Ryoichi Yamazaki

Ryoichi Yamazaki is reserved by nature but possesses immense talent as a sculptor. Through the gentle, childlike style of his figures—reminiscent of *kawaii* culture—Ryoichi reveals the deep-seated malaise felt by many young Japanese people. His characters, always depicted wearing hoods, have large, anxious, shy, or weary eyes. They are portrayed in everyday situations where they seek isolation and the routine of low-stress activities, communicate solely through technology (smartphones or game consoles), and suffer in silence within the lifestyle imposed upon them, unsure of how to live any other way.