Takashi Murakami

Takashi Murakami is a Japanese contemporary artist and designer celebrated for blending traditional Japanese painting techniques with vibrant pop culture elements. He founded Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd., an art production company that nurtures emerging artists and manages his creative ventures. Murakami’s signature motifs—colorful smiling flowers and playful characters—have become iconic visuals that transcend art galleries to influence fashion and streetwear. Murakami’s cultural relevance comes from his role in bridging fine art and consumer culture, notably through landmark collaborations with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton that introduced his "Superflat" aesthetic to a global fashion audience and work with musicians like Kanye West and J Balvin. Fans return for his projects because they combine collectible art with wearable design, creating a unique intersection where high art meets everyday style. His work continues to inspire both art enthusiasts and fashion collectors seeking bold, joyful visuals.

Sign Up to get access to the latest drops, exclusive products and insider updates.
By entering your email, you agree to receive customized marketing messages from us and our advertising partners. You also acknowledge that this site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and that our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Featured

Latest Stories

A young person with short hair smiling next to a handwritten letter with colorful illustrations and stars.
Style

This 13-Year-Old Designer Will Have His Own Booth at ComplexCon 2026

The young designer previously sent Complex a handwritten letter detailing his love of fashion and art.

A person in sunglasses and tactical gear sits on a chair, surrounded by four women in swimsuits, posing confidently.
Music

AmazingOTO Goes Global With Wild Video for "10Q," Produced by Takashi Murakami's Hitch HikerZ

Hirotada Ototake, a.k.a. OTO, was born without limbs and later became a star in Japan with the release of his 'No One's Perfect' memoir.

Ohana Hatake Full-Bloom "Rainbow" Collection
Style

How to Buy: Ohana Hatake Full-Bloom "Rainbow" Collection

Here's what you need to know about Takashi Murakami's $90 Full-Bloom "Rainbow" sandals.

Oruny Choi72 days ago
Black slides with blue flower designs featuring smiling faces and colorful eyes on the top.
Sneakers

Ohana Hatake Full-Bloom 'Multicolor' Collection II: How to Buy

Takashi Murakami's footwear brand expands its Full-Bloom lineup with new colorways, available now on Complex.

Complex Staff112 days ago
Complex Style's 2026 Streetwear Power Ranking includes Denim Tears' Tremaine Emory, Corteiz's Clint Ogbenna, Kith's Ronnie Fieg, Joe Freshgoods, Supreme's James Jebbia, and more.
Style

Streetwear Power Ranking: The 2026 Edition

From veterans like Supreme’s James Jebbia to new school leaders like Corteiz’s Clint Ogbenna, these are the 25 individuals who make things happen in streetwear right now.

Mike DeStefano125 days ago
Advertisement
JP THE WAVY and Takashi Murakami on a motorcycle with colorful flower graphics. One wears a red jacket and sunglasses, the other a rainbow flower hat and sunglasses.
Music

Takashi Murakami and JP THE WAVY's MNNK Bro. Complex Cover Collection: How to Shop

Takashi Murakami and JP THE WAVY's Complex cover is commemorated with exclusive trading cards, vinyl, and more.

JP THE WAVY wearing sunglasses, a hat, and a beaded necklace stands against a colorful, abstract background with circular patterns.
Music

Who Is JP THE WAVY? What to Know About the Japanese Rapper and Fashion Maven

JP THE WAVY, who broke out with a viral hit in 2017, continues to build an undeniable presence in music and fashion nearly a decade later.

The Craziest Slides, Sandals, and Mules of All Time, Ranked
Sneakers

The Craziest Slides and Mules of All Time, Ranked

Takashi Murakami x Ohana Hatake Full Bloom slides? Nike's mind-altering Mind 001? Here are our picks for the wildest slip-on footwear.

Zac Dubasik131 days ago
Artist Takashi Murakami and rapper JP THE WAVY, a.k.a. MNNK Bro., appear on the cover of Complex.
Music

Kindred Spirits: Takashi Murakami and JP THE WAVY Cover Story

The renowned artist and emerging rapper formalized their partnership as MNNK Bro. Now, the duo are ready to introduce their work to the world.

Mike DeStefano131 days ago
Advertisement
A colorful, smiling cartoon flower with a happy face and rainbow petals against a dramatic red background.
Music

Takashi Murakami, JP THE WAVY Continue Collaborative MNNK Bro. Project With New Song "SHUTOKO TOKYO"

“I hope this song, which captures the present moment of the 2020s, will live on into the future!” Takashi Murakami said of the newly released collab.

Across streetwear history, many brands have created their own original camo patterns including BAPE, Maharishi, KidSuper, Fugazi, and Denim Tears.
Style

A History of Camouflage in Streetwear

From BAPE to KidSuper, here are streetwear brands’ best reinterpretations of the classic pattern over the years.

Mike DeStefano145 days ago
Colorful flower-themed slides with smiling faces in a garden setting, surrounded by rocks and flowers.
Style

Ohana Hatake Full-Bloom 'Multicolor' Collection: How to Buy

The slip-on built around Takashi Murakami's smiling flower imagery is available in three new colorways.

Complex Staff160 days ago

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App