An Article by Prof. Toshio Kawai, Entitled “The Intersection of Mitsumasa Anno and Hayao Kawai,” Appeared in the July 2021 Extra Issue of Eureka

An article by Prof. Toshio Kawai, entitled “The Intersection of Mitsumasa Anno and Hayao Kawai,” appeared in the July 2021 extra issue of Eureka, which was published in memory of Mitsumasa Anno, an artist famous for his playful works, for example, a picture book ‘Mysterious Pictures (Fushigi na e).’ Well-known people from various fields contributed to this special issue.

Prof. Toshio Kawai looks back on the interaction between Mitsumasa Anno and Prof. Hayao Kawai, referring to their conversation in the book, ‘It’s Amazing to Live’ (Kodansha Sophia Books, 1998, Japanese version only). They first met when Anno allowed Prof. Hayao Kawai to use his picture for the cover of his book. Their connection continued even after Prof. Hayao Kawai’s death, as Anno was commissioned to paint covers of books that were republished in memory of Prof. Hayao Kawai. He also designed the Kawai Hayao Foundation logo.

Prof. Toshio Kawai introduces Anno’s paintings and views on artworks as well as Prof. Hayao Kawai’s attitude toward psychotherapy with sandplay therapy and narrative as keywords. He posits that the two essentially communicated through their attitude and way of thinking toward nature and “lies.” Next, Prof. Toshio Kawai touches on an episode in which Anno created sandplay at Prof. Hayao Kawai’s office. Prof. Toshio Kawai believes that they shared something essential and intersected in a deeper dimension through Anno’s sandplay at that time. Thus, considering the meaning of their encounter, a message of condolence is conveyed.

Toshio Kawai “The Intersection of Mitsumasa Anno and Hayao Kawai”, the July 2021 Extra Issue of Eureka, no.775 (vol.53-7), pp.171-174.

*Website of the July 2021 Extra Issue of Eureka for Special Feature “Mitsumasa Anno”
http://www.seidosha.co.jp/book/index.php?id=3574&status=published

2021/07/16