In my early childhood, I encountered a mentor who introduced me to the joy of painting. For over half a century, I have pursued this passion with unwavering dedication. In my youth, I was honored to receive the Yasui Prize, then considered a gateway to the art world. This recognition provided immense encouragement and instilled in me a resolute determination to dedicate my life to this path.
However, sustaining oneself through art is a formidable challenge. It requires an unyielding belief in one’s creative vision, constant self-motivation, and a willingness to face adversity. The journey of an artist is often a solitary and prolonged one.
Through the various endeavors of my artistic career, I aspire to convey the profound beauty of art and offer encouragement to those who pursue artistic vocations. My fervent wish is to sow the seeds of artistic appreciation in as many individuals as possible.
Our foundation is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities through activities that recognize young artists and promote art education and appreciation. We strive to contribute meaningfully to society through these initiatives.
We humbly request your continued support and guidance for the foundation’s activities.
Koji Kinutani
Representative Director
Abbreviated Chronology
| 1943 | Born in Nara City, Nara Prefecture |
| 1966 | Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, Oil Painting Department. Received the Ohashi Prize and the Dokuritsu Prize |
| 1968 | Completed graduate studies at Tokyo University of the Arts. Elected as a member of the Dokuritsu Fine Arts Association |
| 1971 | Traveled to Italy, enrolled in the Venice Academy of Fine Arts to study fresco painting |
| 1974 | Received the 17th Yasui Prize for “Portrait of Mr. Anselmo” |
| 1977 | Selected as an overseas trainee by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, traveled to Europe |
| 1993 | Appointed Professor at Tokyo University of the Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts |
| 1997 | Created the official poster “Goddess of the Silver Peak” and 7 other sport-specific posters for the Nagano Winter Olympics |
| 2009 | Established the “Koji Kinutani Prize” to honor young artists under 35 (sponsored by Mainichi Newspapers until 2018) |
| 2010 | Appointed Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University of the Arts and Professor at Osaka University of Arts (until 2015) |
| 2014 | Honored as a Person of Cultural Merit |
| 2016 | Opened the “Koji Kinutani Sky Museum” on the 27th floor of Umeda Sky Building Tower West in Osaka |
| 2017 | “Koji Kinutani: A Journey of Color and Image” exhibition held at The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto and Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art |
| 2018 | Koji Kinutani Exhibition commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Japan-China Peace and Friendship Treaty (Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, Beijing) |
| 2019 | Created the poster for ICOM KYOTO 2019 (International Council of Museums, Kyoto Conference) |
| 2021 | Awarded the Order of Culture |
| 2023 | Established the “Koji Kinutani Art Award” to honor young artists under 40 (sponsored by Sankei Shimbun) |
Currently: Recipient of the Order of Culture, Person of Cultural Merit, member of the Japan Art Academy, member of the Dokuritsu Fine Arts Association, and Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University of the Arts.