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Hi friends! I decided the best way to track my progress this year was through a blog, although I still don’t consider myself a “blogger.” I think of this more as an online visual notebook, and a useful way to show you what I’m working on.

In the off chance that you don’t know me …. I’m Erika Nishizato, a graphic designer and researcher. I am currently living in Tokyo on a 1-year Fulbright Graduate Research Fellowship, studying visual translation between Japan and the US. Last fall I came here ready to continue my research on “kawaii” (cuteness culture)—the topic of my graduate thesis. But recently, I have shifted my focus toward the emphasis on “surface” in Japanese culture. Enjoy!