cloth, Chirimen (silk crepe), Kinran (gold brocade) and dyed silk are used. Each part of Osie is covered with cloth and built into an integrated form of Osie art.

Misako has been dispatching the message to people in all corners of the world to attract their interest in Japanese culture and spirit of Japanese art.

As technique and style of Ukiyoe (Japanese wooden prints) in Edo era caused a sensation of Japonism in Europe and gave profound influence over western artists in 19 century, Misako attempts to infuse the spirit of modern pop culture into traditional Japanese art – Osie by adding a cool “Kawai" element to her work.

Almost of all my work feature combination of fresh and joyful color and people’s bright smiles, because I would like to share the happiness of joyful life through color and a smile with people all over the world.

Scientists say a smile reduces stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and dopamine in the brain, and instead lowers blood pressure and produces “Happiness hormones” such as endorphin that makes you feel happy. I heard that a single smile generates positive stimuli worthy for the health effect of 2000 pieces of chocolate bars. By looking at a lot of smiles, you can feel happy.

As French philosopher, Emile-Auguste Chartier, a.k.a. Alain said

“You don’t laugh because you are happy.

You are happy because you laugh,”

smile is the universal language communicable to whomever, wherever, and whenever.

Alain also said “Le pessimisme est d'humeur ; l'optimisme est de volonté.” It means you are not happy because things are going well, but thing go well because you feel happy.

I believe we need to build happiness with strong will. By trying to feel yourself happy, you can win happiness.

The pinky-white plum blossoms are called “Haru-tsugegusa” - the plant heralding the arrival of spring season in Japan.

Plum trees shoot forth buds in the mid-winter by enduring the severe cold, and bloom in early spring. As its flower has five pedals, there is a proverb, “Plum blossoms bring along five-fold happiness.” 

Japanese cherish combination of red and white color, and it is a basic color format to be served for celebratory events.

In addition to the theme of Smile and Red and White color combination, I incorporated “Kawaii” concept which is now being recognized and loved all over the world into my work.

As the material, I used Chirimen (silk crepe), Japanese handmade paper (made from mulberry bark) and Chinese ink. Plums are wrapped in a thick paper and pasted in order for projecting a three-dimensional impression.

Raised-cloth art forms a complete beauty by incorporating each piece of parts and materials into an integral unit.

I tried to create a meaningful, joyful and beautiful art form by assembling “Happiness- related” materials familiar to Japanese with a smile in happy mood so that I’m able to deliver you and everybody in the world happy life and smile in each own way. 

Anesama Toothpick Doll:

Anesama meaning “My elder sister” is a paper doll in Kimono style made of Chiyogami, Japanese color paper which represents one aspect of Japanese culture.

As a material, wooden toothpick and Chirimen paper are used for the head part, and Chiyogami is used for dress.

Misako Osaka is promoting Anesama Toothpick Doll project to spread Anesama toothpick dolls all over the world.

Greeting Cards