Case Study

Katsuji Matsumoto
Japanese Manga Artist who Shaped Kawaii Culture

Client:

Year: 2018

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Katsuji Matsumoto - Japanese Manga Artist who Shaped Kawaii Culture

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Project

Commissioned by the estate of Katsuji Matsumoto, this project involved creating an official website to celebrate and preserve the legacy of one of Japan’s pioneering manga artists. Known for his early influence on kawaii culture, Matsumoto’s work spans manga, illustration, and commercial art. The site serves both educational and promotional purposes, targeting manga fans, scholars, and the general public. The project included multilingual content, visual archiving, and a user-friendly editorial structure.

Challenge

The main challenge was organizing and digitizing a large volume of archival content — including original artwork, published books, and historical materials — while ensuring a consistent and accessible experience across three languages (Japanese, English, and German). The website needed to appeal to a wide audience, from casual browsers to researchers, and maintain the visual charm of Matsumoto’s work without overwhelming the viewer.

Solution

A visually light and respectful digital platform was created to showcase Katsuji Matsumoto’s life and work. Built on WordPress for flexibility and ease of content management, the website supports three languages and features structured timelines, curated galleries, and editorial pages that balance accessibility with visual richness. Typography, layout, and color choices were designed to complement the vintage-modern aesthetic of Matsumoto’s legacy.

Multilingual Website: The site was developed in Japanese, English, and German, allowing it to reach an international audience while maintaining cultural and historical sensitivity in each language version.
Digitization and Content Optimization: Archival artworks, publications, and documents were digitized and optimized for web display, preserving quality and authenticity while ensuring fast performance and readability.
Gallery and Timeline Features: Interactive galleries and chronological timelines provide structured access to Matsumoto’s major works and biographical milestones, helping users explore the depth of his influence over time.
WordPress Development: The website was built on WordPress to allow flexible updates, easy content management by the estate, and future scalability. Custom post types and taxonomies were used to organize works and publications.
Client Outcome: The site launched as the official online archive and educational resource for Katsuji Matsumoto’s life and legacy. It now serves as a hub for fans, researchers, and curators exploring the roots of kawaii culture and early Japanese manga.