Playful interaction between children and animals, a polar bear about to jump out off of the page; These are just a couple examples of ryuku’s charming illustrations.
I took the virtue of investigating the true artist behind these creations.
- A change of pace at age 30
ryuku loved drawing from a young age, hoping to become an illustrator or an assistant to a comic book artist when she grew up. After graduating high school, she worked as an office worker for ten years. 
Illustrator ryuku.
She has a fitting stage name, “monkey-trapper”
The time of change came when she was 30. A friend told her that a web production company in Sapporo was looking for people who could illustrate. Shaking off her own reluctance, she decided to move to Sapporo and work towards her dream. She worked for one year illustrating at the company, making post-cards and putting them in cafes around town.
Some of her many illustrations. All of her pieces are soft and fun.
Later, after winning a character drawing competition for a Hokkaido magazine, her dream came within reach.
- “Don’t hesitate. Act.” is her motto.
Establishing Sapporo as her center for business, she took her portfolio to companies in Tokyo, attended workshops, and became proactive in directly reaching her dream. As a result, she was offered a job for a national children’s magazine, which further led to an opportunity to have her own exhibition in Tokyo.
ryuku seems to adapt to any job, but the future for her lies overseas.
“After attending the ‘Tomato Workshop’ at ICC, I started thinking globally. I published an English version of my website and held exhibitions in Korea.”
ryuku takes no time to hesitate. When presented with an opportunity; she takes it.
An excerpt from the national children’s magazine. Illustration of children is ryuku’s specialty.
ryuku’s exhibit displaying much of her unique character.
- From illustrations to merchandise, and to bigger things, too…
ryuku’s illustrations often feature people and animals, and children in particular.
“I love drawing children. I always end up with so many of them,” she laughs.
Her tranquil illustrations have been used for T-shirts, washcloths, buttons, stickers, and other products.
Washcloths and cell phone straps are just a few of the many products featuring ryuku’s illustrations.
“I don’t wish to become an artist, but I don’t want to be a commercial illustrator, either.” She says of her future intentions.
It is difficult to create such a free environment when negotiating with clients that are often major corporations. It must be her indispensable efforts and honest personality that allow her to illustrate without restriction, despite these challenges.
Her next challenge is one she’s also had since she was a child: to create a children’s book.
With such warm and radiant illustrations, this dream is not far from fruition.
I look forward to the day we see ryuku’s illustrations featured on the shelves of our bookstores.
Illustrator: ryuku
Web Site: http://www.monkey-trapper.com
Creator Profile: http://s-xing.jp/db/ind/prof0057.html
Original Article by Eiichi Sato
Translation by David Neptune
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