How We…Made Our First Graffiti Art Book: Rackgaki, Japanese Graffiti

So we wanted to share some of our stories of how we made some of our earliest works. Today’s post looks at the creation of our first-ever book, Rackgaki, Japanese Graffiti.

It all began when we embarked on a thrilling trip to Japan, armed with cameras and a passion for urban art. Our mission was to capture the essence of Japan's graffiti scene, to meet and collaborate with talented artists, and to bring their incredible works to a wider audience.

From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the vibrant neighborhoods of Osaka, we immersed ourselves in the artistry and creativity that adorned the city walls. Armed with lenses and video cameras, we documented the incredible talent and captured the spirit of the Japanese graffiti culture.

After an awe-inspiring journey filled with colorful tags, stunning murals, and mind-bending stencils, we returned to London, bursting with excitement and a treasure trove of visual material. Enter Laurence King Publishing, nestled in the heart of Bloomsbury, the vibrant hub of UK publishing. They believed in our vision and recognized the magic we had experienced in Japan.

Collaborating with Laurence King was a dream come true. They saw the potential in our footage and photographs and encouraged us to translate our adventure into a remarkable book. The idea was to showcase the raw energy, unique styles, and cultural significance of Japanese graffiti. We wanted to provide a platform for these talented artists and shed light on their often-underappreciated work.

And so, "RackGaki: Japanese Graffiti" was born. It became our passion project, meticulously piecing together the vibrant pieces of Japan's urban art puzzle. But a book is more than just its content; it's a visual experience from cover to cover. That's where ESOW, the talented artist and designer, stepped in. With a stroke of creativity, ESOW crafted a captivating cover that perfectly encapsulated the essence of our book.

We were driven by the connections we felt with the graffiti and street art community. Prior to "RackGaki," we had released a documentary called "Scratching the Surface: Japan," which delved into the world of Japanese hip-hop. It was through this exploration that we discovered a profound affinity for the graffiti artists and illustrators who brought the streets to life. Their work fascinated us, inspiring us to delve deeper into their stories and showcase their talent through our book.

"RackGaki: Japanese Graffiti" is not just a collection of photographs and stories; it's a celebration of a vibrant subculture and a testament to the dedication and passion of the artists. We hope that through our book, readers can gain a newfound appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance of Japanese graffiti.

So there you have it—a glimpse into the incredible journey that led to the creation of "RackGaki: Japanese Graffiti." We hope you enjoyed this relaxed blog post and feel inspired to explore the dynamic world of street art, wherever your travels may take you. Stay creative and keep embracing the beauty of urban art!