The Philosophy of “Good for All Three Sides”
Good for Myself By organizing information, expressing it in my own way through illustration, and communicating it clearly, I gain a strong sense of achievement.
Good for Others By encountering something new, feeling warmth, or being prompted to think, people can obtain the information they need while also adding color and richness to their daily lives, much like flowers on a dining table.
Good for Society In an age when anyone can realistically record the world through photographs and videos, I believe that deliberately choosing to communicate through stylized art and illustration allows us to reach people on a deeper level. By sharing the process of turning inspiration into form, the journey of a work coming together, and the story leading up to a moving final piece, illustration can speak directly to the human heart. My aim is for this to transcend language and culture, spreading through society as a shared human understanding.
The Three Core Elements Humor, Playfulness, and a Sense of Fun
ABOUT ME
With humor, playfulness, and a sense of fun as my three core elements, I specialize in capturing the unique characteristics of people and objects, using exaggeration and simplification to depict them in an enjoyable way. Although my work consists of still images, I aim to create illustrations that allow viewers to sense a story unfolding before and after the moment, making them want to react instinctively.
I work under my real name written in hiragana as “Hayahara Yoshirō.” In addition, out of respect for my beginnings and the trade name that has supported my journey, I value “Office 446,” and therefore credit my illustrations and book designs as “Hayahara Yoshirō (Office 446).”
Profile
Born in 1975. Based in Osaka City, Japan. Began working as an illustrator in 2000. Established Office 446 in 2010.
My main theme is “Illustrations That Delight with Humor and Warmth.” I depict people, animals, and objects with a humorous touch, and work across a wide range of fields including advertising, book covers, medical materials, childcare publications, educational tools, and newspaper articles.
I specialize in publishing, advertising, and web projects, particularly cover illustrations and spot illustrations, placing importance on visual enjoyment and clarity of communication. I also work as a graphic designer, handling comprehensive visual design such as catalogs, brochures, books, magazines, and logo design.
Career and Activities
1998 Graduated from Seian College of Art and Design, Advanced Course completed 2000 After working at an advertising production company, began freelance work as an illustrator 2008 Member of Illustrators Communication 2010 Established Office 446 2012 Member of the Japan Illustration Association
Illustrator Yoshirō Hayahara
With the theme “Illustrations That Delight with Humor and Warmth,” I continue to draw every day. Through humor and gentle smiles, I hope to make the world a little kinder. Member of Illustrators Communication.
Believing that even desk work requires physical strength, I continue strength training and running. As I can only accept a limited number of commissions, please feel free to contact me early.
Projects I Hope to Take On Someday
My first regular illustration work was for a monthly magazine’s political and economic commentary column. Each month, complex political and economic topics were explained through easy-to-understand metaphors. This project continued for over ten years.
Today, as a personal project, I create current-affairs illustration commentaries on politics, economics, and global events, and share them on social media. Someday, I would like to take on a project where such illustrations are published daily. Looking back at the end of the year and saying, “That happened, didn’t it?” Being part of work like that would make me very happy.
OFFICE INFORMATION
Office Name Office 446 Representative Yoshirō Hayahara Business Illustration and Design Production Location Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan Closed Weekends, public holidays, year-end and New Year holidays, Golden Week, and Obon
Self-Introduction
After turning forty, I became clear about what I want to draw. That is illustration that makes people feel happy. Cherishing humor, playfulness, and a sense of fun, I hope to continue drawing for many years to come.