Experience 47 years of Osamu Harada’s iconic characters at OSAMU GOODS’ first overseas exhibition
Step into a world of imagination and creativity at the OSAMU GOODS exhibition at Gallery by the Harbour in Harbour City from 20 July until 13 August. This is the first time that the famous character lineup, created by the world-renowned illustrator Osamu Harada, is being exhibited outside of Japan. Visitors can explore over 50 goods designed by Harada from the late 1970s to the 1990s, including precious goods, logos, and fonts that he created himself. The exhibition also features a mini pop-up store where visitors can take home a piece of OSAMU GOODS magic. The store offers a range of unique and adorable OSAMU GOODS accessories, including t-shirts, combs, keyholders, dishes, and more. The exhibition showcases Harada’s unique and influential approach to illustration, and provide a rare glimpse into the creative process of one of Japan’s most celebrated illustrators.
A Look into OSAMU GOODS, The iconic Character Lineup of Renowned Illustrator Osamu Harada
Osamu Harada was a renowned illustrator who received his degree in the Design Department from Tama Art University. He embarked on his professional career in 1970 when he joined the team of illustrators at the Japanese magazine “an・an”. Harada’s illustrations became widely recognized for their innovative blend of traditional Japanese motifs and contemporary design elements, earning him high acclaim in the industry.
In 1976, Harada launched OSAMU GOODS, a line of original character goods based on the British nursery rhyme “Mother Goose”, which quickly gained popularity among high school girls. The OSAMU GOODS lineup consists of 12 distinct characters, each possessing its own unique personality and style. Among them, JACK and JILL are the most iconic characters, having successfully captured the hearts of fans around the world and becoming a beloved pair in the OSAMU GOODS universe.
An Exclusive Display of Over 50 Archival Products Created By Osamu Harada, Showcasing His Signature Designs and Creative Legacy
The OSAMU GOODS EXHIBITION BY OSAMU HARADA, currently showing at Gallery by the Harbour, showcases an array of goods, logos and fonts designed by the world-renowned illustrator Osamu Harada. Harada’s design concept behind OSAMU GOODS was based on the good old days of North America in the 1950s and 1960s, which he found appealing. He drew inspiration from the fashion and accessories worn by girls in American magazines like Seventeen and actresses in Hollywood coming-of-age films, and the western packaging designs.
The exhibition provides a rare opportunity for fans to get a glimpse into Harada’s unique and influential approach to illustration and design. Visitors can explore over 50 of Harada’s design items from the 1970s to the 1990s, including notebooks, notepads, pencils, miniature books, keychains, wooden boxes, collections of photographs, paper bags, ashtrays, teacups, glasses, lamps, Bon Festival, Belly Laugh, pamphlets, and mugs. The school tote bag, in particular, is a fan favourite, featuring a poem by “Mother Goose” printed on the reverse side, which also reveals the background of the characters. In addition to the exhibits, the OSAMU GOODS exhibition also features precious quotes by Harada. These quotes offer valuable insights into his point of view on the characters and the creative process behind the iconic line of goods.
Shop Exclusive Accessories and Iconic Reproductions at the Mini Pop-Up Store!
In addition to the exhibition, there’s also a mini pop-up store that sells a range of exclusive and adorable OSAMU GOODS accessories, such as t-shirts, combs, keyholders, dishes, and more. Among the merchandise available are faithful reproductions of iconic products created by Harada during the 1970s to 1990s, paying tribute to the vintage and authentic design of the renowned artist. For instance, the big graphic print T-shirts are made from the classic American brand “Fruit of the Loom” and carefully handcrafted at a domestic printing factory, reproducing a design originally produced in the 1980s. Similarly, the comb is a reproduction of a design produced in the late 1970s. It can be inserted into your chest pocket and used as a stylish fashion accessory. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of OSAMU GOODS, this is the perfect opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind piece from the collection.
A Visually Stunning Exhibition Curated by Top Japanese Designers, Featuring Giant Stickers of Iconic Characters
The exhibition has been thoughtfully curated by the brand’s Japanese creative team, which includes some of the most talented designers in the industry. Lui Igarashi, a prominent venue designer known for her work on high-profile exhibitions in Japan, has taken charge of designing the exhibition space and composition. Meanwhile, Kazunari Hattori, an accomplished art director and designer, is responsible for the exhibition’s art direction and the design of all publicity materials. Their extensive experience and expertise in the field of exhibition design have helped to create an engaging experience for visitors.
What’s not to be missed is the stunning display of over 2-meter-tall giant stickers on glass, showcasing seven iconic characters from the brand, including JACK, JILL, DOG, CAT, BETTY, GEORGIE PORGIE, and HUMPTY DUMPTY. These larger-than-life stickers are a visual highlight of the exhibition and create an immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to feel as if they are stepping into the world of OSAMU GOODS.
OSAMU GOODS EXHIBITION BY OSAMU HARADA
Date: 20 July 2023 – 13 August 2023
Time: 11am – 10pm
Venue: Gallery by the Harbour (Shop 207, Level 2, Ocean Centre, Harbour City)
