Light and shadow reflected in a swimming pool. The true nature of the cool air depicted by Hiroshi Nagai.

Graphpaper's earnest approach to craftsmanship has captivated many a kimono enthusiast. Graphpaper's appeal is not limited to fashion, and its deep connection with art is another reason for its popularity. Graphpaper has now released a T-shirt in collaboration with longtime illustrator Hiroshi Nagai. Mr. Nagai has created numerous record jackets, including Eiichi Otaki's "A LONG VACATION" and "NIAGARA SONG BOOK," which have been called masterpieces of city pop music. How did he come up with his iconic painting style, which is recognizable at a glance, such as sunlight shining brilliantly in a blue sky, shadows drawn in strong contrast, and romantic sunset gradations? We asked her to talk about her stance on her activities as well as the topic of this collaborative item.

Photo_Shunsuke Shiga

Text_Yuichiro Tsuji

Edit_Yosuke Ishii

When the weather is nice, the shadows are black on the ground. I like that very much.

Do you still go to the U.S.?

Nagai:I think the last time I went was in 2004 or so. . I used to go to Hawaii several times a year until then. However, the economy has worsened, I've gotten older, and my children have grown up, so I don't visit Hawaii as often as I used to.

Do you find the scenery in the U.S. to be exceptional?

Nagai:The scenery in Japan is also nice. I live in the countryside of Tokushima, Shikoku, and the sky is beautiful there, too. There are Washington palms planted in front of the station. I live in the Kanto area now, but when I drive my car on the Daisan Keihin, I sometimes feel a blue sky like in the U.S. The sky is dark blue. It is a deep blue sky. People used to say, "The sky in Japan is not beautiful," but I don't think that is true.

When I look at your works, I feel that your depiction of the sky is very distinctive. The gradation of the clear blue sky and the setting sun is magnificent. Do you find yourself attracted to the sky as well?

Nagai:I myself prefer blue skies to sunsets. However, it seems that sunsets are popular these days. The pinkish sky seems to be the boom right now.

Why do you like blue skies?

Nagai:It's refreshing, isn't it? The theme of my paintings is "light and shadow. When the weather is nice, shadows are reflected on the ground in black. I really like that kind of thing. So I paint everything black to cover up the fact that I can't draw in much detail (laughs).

. I feel the contrast between light and shadow is very Nagai-san-like.

Nagai:I came to Tokyo from the countryside to take the university entrance exam, but I almost didn't pass. My uncle introduced me to a TV background shop, and I got a job there. The reason why my pictures look like backgrounds has its roots there. I learned a lot of techniques at that background shop. I learned a technique at the background shop where light shines on an object to give it a three-dimensional effect.

. And the colors give me a sense of coolness.

Nagai:I don't like the heat , I used to go to Hawaii all the time, but I couldn't stay on the beach for more than 15 minutes (laughs). I like to have a hamburger or ice cream on the way home , or something like that. It's a little bit cooler . . and go under the shade of a tree or something like that.