Kunio Okawara's robot designs have appeared in many widely loved Japanese anime series, including "Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman," ("Science Ninja Team Gatchaman") and "Kido Senshi Gandamu" ("First Gundam").
He is often praised for designing complicated and versatile robots that are also detailed enough to appear a real possibility, and he is known for experimental illustrations that often reveal a sense of humor. The detailed mechanics of his work earned him the title "mechanical designer" and he has been hailed as one of the most important innovators of 20th-century audio-visual culture. A total of 400 original sketches will be on display for this show; March 23-May 19.
Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art; (078) 262-0901; 1-1-1 Wakihama Kaigandori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo; Iwaya Station, Hanshin Electric Railway. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥1,300. Closed Mon. (except April 29, May 6), April 30, May 7. www.artm.pref.hyogo.jp
