Mayu Anzai: Wool Felt Artist In Tokyo

TALKS EATS JAMS:

Introduce yourself for us.

Mayu Anzai:

My name is Mayu Anzai and I’m from Saitama Prefecture and now I live in Saitama in Tokyo.

TEJ:

What art medium do you work with?

Mayu:

I work with handmade wool felt.

TEJ:

What do you like to make?

Mayu:

I create bags accessories, sculptures, and my own characters. My characters come to life with felt.

TEJ:

Can you tell us where you live and what it’s like?

Mayu:

Asakusa has a unique Japanese vibe. There are many historical buildings and it feels like an old town. People have been living there for generations. It’s a famous sightseeing spot. There is a nearby red light district with people from different backgrounds.

TEJ:

How long have you been felting?

Mayu:

I’ve been felting for 10 years.

TEJ:

What’s your oldest creation?

Mayu:

I made up an imaginary character called “Moko” when I was a child. I didn’t know what material to use to make it, until I found a book about wool felt. I think my creations are normal, but some people might think they are strange. I make them for fun and as a business. Check em’ out on my online shop!

TEJ:

Do you have any upcoming events or shows?

Mayu:

I have art shows in the fall and winter. The next one’s in October in Tokyo.

TEJ:

What do you want people to get out of your art?

Mayu:

I hope to get people interested in Japanese culture and think about the relationship between humans and nature through my art. I love my culture and nature.

TEJ:

Where does your inspiration come from?

Mayu:

My inspiration comes from the forest, plants, and creatures. I try to incorporate Japanese plants or endangered species as the motifs of my work.

TEJ:

What would you like to do in the future?

Mayu: In the future, I’d like to live in a cabin so I can relax, be surrounded by nature, and sell my art.

Check out Mayu's LinkTree to see her Instagram, website, and all of her creations.