Nanami Obara is a Tokyo-based artist and graphic designer, and a graduate of the Tokyo University of the Arts. Her work reinterprets elements of manga, folklore, and urban culture through a distinct visual and textual language that bridges traditional storytelling with modern sensibility. Drawing on the imagery of Japanese folklore—particularly the Namahage spirits from the Tōhoku region—Obara transforms these mythic figures from symbols of fear and morality into contemporary “watchers,” beings that observe and reflect the world around them.

Her practice explores the tension between presence and gaze, inviting viewers to engage with these figures as living narratives rather than relics. In recent years, Obara has expanded her creative reach through collaborations with musician Tomoo, producing typography and merchandise that merge her bold, character-driven style with pop cultural influences. The result is a body of work that feels both timeless and distinctly modern—anchored in folklore yet alive in today’s visual culture.

IG: @NANAMELON_