Renowned graphic designer Michael Beirut discusses the design of currency. The Japanese Yen seems to score some high marks, as opposed to the “inelegant and clumsy” design of recent US currency. He writes:

Japan’s banknotes begin with the same basic ingredients as western currency. But these elements come together in a way that suggests contemplative minimalism. The images help: the ¥5000 note features 19th century female novelist Ichiyo Higuchi on the front, and a field of irises on the reverse. The result is elegant and restrained.

For those of us familiar with the design Beirut doesn’t contribute anything new, but I do think he succinctly sums it up pretty well.

This is Baku Maeda, an artist based out of Hokkaido, Japan. His work involves highly imaginative doodles and illustrations that typically turn to nature and wildlife for inspiration. It’s actually consistent with my perception of  the lush – and sometimes harsh – Hokkaido environment.  He just finished up his first solo show in April at this rad looking ping-pong bar in Sapporo. I really like his work and hope to see more of him in the future!

images courtesy of mosslinkage

Via an interview in mosslinkage