Tsukiji, Tokyo
$100
18" x 24"
The tuna auction moved across the river. But mornings still carry the same anticipation—the clatter of knives, the scent of grilled seafood, the first bite of something impossibly fresh. Tourists wander in, regulars return, and together they keep the ritual alive, one bowl of chirashi at a time.
Maki Kobayashi
Maki Kobayashi has spent decades drawing the world with quiet wit and meticulous care. Her personal work often features soft, shaggy creatures navigating familiar settings—train platforms, street corners, quiet interiors. But just as easily, she turns her focus to real places, anchoring each scene in warmth, clarity and detail.
“I went with a sketchbook and no plan."
“I went with a sketchbook and no plan, just a need to see it up close. I followed the smell of dried foods, ate something warm while walking, and brought home ingredients for dinner. Back in the studio, I pulled from those moments. I wanted it to feel like you’re there too, right in the middle of it.”
