Japanese "Super Fan" Paints Vivid Art Across Hong Kong's Streets

OSAKA — Embroidery artist Katsumi Takeoka from Japan showcases Hong Kong-inspired motifs like pandas and yum cha—dim sum and tea brunches—in her creations, which have attracted attention in both Hong Kong and Japan.

Takeoka, who resides in Osaka, has a deep fascination with Hong Kong and earned recognition from the Hong Kong Tourism Board as a "Super Fan of Hong Kong" in 2021. One of her notable works features "Panda Paradise," where cuddly pandas depicted so adorably viewers wish they could touch them gather around a table. Her designs also incorporate elements like hanging roast ducks seen outside shops, bottles of oyster sauce, and "bo lo yau" buns filled with butter—details that vividly capture everyday scenes in Hong Kong.

To takeoko employs a method known as "punch needle" to bestow her embroidery with a voluminous, plush appearance, utilizing bulky yarn instead of conventional embroidery floss alongside a specific type of needle. This approach yields an eye-catching effect, and she occasionally incorporates beads or sequins to enhance its charming, cute allure.

The artist discussed how the dynamic portrayal of Hong Kong, as visible through its vivid signboards and neon lights, can be attributed to conventional feng shui color customs. "Red and gold tones, representing vitality and good fortune, are favored across the city, possibly contributing to its bustling atmosphere," according to Takeoka.

Upon completing her studies at an art university, Takeoka began working as a designer for a company that produced infant bedding. She made her initial trip to Hong Kong in 1999. Having been used to using soft pastel tones for baby items, she discovered the vibrant colors of the Hong Kong urban landscape to be an invigorating “assault on the senses.”

Since her job revolved around computers, she felt an urge to produce something manually. It reminded her of the "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" embroidery set that her mother had purchased for her during her childhood.

In 2000, Takeoka restarted her journey with embroidery and embarked on her artistic path. Roughly ten years back, she acquired beads and sequins during a trip to Hong Kong and started considering the possibility of crafting pieces inspired by the city using these materials.

In 2021, the Hong Kong Tourism Board organized a coloring competition showcasing various scenes from the city as part of their promotional efforts. Despite not being able to join within the specified timeframe, Takeoka transformed one of the designs into an embroidered artwork which gained traction when shared on Instagram. This led to her invitation in 2023 for participation in an art exhibit in Hong Kong, alongside collaborating on a project with a local artist.

Many people inquire whether Takeoka intends to relocate to Hong Kong, yet her response is negative. She states, “I prefer maintaining the thrill I experience when visiting as a traveler.” Regarding upcoming ventures, she has expressed interest in exploring the concept of "Neo-Hong Kong": "My aim is to depict a forward-looking and constantly changing version of Hong Kong," she shared enthusiastically, her eyes reflecting her innovative resolve.

In addition to embroidery, Takeoka produces works using tufting, a weaving method typically employed for carpets and various textiles.

(Originally written in Japanese by Mayu Maemoto from the Osaka City News Department)