Superflat Superflat is a postmodern art movement , founded by the artist Takashi Murakami , which is influenced by manga and anime . In a response to the homogenisation of Japanese media and art , `` Superflat '' attempts to critique the vacuity of post-war Japanese culture , including criticisms of the otaku lifestyle , consumerism , and related issues . In addition to Murakami , artists whose work is considered `` Superflat '' include Chiho Aoshima , Mahomi Kunikata , Yoshitomo Nara , and Aya Takano . In addition , some animators within anime and some manga-ka are considered Superflat , especially Koji Morimoto ( and much of the output of his animation studio Studio 4°C ) , and the work of Hitoshi Tomizawa , author of Alien 9 and Milk Closet . Murakami defines `` Superflat '' in broad terms , so the subject matter is very diverse . Often the works take a critical look at the consumerism and sexual fetishism that is prevalent in post-war westernized Japanese culture . One target of this criticism is lolicon art , which is satirized by works such as those by Henmaru Machino . These works are an exploration of otaku sexuality through grotesque and/or distorted images . Other works are more concerned with a fear of growing up . For example , Yoshitomo Nara 's work often features playful graffiti on old Japanese ukiyo-e executed in a childish manner . And some works focus on the structure and underlying desires that comprise otaku and overall post-war Japanese culture . Bibliography ( 2003 ) Murakami , Takashi , ( Ed. ) Little Boy : The Arts of Japan 's Exploding Subculture . New York : Japan Society . ISBN 0-913304-57-3 . ( 2001 ) Murakami , Takashi , ( Ed. ) Superflat . Last Gasp . ISBN 4-944079-20-6 . Michae l Darling ( 2001 ) . `` Plumbing the Depths of Superflatness '' . Art Journal Vol. 60 ( 3 , Autumn ) : pp. 76-89 . ( 1999 ) Store A , ( ed. ) Takashi Murakami : the meaning of the nonsense of the meaning . New York , NY : Center for Curatorial Studies Museum , Bard College , in association wih Harry N. Abrams , Inc. , Publishers . ISBN 0-8109-6702-2 . External links Kaikai Kiki Co. , Ltd. - Takashi Murakami 's official site featuring Superflat artists `` Persistence of a Genetic Scar '' - essay by Julie Rauer Superflat Japanese Postmodernity - essay by Hiroki Azuma Superflat - overview by Hunter Drohojowska-Philp Categories : Art movements | Contemporary art | Anime and manga terminology In other languages : Deutsch | Español | Français Murakami , Takashi , ( Ed. ) Little Boy : The Arts of Japan 's Exploding Subculture New York Japan Society 2003 ISBN 0-913304-57-3 Murakami , Takashi , ( Ed. ) Superflat Last Gasp 2001 ISBN 4-944079-20-6 Michael Darling Plumbing the Depths of Superflatness Art Journal 2001 Vol. 60 3 , Autumn pp. 76-89 Store A , ( ed. ) Takashi Murakami : the meaning of the nonsense of the meaning New York , NY Center for Curatorial Studies Museum , Bard College , in association wih Harry N. Abrams , Inc. , Publishers 1999 ISBN 0-8109-6702-2 