Summon Monsters? Open The Door? Heal? Or Die?

While somewhat confusing at first glance - with small, bilingual text, multicolored pages, and jumbled layout - this book is a goldmine of studio procedural content. It shows Murakami pieces as they move from sketches to paintings to mural-sized replicas, complete with instructions on how each phase is handled and what materials are used. The different mediums (balloon, sculpture, painting) are all examined in the context of specific pieces, so you get to see how such iconic works as My Lonesome Cowboy and Tan Tan Bo were devised and produced.You also get an intimate look at what Murakami is trying to accomplish with his art, both artistically and commercially. He is very much in tune with both sides, deftly blurring them together and frustrating attempts by critics to classify him as an artist or a product designer. His success is hard earned, both through aggressive marketing and awareness of the market's demand, and in how much work he puts into his creations.Finally, we get to meet some of the faces behind the works, reading interviews with studio workers and learning about their roles and expectations.In all, this book combines exhibition of Murakami's late-90s work with a detailed examination of all related processes. It is both highly informative and incredibly entertaining. If you can get a copy for a reasonable price, do not hesitate, as this book will achieve legend-status once it is out of print.

This is a great look into Murakami's process. This book is well suited to Murakami fans as well as aficionados of contemporary art-making.

Perfect in every way

I have the Copyright Murakami book and Summon Monsters. Summon Monsters is a definite must-have for Murakami fans. It's filled with color artwork and also shows some behind-the-scenes of artworks in progress. It's hard to come by, but a great addition to any Murakami collection.

Stunning book

I love it, good way to start collection

写真が沢山、掲載されていて、とても濃い内容で、楽しめました。

リトルボーイ展のカタログに比べたら物足りない。製作アルバイトスタッフの紹介などどうでもいい。もうやめてるかもしれないし。だれが作っても村上テイストにしかならない。しかし海洋堂の話や作品の製作過程がわかるのでどのくらいのコストと期間がかかっているかとかがわかる。村上の作品作りのコンセプトを知りたいのであればやっぱりリトルボーイ展のカタログとか芸術起業論を読んだ方がいいと思う。