GRAND PRIZE

Shinji Iwamoto Fukuoka Street of Shuttered Shops Free Section

I am happy that my work was recognized in such a high-level international competition. My drawing was inspired by a shopping street in my neighborhood, where an increasing number of shops have been shuttered. Years ago, the street was full of life and teeming with crowds. Today, however, the only people you can see are the ones painted on the shutters. In trying to express that funny, lonely feeling, it took me two weeks to put on paper an idea that I have been nurturing for three years.

Shinji Iwamoto

PROFILE

Iwamoto was born in Omuta, Fukuoka Prefecture, in 1955. He studied graphic art at a vocational school, but left before graduating to work at a company. While working at the company, he continued drawing single-frame cartoons. He draws anything he finds funny in everyday life without restricting himself to any one theme. Leaving the company in 2003, he opened a studio in his hometown to draw portraits of pet animals. He has entered the Yomiuri International Cartoon Contest more than 10 times, but this is the first time he has won a prize.

JUDGE'S COMMENTS

Iwamoto's work portrays gloomy social conditions in an upbeat style. His specialty is creating an atmosphere aimed at making people burst out laughing. His work is not so individualistic in style, but features excellent composition and good use of color, and is attractive to anyone who sees it.

Masashi Ueda