The 13th [2024 7-Artists Automotive Art Exhibition] is currently being held at the Pearl Room Gallery in Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan, Yurakucho. Featuring the outstanding works of renowned artists Hideo Kodama, Makoto Ouchi, Mikio Okamoto, Teruo Sahara, Toshiharu Inagaki, Tsutomu Aoto, and Yukio Abiru (in alphabetical order), these masterpieces continue to captivate the world. This exhibition is a remarkable opportunity to witness their long-standing achievements and artistic journeys. We highly encourage you to visit.
TEXT & PHOTO: Osamu Namba
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The 13th [2024 7-Artists Automotive Art Exhibition]
We would like to introduce the history of the exhibition, as shared by Mr. Sahara, a key figure in organizing the event. Its origins date back to 1970, when the Japan Automotive Artists Association was established as a forum for illustrators and designers active in the fields of Japanese automobiles, motorcycles, and other transport equipment. The association primarily focused on hosting exhibitions and participating in automotive-related events. However, in the 2000s, it temporarily ceased its activities.
Later, the late Takashi Jufuku, a former leader of the association (from San-ei Shobo’s art department), and his close friend Makoto Ouchi met at an exhibition where Hideo Kodama (Opel Design) and Tsutomu Aoto (Opel, Honda Designer) were exhibiting. This meeting sparked the idea of reviving the activities of automotive artists. Jufuku and Ouchi from the technical illustration genre, Kodama and Aoto from car design, Mikio Okamoto and Teruo Sahara from the illustration world, and the desire for someone specializing in 3D work led to the inclusion of model finisher Yukio Abiru, forming a new group of members.
After the passing of Mr. Jufuku, artist Toshiharu Inagaki, known for expressing the beauty and gloss of cars through the art of paper cutting, joined the group. The current fixed group of seven members continues their activities to this day.
In 2009, the first 7 Artists Exhibition was held at the Pearl Room in Kotsu Kaikan. It was such a tremendous success that people said they had never seen so many visitors at an exhibition in that venue. Since then, it has been decided to hold the exhibition every year during the last week of September. Over the past 15 years, the event has been held 13 times, with a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, to celebrate the 10th anniversary, a commemorative party was held, inviting a wide range of guests, including designers from Japanese car manufacturers, illustrators, media representatives, art material suppliers, and educational institutions. After the pandemic, the exhibition resumed in 2022, once again attracting many fans. It has since become an even more vibrant gathering place for automotive enthusiasts, as well as fans of art and model cars.
The theme of the 13th exhibition is “Japanese Cars,” with each of the seven artists showcasing works based on this theme. Exhibition Dates: September 22 (Sun) – 28 (Sat), 2024, 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM (until 6:00 PM on the final day) Venue: Gallery Pearl Room Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan, 1st Floor 2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone (direct to the venue): 03-3212-3772
Gallery Pearl Room _ EntranceGallery Pearl Room Upper Middle Floor
Tsutomu Aoto
Tsutomu Aoto: Graduated from Tama Art University in 1966 and joined Honda R&D. In 1969, he moved to Opel in Germany. From 1977, he worked in Honda R&D’s motorcycle design department, and in 1986, he became the manager of Honda’s European four-wheel research center. After returning to Japan, he served as the manager of the Tokyo Design Studio at Honda’s Design Center and later became the Design Director at Hyundai’s Japan Research Institute. In 2000, he became the Director of the Shibax Europe Studio. In 2009, he founded Aoto Design in Japan.
Yukio Abiru
Yukio Abiru: Professional modeler. His passion for plastic models led him to become a professional modeler. During his student years, he began creating model examples and writing for model magazines. He has worked on completed models for car manufacturers and mini car shops, and has painted and assembled prototypes for toys and household items. He also wrote the “American Model Cars” series for *Model Cars* magazine published by Neko Publishing. Currently, he oversees projects for DeAgostini. He is a member of AAF (Automobile Art Federation).Supervisor/Assembly Supervisor for the *Weekly DeAgostini“ Sprinter Trueno AE86 1/8 Model.Supervisor for the *Biweekly DeAgostini“ Japan’s Famous Car Collection 1/64 Models.Supervisor for the *Biweekly DeAgostini“ American Car Collection 1/43 Models.
Toshiharu Inagaki
Toshiharu Inagaki: Kirie (paper cutting) car artist. Joined Toyota Auto Body in 1972, where he worked on the design of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, minivans, and advanced CMF (Color, Material, Finish) development. Alongside his professional duties, he began creating kirie art using his unique techniques. Since 2011, he has been a participant in the 7 Artists Automotive Art Exhibition. He is also a member of the AAF (Automobile Art Federation).
Makoto Ouchi
Makoto Ouchi: Technical Illustrator. After graduating from university, he apprenticed under motor journalist Hiroshi Hoshijima and contributed automotive cutaway illustrations to *Auto Scope* magazine. In 1977, he moved to Munich, Germany, to study technical illustration (cutaway drawing) under illustrator Herbert Schlenzig. After returning to Japan, he provided numerous works to car manufacturers and magazines. He is considered a leading figure in technical illustration in Japan and is highly regarded internationally. He is also a member of the AAF (Automobile Art Federation).
Mikio Okamoto
Mikio Okamoto: Illustrator. After graduating from Kuwasawa Design School and working at Nippon Design Center, he became a freelance illustrator in 1977. He is renowned for his cover illustrations for *Car and Driver* magazine. Specializing in hyper-realistic illustrations, he has also created cover art for *Auto Sound*, as well as illustrations for car manufacturers’ catalogs, newspapers, and various publications. He currently serves as Chairman of the AAF (Automobile Art Federation). https://www.ajidesign.co.jp/okamoto/
Hideo Kodama
Hideo Kodama: Car designer. After graduating from Tama Art University in 1966, he joined Opel. For nearly 40 years, until his retirement in 2004, he dedicated his career to design development at Opel. In 2002, he became the Design Director for the Advanced Design Division, Color & Trim, and Cross-Car Line. After leaving Opel, he began working as a freelance designer. Kodama entered Tama Art University in 1962, but since there were no opportunities to formally study car design at the time (as there were no professors specializing in car design), he was entirely self-taught. While still a student, he sent his sketches to General Motors and was offered a position, which he accepted after graduation. Due to the visa regulations at the time, he joined Opel in Germany immediately after completing his studies. Kodama is considered a pioneer among Japanese car designers. He currently resides in Germany.
Teruo Sahara
Teruo Sahara: Illustrator. He entered Musashino Art University in 1971. After working at a design company, he became a freelance illustrator in 1974. His illustrations and essays cover a wide range of subjects, including cars, motorcycles, outdoor culture, and more. He has also contributed illustrations for fashion and sports in automotive magazines and *Hot Dog Press*. Sahara is well known for his skill in depicting both cars and people. He is a member of the AAF (Automobile Art Federation).An illustrated collection by Teruo Sahara that captures the “ordinary America” he experienced during his 3,800 km journey along Route 66. Every illustration features a road, and through his exceptional artistic ability, he vividly portrays the vast landscapes, skies, and the dynamic spatiality of America. Just by looking at these illustrations, you feel drawn into that moment and place. This is a must-see book, and I highly recommend you take a closer look. Teruo Sahara (Telly Sahara) Instagram: [https://instagram.com/art_tellys](https://instagram.com/art_tellys)
