Japan is legendary for its epic powder riding – a skill as unique and precise as the art of the samurai. Illustrator NAGA brought these two worlds together, creating a stunning piece that captures a snow samurai carving through deep powder around the iconic Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa district. Read an interview with this talented Japanese artist, whose design can be found in our collection this year on the ASAKUSA T-shirt.
HORSEFEATHERS X NAGA
1. Your artwork for Horsefeathers depicts a snow samurai riding through deep powder around the iconic Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa district. What does this scene personally mean to you, and how did its final form come to life?
Ukiyo-e has depicted temples and shrines in the snow for centuries. I chose this location as a tribute to those traditional works. And since the white of the snow and the red of the temples are the colors of the Japanese flag, I think it’s a perfect color combination.
2. Is there a story behind choosing this temple? Why did you pick this particular place for the snow samurai scene?
I chose the Sensō-ji Temple because it’s one of the most famous tourist spots in Tokyo. What I love about art is its ability to capture something unique and extraordinary. I imagined how fun it would be to go snowboarding around the Sensō-ji Temple after the perfect fresh snowfall.
3. How would you describe your artistic style, and what was most important to you when creating the snow samurai?
My style combines modern elements with traditional Japanese ukiyo-e art. The samurai character is based on the concept of the samurai spirit, one of whose core values is “the courage to face danger without hesitation and to embrace challenges.” This mindset fits perfectly not only with the samurai but also with snowboarding.
4. What does your creative process look like? Do you sketch with a pencil, use an iPad, or prefer traditional brushes?
I create most of my work using the Procreate app on my iPad.
5. What does collaborating with brands like Horsefeathers mean to you, and what did you enjoy the most about this collab?
Working with an international brand is a great challenge for me, and I’m truly happy about it. It was amazing to have the opportunity to show a new side of myself.
