JAGDA, in collaboration with the Hiroshima International Cultural Foundation, launched a volunteer project “Hiroshima Appeals” poster campaign in 1983, focusing on the theme “Hiroshima’s Spirit” with the goal of promoting peace at home and abroad. The project, conducted annually through 1989, was reinstated in 2005 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. This year Kaoru Kasai created the poster for 2013, which is the 16th work of this series.

Title: “Natsu no Hi no Mabushisa” (Glare of the Sun in Summer)
Designer: Kaoru Kasai
Organizer: Hiroshima Peace Creative Foundation, Hiroshima International Cultural Foundation,
Japan Graphic Designers Association Inc. (JAGDA)
Collaboration: Toppan Printing Co. Ltd., Takeo Co., Ltd.
Details: JAGDA Hiroshima

Comment from the designer
The glare of the sun in summer is accompanied by sadness. I picked up a brush in front of a white paper and drew this picture without thinking. Various feelings came to me while I repeated drawing, and then I could not keep drawing any longer. We are supported by somebody, and we think of somebody. That’s why we can live. An atomic bombing can by no means take our heart away from the yearning or affection for the people that we love. I deeply hope that this poster can accompany what victims and survivors feel.

About the designer
Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, in 1949; after working for Bunka Printing from 1968 to 1970, and for Ohtani Design from 1970 to 1973, he has worked for SUN-AD since 1973 to date.
His activities cover a wide range, with his representative works including: long-term advertisements such as Suntory Oolong Tea (1983–) and United Arrows (1997–); CI/spatial planning and package designs for Toraya (2004–); CI and signage for Suntory, the Suntory Museum of Art, and the Roppongi Shopping Street Association; advertisements for cinema and theater; and book designs of photo collections.

Recent work and activities:
Book designs for Thinking Architecture (Author: Peter Zumthor, Publisher: Misuzu Shobo) and IRON STILLS-Remains of Iron in America (Photos and sentences: Yasushi Handa, Publisher: ADP); advertising for the TOYOTA 86 sports car; store planning for TORAYA TOKYO; and animation for NHK Minna no Uta “Nakimushi Pierrot (a weeping clown).”

Awards:
Tokyo ADC Grand Prix, Mainichi Design Award, Asahi Advertising Award, Book Design Award of the Kodansha Publishing Culture Awards, Ayao Yamana Award of the Japan Advertising Awards, etc.

Personal Exhibitions:
1984: “Kaoru Kasai and SONY” (Design Gallery 1953, Ginza Matsuya)
1992: “Kasai Kaoru Exhibition ‘AERO’” (Ginza Graphic Gallery)
2007: “KASAI Kaoru 1968” (Creation Gallery G8, Guardian Garden), etc.

Publications:
Kaoru Kasai’s Work and the Surroundings (Rikuyosha)
World Graphic Design 35: Kaoru Kasai (DNP Art Communications)
KASAI Kaoru 1968 (ADP)

Memberships:
He is a member of Tokyo ADC, Tokyo TDC, JAGDA, and AGI.

Exhibition Information
● “Hiroshima Peace Poster Exhibition”
Period: Thursday, 15 – Tuesday, 20 August
Venue: The Former Bank of Japan, Hiroshima Branch

● “Hiroshima Appeals Poster Exhibition”
Period: Thursday, 8 – Tuesday, 20 August
Venue: Oriental Design Gallery

Poster now available
The posters are available at JAGDA online shop. For overseas distribution, please contact JAGDA Secretariat first.
Size: B1
Price: 1,050Yen per copy

Other sites to purchase:
1) Museum and resource center
– Hiroshima Peace Memorial Center (museum shop)
– Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art (museum shop)
2) Book shop
– kobunkan
– Picasso Graphic Station