HIROSHI NAGAI ART, Hiroshi Nagai , pop art

Hiroshi Nagai and City Pop go hand-in-hand like summer breezes and palm trees. He is perhaps the most iconic visual artist associated with the genre, his vibrant, dreamy illustrations adorning countless album covers and perfectly capturing the carefree, sun-kissed spirit of City Pop. Born in 1947 in rural Tokushima, Japan, Nagai's artistic style was heavily influenced by American pop culture and California cool. His paintings often depict sun-drenched Californian landscapes, sleek skyscrapers mirrored in calm ocean waters, and stylish young people lounging by pools or cruising in vintage cars.