Kōji Kinutani

He was also recognized as a Person of Cultural Merit. Kinutani had previously held positions such as professor at Tokyo University of the Arts and director of the Japan Artists Association.

Kōji Kinutani studied at Tokyo University of the Arts and Nara Prefectural Nara High School. The recorded working language is Japanese. Employment is recorded with Tokyo University of the Arts and Osaka University of Arts. Work by Kōji Kinutani is recorded in the collections of Nara Prefectural Museum of Art, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo and Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art. Distinctions recorded are Person of Cultural Merit, Japan Art Academy Prize, Order of Culture and Junior Third Rank.

• Honorific Prefix — Order of Culture • Name — Koji Kinutani • Native Name — 絹谷 幸二 • Born — 24 January 1943 • Birthplace — Nara City, Japan • Died — 1 August 2025 • Place of death — Tokyo, Japan • Education — Tokyo University of the Arts Faculty of Fine Arts • Known for — Yōga • Notable Works — "Portrait of Mr. Anselmo" (1973) "Portrait of Daria Ganassini" (1975) "Angela and the Blue Sky II" (1976) • Awards — Yasui Prize (1974) Mainichi Art Award (1989) Japan Art Academy Prize (2001) • Website — https: kinutani.jp/

Kinutani was born in Motoyoshicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. He graduated from Nara Prefectural Nara High School and later from Tokyo University of the Arts, majoring in oil painting (1966, under Ryohei Koiso). He won the Ohashi Prize for his graduation work.

Kinutani began learning oil painting at the age of six. After graduating from university, he studied in Italy in 1971, where he researched classical fresco painting techniques in Venice. In 1974, he received the Yasui Prize for "Portrait of Mr. Anselmo." Following further study in Mexico, he became a professor at Tokyo University of the Arts in 1993, contributing to the education of future artists. He also appeared on NHK's "Sunday Art Museum" and conducted public lectures on fresco techniques to promote understanding of classical Western painting. His works are showcased in solo exhibitions at major department stores across Japan. In 2000, he became a member of the Japan Art Academy. In 2008, he established the Koji Kinutani Prize, recognizing young artists under 35, with sponsorship from the Mainichi Shimbun. In 2010, he was named an emeritus professor at Tokyo University of the Arts.

On August 1, 2025, Kinutani died in Tokyo due to malignant lymphoma. He was 82.

• 1987 (Age 44) – Lecturer at Tokyo University of the Arts • 1989 (Age 46) – Associate Professor at Tokyo University of the Arts • 1993 (Age 50) – Professor at Tokyo University of the Arts • 2001 (Age 58) – Member of the Japan Art Academy • 2009 (Age 66) – Established the Koji Kinutani Prize with the Mainichi Shimbun • 2010 (Age 67) – Emeritus Professor at Tokyo University of the Arts, Professor at Osaka University of Arts

• "Portrait of Mr. Anselmo" (1973) • "Portrait of Daria Ganassini" (1975, Niigata City Art Museum) • "Angela and the Blue Sky II" (1976) • "Goddess of the Silver Peaks" (1997, Official Poster for the Nagano Winter Olympics)

Kinutani has created numerous murals and public artworks across Japan, including "VIVA YOKOHAMA" at Yokohama Station and "The Sun of Hope" at the Consulate-General of Japan in New York.

Kōji Kinutani is recorded as having received Person of Cultural Merit, Japan Art Academy Prize and Order of Culture. Identity and origins. The authorities additionally record the heading Koji Kinutani. His recorded language was Japanese. 2 children are recorded: Kota Kinutani and Kanako Kinutani.

• 1966 (Age 23) – Ohashi Prize at the Tokyo University of the Arts graduation exhibition • 1974 (Age 31) – Yasui Prize for "Portrait of Mr. Anselmo" • 1989 (Age 46) – Mainichi Art Award • 2001 (Age 58) – Japan Art Academy Prize for "Blue Skies Dream Tale"

• 2014 (Age 71) – Person of Cultural Merit • 2019 (Age 76) – Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon, Wooden Cup Set • 2021 (Age 78) – Order of Culture