20 Reasons Takashi Murakami Is the Man

On the occasion of his "Jellyfish Eyes" film screenings in the US, we highlight awesome facts about the Japanese artist.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Dubbed by many as “The Japanese Andy Warhol,” Takashi Murakami is considered one of the most iconic contemporary artists today. Much of his artwork has sold for millions and has appeared in many of the biggest galleries in the world. He is also credited with founding the artistic movement known as Superflat, which unites fine art with lowbrow Japanese pop.

Over the course of the past two decades, Murakami has expanded his practice beyond the art world. His resume includes designing luxury Louis Vuitton bags, hosting a weekly radio talk show in Tokyo, collaborating with famous rappers and musicians, and helping young, talented artists gain international exposure.

Today Murakami's first live-action movie, Jellyfish Eyes, is being screened in New York. In honor of this film debut, we would put together a list of 20 Reasons Takashi Murakami is the Man.

RELATED: Takashi Murakami's Live-Action Film "Jellyfish Eyes" Comes to the United States
RELATED: Inside Takashi Murakami's Studio

Murakami has been compared to everyone from Andy Warhol to Renaissance masters.

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But he doesn't see himself as a modern-day Warhol because he's lacking The Factory's drug culture.

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Instead, he modeled his studio off of the gigantic manga industry in Japan

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Murakami leads his employees in morning calisthenics everyday.

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He invented the Superflat art movement.

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He is the third contemporary artist and the first Japanese artist to show work at the Palace of Versailles in France.

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He may be the first artist to create paintings and sculptures from his archive of digital clip art.

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Murakami created his own alter ego.

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He had his own radio talk show in Tokyo.

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He breeds lotus plants, guppies, and beetles.

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He makes music videos, where he's turned celebrities like Pharrell and Kirsten Dunst into anime characters.

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He's collaborated with Kanye West.

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And Pharrell Williams.

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Murakami helped Marc Jacobs design Louis Vuitton handbags.

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His Instagram makes us want to hang out with him.

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He's not afraid to be controversial.

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He admits to being a zombie.

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He believes his own artwork is way too expensive.

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He sells his characters as vending machine toys.

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Murakami has helped young artists gain exposure through his company, Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd.

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