About Animakun

Junko Higashi — Abstract Artist / Visual Artist

Junko Higashi is a Japanese abstract artist and visual artist based in the Netherlands.

Inspired by light, shadow, clouds, wind, rain, and the changing seasons, she explores not only visible landscapes but also the feelings and memories they evoke, expressing them as abstract inner landscapes.

Since moving to the Netherlands in 2015, she has focused on painting while continuing to explore colour, texture, rhythm, and movement through various media, including animation and drawing.

Junko graduated from Osaka College of Arts in 2000. She began creating animation while studying and has continued her practice for over 20 years. Her animation works have been screened internationally, including in Europe, Asia, and North America.

She is also involved in Animation Soup, an organisation dedicated to animation screenings and events, where she contributes to programme curation and event organisation.

History

・ Member of founder of Animation Soup (2000–present)

・ Active as an animation artist and visual artist since 2000

・ Animation works screened in Japan, Germany, Spain, South Korea, Portugal and the Netherlands

・ Animation project supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan

・ Illustration project for Ozeki One Cup Sake collaboration with Japanese designers, illustrators, and manga artists

2026

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2018

2014

2013

2012

2011–2008

2007–2001