Custom illustrator Tokyo: a clear guide

A client and a custom illustrator in Tokyo review a printed portfolio together at a studio desk

Tokyo has one of the most active independent illustration scenes in the world, but knowing how to commission a custom illustrator here takes some preparation. This guide walks you through finding artists, writing a clear brief, and agreeing on fair payment terms. Follow these steps and you will end your process with original art you love.

Repair cafés Tokyo: fix, don’t replace

A volunteer helps a woman mend a jacket at a repair café in Tokyo, showing community mending in action.

Repair cafés in Tokyo are quiet neighbourhood events where skilled volunteers help you fix broken items instead of replacing them. From torn jackets to cracked bowls to dead small appliances, these gatherings cover a wide range of repairs. This guide tells you what to bring, where to look, and what the experience is really like.

Art markets in Tokyo worth visiting now

illustration prints displayed on a table at one of the popular art markets in Tokyo on a sunny weekend morning.

Tokyo’s art markets are a different side of the city that most people miss entirely. Before the summer festival season closes, 7 open-air markets across the city offer original prints, handmade illustration, and direct access to local artists. This guide covers where to go, what to expect, and how to make the most of each visit.