An artwork titled “Conversing with Nature” by Gensuke Saito, created using carbon paper produced by General Co., Ltd., has been honored with the Toshiko Okamoto Award at the Taro Okamoto Award for Contemporary Art (28th, FY2024). This award recognizes artists who carry forward the spirit of Taro Okamoto, celebrating those who deliver powerful messages to contemporary society through bold perspectives and original ideas.

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Artwork by Gensuke Saito Receives the Toshiko Okamoto Award at the 28th Taro Okamoto Award for Contemporary Art (FY2024)

The work takes inspiration from the structure of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, expressing the passage of time and memory in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake through the use of plants and carbon paper. The project began after Gensuke Saito—who spent his university years in the Tohoku region—visited Futaba Town in Fukushima Prefecture in 2020. A defining feature of the piece is its use of LED illumination from the reverse side, through which the delicate forms of the plants softly emerge into view.

The jury of the Taro Okamoto Award for Contemporary Art offered the following remarks:

“The blue of the carbon paper immediately draws the eye. From a distance, it appears almost like a graphic or design-oriented image, but upon closer inspection, one is struck by its fragility and intricacy. The strong LED light from behind further accentuates the distorted outlines of the plants. I was particularly moved by the fact that the base form is derived from the buildings of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, and that the collected plants may have been exposed to radiation in areas where residents are still unable to return.”

Source: https://x.gd/3npMX (Taro Okamoto Award for Contemporary Art exhibition materials)

In addition, a new work created to commemorate this award was unveiled in 2026 at the Toshiko Okamoto Award Winners’ Special Exhibition, held at the Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum.

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Background on the Use of General’s Carbon Paper in the Artwork

Gensuke Saito works under the concept “THIS PLACE THIS TIME,” exploring translucent expressions that incorporate plants native to a given location and the natural light of that moment. Within this framework, the light-responsive qualities of carbon paper produced by General Co., Ltd.—whose appearance shifts depending on illumination—resonated closely with his artistic vision, leading to its adoption in this work.

Saito’s encounter with carbon paper dates back to his university years.

At the time, he specialized in oil painting and used carbon paper primarily as a tool for transferring images during the production process. One day, when he held a sheet up to the light, he found himself captivated by the unexpected beauty revealed through its translucency. That moment marked a turning point, prompting him to recognize the material’s potential as an artistic medium.

Since then, he has continued to incorporate General’s carbon paper into his practice for nearly two decades.

In his creative process, Saito employs a technique derived from hand-printing methods, in which ink is partially removed through a rubbing process to form images. Achieving his intended expression required a material capable of withstanding delicate handling while maintaining stable and nuanced color when light passes through it. After comparing various options, General’s carbon paper has remained his material of choice over many years.

Artist’s Comment

“Since my university days, I have been fascinated by the unique colors that emerge when light passes through carbon paper, and I have continued to use it as a material in my work. The first carbon paper I used was produced by General Co., Ltd. Although I later experimented with various other products, only General’s carbon paper was able to produce the ‘blue’ I had envisioned.”

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General’s Carbon Paper Supporting Artistic Expression

The award recognizes the outstanding creativity and expressive power of Gensuke Saito. We are truly honored that carbon paper from General Co., Ltd. played a role in the creation of this work.

Below, we introduce the key characteristics of our carbon paper that support such artistic expression.

1. Expressive Versatility Shaped by Light

Carbon paper is typically an opaque material that allows little to no light to pass through. However, by partially removing the surface ink through a rubbing process, light can pass through those areas. The degree of ink removal controls the amount of transmitted light, enabling a wide range of visual expressions that shift depending on ambient lighting conditions.

2. Material Strength for Delicate Subtractive Expression

Gensuke Saito employs a technique in which pressed plants are used as a plate, with carbon paper placed ink-side up and gently rubbed to remove the ink and reveal the plant forms.

3. A Distinctive “Blue” with Exceptional Color Quality

The tone of blue plays a defining role in the overall impression of the work. According to Saito, “I experimented with various materials, but only General’s carbon paper was able to produce the ‘blue’ I had envisioned.” For us as well, it was a new discovery to see how General’s signature blue carbon paper could be elevated into such a refined artistic expression. This unique hue, combined with Saito’s delicate techniques, becomes a key element in shaping the visual identity of the work.

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Exploring New Possibilities for Carbon Paper

This award highlights how carbon paper from General Co., Ltd. can move beyond its traditional office use and emerge as a compelling medium for artistic expression. In the work of Gensuke Saito, the delicate contours and fine veins of plants play a central role. By employing a technique in which the ink is carefully removed through a rubbing process, even the most intricate details can be faithfully rendered—revealing new expressive possibilities for carbon paper within his practice.

We will continue to uphold the consistent quality that defines our products, while engaging sincerely with the evolving needs of the times and the market, and communicating the value and appeal of our materials.

Enduring quality can give rise to new value across diverse fields.
We remain committed to nurturing that potential—so that these possibilities may continue to grow and flourish.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Gensuke Saito for choosing our products for this work. We also extend our heartfelt congratulations on receiving the Toshiko Okamoto Award at the 28th Taro Okamoto Award for Contemporary Art (FY2024).

We look forward to continuing to expand the possibilities of carbon paper and our other products together with those who use them. If you have feedback or examples of how our products are being used, please feel free to share them with us via the inquiry form below. We would be delighted to explore new ideas and discoveries with you.

Contact form for inquiries about our products
https://www.general.co.jp/english/contact/

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Artist Profile

SAITO GENSUKE

For Gensuke Saito’s latest activities, please visit his Instagram below.
https://www.instagram.com/gensuke33/

Selected works by Gensuke Saito