[MAGAZINE] Illustration September 2026 No. 251 – Hiromi Matsuo & Shie Nanahara

This issue presents two major features: Hiromi Matsuo, known for her retro-modern depictions of women, and Shie Nanahara, whose intricate illustrations evoke richly detailed Japanese worlds. The cover features an original illustration by Hiromi Matsuo. ・Feature: Hiromi Matsuo Illustrator Hiromi Matsuo depicts women in a distinctive retro-modern style. Her work demonstrates meticulous attention not only to the design of kimono and other garments, but also to accessories and small details. Through careful research into her motifs and her own unique interpretations, she creates women who seem to come vividly to life on the page. [Contents] Selected works with commentary by the artist About RENDEZ-VOUS, co-authored with Seizo Watase Rough sketches Showcase of self-published works 10 Questions for Hiromi Matsuo The Appeal of Kimono as Drawn by Hiromi Matsuo The Appeal of Lingerie as Drawn by Hiromi Matsuo Book Cover Illustration Work Long Interview and more ・Feature: Shie Nanahara A 34-page feature on illustrator Shie Nanahara, whose convincing forms and meticulous rendering create a distinctive artistic world. In addition to her original works, the feature explores lesser-known aspects of her professional illustration career, including trading card games and book cover artwork, revealing the sources behind her creativity. [Contents] Selected works with commentary by the artist Costume Design Color Professional Work (Card Games, Manga Background Illustrations, Book Cover Artwork) Idea Sketches Interview The Story Behind “The Quest for Light” The Making of a Picture Book Created by Swarovski and IC4DESIGN Interview Anne Vasko × Toshiyuki Fukuda × Keiko Morishita The Journey of the Picture Book Arm and Ilta The Choice: Judging by Seiji Yoshida Ongoing Series: Illustrator Roundtable Chihiro Kawai × Fuki × ao Book Reviews Ongoing Series: “Higeboya” #36 by 100%ORANGE Ongoing Series: “Ayako Ishiguro’s Encyclopedia of Imaginary Creatures” #20