Artists seeking to thrive in the fast-paced internet society of our modern times often take to social media to give their artwork more exposure on a global scale. But amidst such technologically savvy artists, there is one Japanese paper cutting artist whose works you won’t be able to see without visiting an exhibition or getting ahold of postcards and photographs of them.

Noboru Takahashi is a Tokyo-based artist who works as a salaryman during the day and a creator of paper art during his free time. Though he began creating his washi-based artwork over 20 years ago as a hobby, it wasn’t until 6 six years ago that he decided to share his art with the rest of the world. Now, he is a regular exhibitor at the Tokyo Design Festa, and his works are adored by fans far and wide.

Washi Paper Art

In contrast to the type of paper cutting art where elaborate patterns are cut from a single piece of paper, Takahashi’s paper art combines paper cutting and washi art, creating elegant, colorful masterpieces that at first glance appear to be watercolor paintings.

After sketching the general outline of each individual work of art, Takahashi uses a single knife to cut pieces from a sheet of black paper. He then glues layers of colored washi to the backs of every cut-out piece. The various shades of color are made possible with fine layers of soft washi, and his works require both the techniques of paper cutting and washi layering.

Though beautiful regardless of the medium through which it is appreciated, Takahashi’s paper art is especially breathtaking when seen up close and shone with a light from behind, which adds to it a gentle warmth.

Japanese Culture Through Washi

For his paper art, Takahashi predominantly uses Tengucho washi (also pronounced "Tengujo"), a type of thin, handmade paper originating from Kochi Prefecture. Delicately crafted, the material allows Takahashi the freedom to create layers for the perfect shade of color for his artwork. But not only is the washi pleasing to the eye, it is also pleasing to the touch. Incredibly soft, Takahashi hopes that more people will come to see his works in person, not only to see but to physically reach out and touch it.

Takahashi dreams of spreading the beauty of washi and Japanese culture to an international audience through his charming paper art, and for more Japanese people to gradually reintroduce the traditional craft back into their everyday lives.

Though Takahashi has been a regular participant of the biannual Tokyo Design Festa, this year he will be busy preparing for a solo exhibition to be held in September at Kagurazaka Art Square. The exhibition is an excellent opportunity for all audiences of Takahashi to see his warm, kaleidoscopic artwork up close, and to see what other amazing works he has to offer.