Japanese graphic design and designers...2007

For four years, editor Tomoko Sakamoto of Spanish publisher Actar, dug through amounts of artful paper works - to present a wider picture of the Japanese graphic and illustration scene.
The book info talks about “How the work of young professionals have been affected by Japan`s economic, social and cultural changes.” In what way can graphic design reflect Japanese society?

Four years ago, graphic designers was selected who happened to work for big clients. However, intentionally selected independent designers with very small customers. In 2002, everything was about commercial work. Now we get to see more and more of the designers’ own intended, original works of the artistic kind. For example, they are doing exhibitions or customising products in small quantities instead of producing 5,000 copies. Maybe it’s because four years ago the economic situation was better and with less big clients they are dedicating themselves to this…