As a leading name at the forefront of New York’s psychedelic 70s cultural revolution, Japanese ‘pop art father’ Keiichi Tanaami’s prolific creations led to him working with people all over the globe, including leading musicians like The Monkees and Jefferson Airplane.
Becoming known for designing a number of iconic album covers, especially during the 1960s and 1970s, his work soon drew attention from people all over the world and caught the eyes of many other artists who were keen to collaborate with him.
It was through working with musicians that Keiichi ended up having a deep connection to Wales after he partnered with The Super Furry Animals, an iconic Welsh alternative rock band who had become enamoured with his designs.
Formed in Cardiff in 1993, The Super Furry Animals, became one of the most innovative and influential bands of the Cool Cymru movement of the 1990s, when Welsh bands and artists gained significant national and international recognition, becoming part of the UK's broader alternative and Britpop music scenes.
Known for an eclectic mix of styles - including psychedelic rock, indie, electronic, and pop - the band carved out a distinctive sound that blended experimental music with accessible melodies, alongside artistry in their performances. In 2005, NME magazine printed that there was a case to be argued that the Super Furry Animals were the most important band of the past 15 years, while American music publication Billboard referred to them as one of the most imaginative bands of the time.
Gruff Rhys, lead singer of the Super Furry Animals spoke of how the band’s love for Keiichi’s work led them to hunt him down in Japan: “We didn't know how old he was or if he was alive even”, he said, “but we were big fans of his work, and we tracked him down. Lo and behold, he made us a record cover.” The result was the album sleeve for Hey Venus!
Japanese undertones had long influenced the band. Its previous album covers had been designed by Pete Fowler, a Welsh artist whose work, inspired by animals, folklore, myths and the supernatural, was heavily influenced by Japanese art, following a number of visits to the country.
Fowler himself would have the opportunity to work with Tanaami on the cover of Dark Days/Light Years, the band’s next and final (to date) album. The album however unfortunately marked a premature end to the collaborative partnership between Keiichi Tanaami and these Welsh multi-disciplinary artists as he sadly passed away in August 2024 after a short illness.
His death led to an outpouring of grief and tributes from more than just the art community across the world. Some of these tributes included his own Uno cards, magic 8-ball and even his own Barbie doll. Fine examples of the joy he’d brought around the world through art. A joy particularly felt in Wales.
Inspired by the works of another giant of Welsh music and their Japanese story, a mysterious black container appeared in Cardiff’s Central Square in October 2024 to transport visitors from one capital to another. Under Neon Loneliness by Welsh multidisciplinary artist Mark James took inspiration from the Manic Street Preachers’ video for their hit Motorcycle Emptiness, filmed in Tokyo, as well as James’ own dazzling memories of the Japanese city’s bright lights.
Both the Super Furry Animals and Manic Street Preachers have played many shows in Japan over the years, from breakout venues such as Club Quattro in Osaka and Tokyo, to multiple performances at the massive Fuji Rock festival.
