Kazuhiro Sakamaki

Graphic Designer - Art Director

Chapter One
Returning to ZERO°

Rediscovering Japan from London

 

I was born and raised in Tokushima, Japan, a region known for its rich cultural heritage, including Awa indigo, traditional Japanese handmade paper (Awa Washi), the Awa Dance Festival, and the Naruto whirlpools.

As a child, I loved drawing, storytelling, and working with paper and colour. Looking back, I realise that the landscapes, craftsmanship, and everyday culture of my hometown quietly shaped my creative sensibility, although I did not fully appreciate their value at the time.

During my childhood, I became fascinated by graphic design. The typography, composition, and use of space in Tamiya model box art left a lasting impression on me. Around the same time, I discovered the famous London Underground map in a library. Its clarity, beauty, and timeless design philosophy inspired me deeply. Looking back, perhaps that was my first encounter with London.

While still in high school, I began studying American commercial art through the Famous Artists Schools correspondence course. There I learned about Western graphic design, advertising, and art direction, developing a broader understanding of design as an international language.

After graduation, I worked in the printing industry, learning every stage of production—from paper selection and ink to plate making and printing. This experience taught me that great design is created not only at a desk, but also through the craftsmanship, knowledge, and dedication of many people.

I later became a graphic designer and art director, working for leading design studios in Tokushima before establishing Kazuhiro Sakamaki Design Office in 1999. Since then, I have worked in branding, advertising, editorial design, and visual communication for public organisations, businesses, and local communities.

Alongside my professional work, I have continued creating self-initiated poster designs exploring themes such as peace, humanity, and social connection. These works have led to invitations to international poster exhibitions, design publications, educational collaborations, and creative projects around the world.

In recent years, I launched AnneKazuhiro™️, my creative brand. Through this project, I combine graphic design with contemporary art, inspired by Japanese aesthetics, the spirit of Zen, and the cultural heritage of Tokushima, including Awa indigo and Awa Washi.

Today, I find myself returning to my origins.

The Awa indigo and Awa Washi that surrounded me throughout childhood have become an essential part of my artistic expression. What once seemed ordinary has become one of the foundations of my creative work.

For me, London is not a place to leave Japan behind.
It is a place to rediscover Japan.
Joining the Professional Graphic Design Association marks the beginning of a new chapter in my journey. I look forward to building relationships within the UK's creative community and contributing through graphic design, art direction, and artistic practice.

In the future, I hope to divide my life between Tokushima, Japan, and London, making London one of my creative bases while continuing to learn, collaborate, and create across both cultures.

My ambition is to bring together the spirit of Japan and London's creative energy, creating new work through graphic design and AnneKazuhiro™️, and sharing that dialogue with the world.

My roots are in Tokushima, Japan.
My creative base is London.
Through design and AnneKazuhiro™️, I connect Japan with the world.

Email: kazuhirosakamaki95@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/view/kazuhiro-sakamaki/
https://kazuhirosakamaki369.amebaownd.com/
https://www.behance.net/kazuhirosakamaki
https://www.ad-p.org/membership.php

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