[Book Description]
Eshi 100 Ver.3 marks the long-awaited return of the acclaimed illustration series, released four years after the previous volume. Continuing its mission to spotlight contemporary Japanese illustration culture, this edition presents a curated selection of 100 illustrators who were active around 2017, spanning a wide range of media including anime, games, manga, and light novels. The book offers a comprehensive view of the diversity and creativity that define Japan’s illustration scene.
While illustration plays a central role in Japanese pop culture, it is often relegated to a supporting role in commercial works. Publications that place the illustrator’s individual artistry at the forefront remain rare. This book fills that gap by showcasing 100 distinctive creators—from celebrated professionals and rising stars to seasoned artists who continue to evolve their unique visual styles—providing a vivid snapshot of the illustration landscape at the time.
Compared to previous volumes, Ver.3 features an even wider variety of genres and artistic expressions, including realism, fantasy, moe, and highly individualized styles. Notably, 20 illustrators have contributed brand-new, exclusive artworks for this edition, making it not only a valuable resource for appreciation but also a highly collectible item.
To faithfully reproduce the colors and textures of each artist's work, the book utilizes the high-color rendering printing technology “Brilliant Palette®,” which brings the vibrancy of digital illustrations as close as possible to print. Readers can fully enjoy the rich tonal quality and intricate brushwork of each piece.
The cover illustration is a newly commissioned work by renowned illustrator Renji Murata. With participation from numerous prominent and emerging artists across a wide spectrum of styles, this volume stands as a definitive visual collection—artistic, timely, and collectible. Whether you're an illustration enthusiast, a design student, or someone with a keen interest in contemporary Japanese visual culture, this is a book you won’t want to miss.
[Publication Details]
Illustrator: Renji Murata
Publisher: BNN
Size: 25 × 18 cm
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 264 pages