Kaori Tokunaga
(She/Her)
Kaori is a Japanese illustrator, based in France and currently living in the UK.
Before joining the MA, she was mostly self-taught, and during the course she became fascinated by how page turns, compositions, choice of colour, and other devices shape the reader’s experience.
Observational drawing, along with character and material exploration in the sketchbook, is integral to her practice. During the MA, she also discovered the world of printmaking, opening up new possibilities in her work.
She is drawn to stories of friendship, connection, and finding one’s place in the world. She finds inspiration for stories in everyday life: a family of mice stealing the tomatoes she grew in the garden inspired "Boris and the Stolen Tomatoes," and living close to the river and seeing swans whose cygnets she mistook for geese inspired "Nora & Goose."
She is happiest accompanied by friends - human and furry ones alike.
Website: kaoritokunaga.com
Instagram: @kaoritokunaga.art
Email: kaoritokunaga.art@gmail.com
Boris and the Stolen Tomatoes
Boris is a solitary boar whose prized tomatoes begin to disappear. When he discovers the thieves and follows them, an unexpected glimpse into their home shifts his anger into longing- and reveals what he’s been missing.
Nora and Goose
While her mother is away, Nora is awakened by a goose who invites her to take the narrowboat for a ride. “Nora and Goose” celebrates the imagination and play of childhood.
The Invitation
Inspired by a Japanese folktale, “The Invitation” is a tale of a mountain spirit feared by villagers- until a child’s courage uncovers her longing for connection.
