Pinup and cyberpunk master Hajime Sorayama's sexy robots

If you look at Japan from the point of view of fine art, then this country is immediately associated with ukiyo‑e and manga prints. And certainly no one would think to say that the Land of the Rising Sun is famous for pinup. Meanwhile, there are masters in Japan who can compete with American illustrators in this specific genre. Don't you believe it? Then it's time to get acquainted with the works of Hajime Sorayama.

Hajime Sorayama was born in 1947 in the city of Imabari on the island of Shikoku. Drawing fascinated him since childhood, but after school something made the young man choose the path of a literary critic. In 1965, he entered Shikoku Gakuin University and began studying ancient Greek and classical English literature.

However, Hajime soon came to his senses and transferred to the Chuo Art School in Tokyo, upsetting his parents. The future master of Japanese pinup received his first recognition as an illustrator in 1967. The illustrations for the publication "Pink Magazine" made us talk about Sorayama as a promising artist.

In 1968, 21-year-old Sorayama graduated from art school and easily found a job in an advertising agency. It took only 4 years for the young man to understand that he needed to go his own way. In 1972, he quit to immerse himself in creativity.

The first author's album of illustrations "Sexy Robot" was released in 1983. He immediately made Sorayama a cult figure. The next book, "Pinup" (1984), only consolidated his leadership at home. Now Hajime Sorayama is considered the most recognizable illustrator in Japan. His chrome-plated sexy robots and cyberpunk-style pinup beauties are not to be confused with anything.

The artist has his own photorealistic style and special technique. Sorayama uses acrylic paints, pencils and even spray guns in his work. The master is known not only for his fascinating illustrations, but also for his design works. It was he who came up with what AIBO robot dog should look like. For it, he received the Grand Prix of Japan for the best design of 2000.

Since 1985, Sorayama has also been working in cinema. He made the video film "Video Illustration" himself, and then participated in many Japanese and international projects. Of the most famous paintings to which the artist had a hand, it is worth mentioning the films "The Living Dead" (1992), "Time Patrol" (1994) and "Space Truckers" (1995).

And the artist also created the cover of the Aerosmith album "Just Push Play" (2001). Now Hajime Sorayama lives in Tokyo and, despite his advanced age, consistently pleases fans with new works.